Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 15 of 127 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
127 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2024
Unknown Or Other
The infotainment screen has spider like frost inside the screen. I've checked and other models have had this same issue and have been recalled and repaired. My model year 2018 is suffering the same issue and MAZDA has lagged on this problem. Please put out a recall on this as it is a hazard when you rely on your navigation sy…
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The infotainment screen has spider like frost inside the screen. I've checked and other models have had this same issue and have been recalled and repaired. My model year 2018 is suffering the same issue and MAZDA has lagged on this problem. Please put out a recall on this as it is a hazard when you rely on your navigation system and other components the screen assists with.
NHTSA ODI #11592673
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2024
Engine
2018 CX9 with 74k miles. Took it back to the dealer where I bought it from and have an extended warranty. They are telling me the extended warranty denied the coverage for Coolant leak, engine replacement
NHTSA ODI #11589675
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2024
Engine
Cylinder head cracked at 100k. There is tsb knowing that this is a problem. It even stats that it happens during Manufacturing there was a defect. Coolant is leaking out the back side of the motor. Causing a over heating conditions stranding my family on the side of the highway.
NHTSA ODI #11586004
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2024
Engine
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has been experiencing significant engine coolant leaks, which are suspected to stem from a manufacturing defect. The coolant leaks appear to be primarily caused by a casting defect in the engine block or cylinder head, exacerbated by the pressure and heat from the attached turbocharger. These defects lead to …
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The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has been experiencing significant engine coolant leaks, which are suspected to stem from a manufacturing defect. The coolant leaks appear to be primarily caused by a casting defect in the engine block or cylinder head, exacerbated by the pressure and heat from the attached turbocharger. These defects lead to coolant escaping from areas that are typically obscured behind the exhaust manifold and turbocharger, making early detection difficult without detailed inspection.
NHTSA ODI #11585527
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2024
Suspension
While I have not been involved in an accident yet, I have discovered an issue that is believed to be the same issue that other models are covered under a recall, yet for some reason my VIN is not included. The bulleting reference number is 02-001/20 that covers MAZDA 2016-2020 CX-9 models. I have a 2018 CX-9 touring that is exhi…
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While I have not been involved in an accident yet, I have discovered an issue that is believed to be the same issue that other models are covered under a recall, yet for some reason my VIN is not included. The bulleting reference number is 02-001/20 that covers MAZDA 2016-2020 CX-9 models. I have a 2018 CX-9 touring that is exhibiting the exact action of the recall which is "creaking noise from front lower arm bushing/clunking noise from front shock absorber coil spring when driving over bumps". It is only getting worse as time goes on. I am confused as to why some vehicles would be included in this recall yet my year model is experiencing the same issues but is not covered under the recall. I don't know if people are not reporting it, which is why I am filling out this report today.
NHTSA ODI #11583243
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2024
Engine
Car started leaking coolant, and running rough / stalling. Eventually overheated due to lack of coolant. Mazda dealer reports Cylinder Head crack as the root cause of the issue. Car has 106K miles - and seems to have the same problem as referenced in NHTSA 10232269 [XXX] ) Mazda has decided to decline to offer any financial as…
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Car started leaking coolant, and running rough / stalling. Eventually overheated due to lack of coolant. Mazda dealer reports Cylinder Head crack as the root cause of the issue. Car has 106K miles - and seems to have the same problem as referenced in NHTSA 10232269 [XXX] ) Mazda has decided to decline to offer any financial assistance in the repair. Replacement cost for just the cylinder head (not a complete engine) was quoted by a Mazda dealership to be $6800 - $7200. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11583106
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2024
Engine
Engine coolant leaks at cylinder heads I started noticing the problem at around 50000 miles its a small coolant leak but car is almost 6 years old and now 54000 miles
NHTSA ODI #11576133
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2024
Engine
I recently bought a Mazda CX-9 and noticed that my vehicle was slightly overheating. The coolant level was very low. I took it back to the dealership I bought it from and they confirmed that there was a crack in the cylinder head and are working on the repair. After further research, I am seeing this is common with these models.…
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I recently bought a Mazda CX-9 and noticed that my vehicle was slightly overheating. The coolant level was very low. I took it back to the dealership I bought it from and they confirmed that there was a crack in the cylinder head and are working on the repair. After further research, I am seeing this is common with these models. Mazda is aware but not taking responsibility.
NHTSA ODI #11568859
Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2024
Engine
Cracked Cylinder Head Verified by Mazda Dealer . Noted it seems to be a very common problem with Mazda cx9 2018 models and has Multiple TSB on issue so I kept very close eye on car and took it in as soon as I smelled burning smell suggesting a leak , before the car had the chance to overheat and put myself and kids in danger. My…
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Cracked Cylinder Head Verified by Mazda Dealer . Noted it seems to be a very common problem with Mazda cx9 2018 models and has Multiple TSB on issue so I kept very close eye on car and took it in as soon as I smelled burning smell suggesting a leak , before the car had the chance to overheat and put myself and kids in danger. My car is under 40k miles for a 2018 with consistent maintenance - this is known problem since 2021 and needs to result in a recall.
NHTSA ODI #11566536
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Mazda has a known technical service bulletin [XXX] which has numerous engine cylinder heads which leaks coolant causing the engine to overheat without warning. On new cars. Mazda knows it’s an issue and has not pushed this information down to its consumers. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT …
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Mazda has a known technical service bulletin [XXX] which has numerous engine cylinder heads which leaks coolant causing the engine to overheat without warning. On new cars. Mazda knows it’s an issue and has not pushed this information down to its consumers. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 CX-9 vehicles. The wiring harness may disrupt electrical communications and disable the passenger frontal air bag, turn signals, and/or engine starting system.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The passenger frontal air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury. Inoperable turn signals prevent the driver from signaling to other drivers, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3419E.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2018 Mazda CX-9 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year