Model-year record

2016 Mazda CX-9
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.
The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.
Complaints filed
99
Reports to NHTSA, 2016
Safety recalls
0
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
23.5
EPA estimate
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (47% of 99 reports), followed by electrical system (12%).
+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 99 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11697196, ODI 11632664, ODI 11626600, ODI 11625077, ODI 11622599.
Individual complaint reports(99)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsEngineNov 2025 · ODI 11697196Details +Close −
In June of 2022 I started having a strong antifreeze/engine coolant smell inside the cab of my vehicle and also outside the vehicle. I had the car checked for a radiator leak, but there wasn’t one. I took my car into my local Mazda where they found that the engine coolant was leaking into the heads of the engine. Mazda kept my car for 5 months and repaired the problem, it cost me $4000 and they had added a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty for the parts. My car is a 2016 Mazda cx-9 at the time of the repair it had 70,430 miles on it. Now a few years later I am having the same issue with the coolant smell inside the cab and outside my vehicle, it goes into the shop for diagnosis on Monday November 10,2025. The car now has 118,000 miles on it. I had purchased an extended warranty for the car at the time of purchase but it had timed out a month before I took my car in for the first repair….please Mazda stand behind your vehicles I am a senior woman with very little income and I will not be able to pay out of pocket for this repair and I CANNOT afford a new car… I would like to get reimbursed for my out of pocket on the first repair and get my car repaired this time as well under a warranty.
- Reported
- Nov 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2025 · ODI 11656449Details +Close −
Smart City Break Malfunction warning light appears while driving. Simultaneously the tire pressure warning appears. Also, at the same time, the temperature reads -20 to -40 degrees. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Fearful that car could randomly break while driving putting myself and family in danger since there is a malfunction. Mazda service center says the problem can’t be reproduced so there’s nothing they can do. The problem seems to appear when the outside temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2024 · ODI 11632664Details +Close −
Engine failure with crack in the engine after a loss of coolant fluid.
- Reported
- Dec 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2024 · ODI 11626600Details +Close −
Head gasket leaking and caused major engine issue at 89,000 miles. Mazda has known of this issue, but refuses to recall it.
- Reported
- Nov 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2024 · ODI 11625077Details +Close −
While my wife was driving her 2016 Mazda Cx-9 Grand Touring on the freeway, many of the dashboard indicator lights came on warning her the engine was over heating and to pull over immediately. While she was attempting to move over to the shoulder, smoke appeared from underneath the engine hood which made it difficult to safely move over to the shoulder. She believed the car was on fire so immediately exited the vehicle along with her sister whom was pregnant. I arrived within minutes and noticed the engine compartment was smoking and coolant/engine oil leaking underneath the car. The car was towed to my local Mazda dealership where I was advised days later the engine needed to be replaced due to blown head gaskets. They advised the vehicle over heated causing oil and coolant leaking from cylinder head that is warped. This repair would cost $11, 179.29. Mazda service advisor also mentioned the radiator and lower/upper radiator hoses needed to be replaced. This repair would cost $2691.28. This incident could've resulted in serious injuries or death from a known issue with these engines by Mazda. It's only a matter of time before this failed engine turns into a fatality. Do the right thing Mazda and fix these engines. Your reputation is on the line.
- Reported
- Nov 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2024 · ODI 11622599Details +Close −
Sudden and dramatic loss of engine coolant. Received a warning that engine was overheating, and to shut off engine. Quickly obeyed the prompt and found that most of the engine coolant had been lost due to a catastrophic failure of either the head gasket or head itself.
- Reported
- Oct 2024
- Incident date
- Oct 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemOct 2024 · ODI 11621833Details +Close −
Vehicle failed to turn off the engine while in park and I was unable to lock vehicle while engine was still running. The ignition button failed to work.
- Reported
- Oct 2024
- Incident date
- Oct 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2024 · ODI 11617629Details +Close −
Cylinder head coolant leak. No warning lights.
- Reported
- Oct 2024
- Incident date
- Aug 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringSep 2024 · ODI 11613534Details +Close −
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The entire electrical system is malfunctioning. All dashboard service lights (check engine, ABS, etc.) illuminate simultaneously, causing the vehicle to stutter and shut off while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue has resulted in a dangerous situation, particularly when the vehicle lost power on the highway with my young children aboard. This sudden loss of control could have led to a severe accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Mazda’s service department has not been able to reproduce the problem despite multiple visits. I have provided video evidence, but no conclusive diagnosis or resolution has been achieved. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Mazda’s authorized technicians have inspected the vehicle several times, but no substantial action has been taken. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? All dashboard lights come on simultaneously without prior warning. The symptoms have been random and intermittent over the past few months. Given the ongoing risk, I request an immediate replacement of my vehicle. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide a plan for replacement. Thank you for your prompt attention.
- Reported
- Sep 2024
- Incident date
- Apr 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainAug 2024 · ODI 11611282Details +Close −
August 2nd I noticed a smell of Coolant coming from my car. I looked under my car and noticed it leaking green coolant. I took it to Mazda where they had it for 7 days to then give me a $6,300 estimate with possible added expenses. They diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head and needs a gasket as well. I am a single mother and have work but I cannot afford that repair especially since Mazda is not going to honor there vehicle and what they stand by. With this issue with the coolant leak and the cracked cylinder the vehicle could have overheated and go into limp mode and come to a sudden stop with my children in the car while driving on the road. I could be hit as this puts my family at risk of injury while we go to school or work. Mazda has done nothing but tell me to submit a claim with customer service which I have. I had my case manager call me once and left a voicemail and I have called multiple times and have not heard back. There was no warning of this until I found forums and other stories that this unfortunately has happened to hundreds of Mazda owners.
- Reported
- Aug 2024
- Incident date
- Aug 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2024 · ODI 11603263Details +Close −
Coolant sprayed on top of engine
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2024 · ODI 11601041Details +Close −
Our 2016 Mazda CX 9 began leaking coolant and we took it to a shop who diagnosed it as coming from the cylinder head, requiring a very expensive repair or new engine. Luckily our engine did not sieze up while driving, but it easily could have with our baby and toddler in the car. Upon searching the internet I found countless reports from other CX 9 owners who experienced the very same issue at similar mileage ~50k-70k. There is a technical service bulletin for this issue, but they have not issued a recall. This very expensive repair is going to set us back significantly and is a financial burden we were not expecting from our well cared for vehicle. It seems Mazda knows about the issue and is unwilling to address it.
- Reported
- Jul 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2024 · ODI 11596496Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started shuddering and overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to a cracked head gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with the Technical Service Bulletin: 01-03/21; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2024
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2024 · ODI 11593707Details +Close −
Cracked cylinder head causing coolant to leak.
- Reported
- Jun 2024
- Incident date
- Jun 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2024 · ODI 11592348Details +Close −
2016 Mazda CX-9 is leaking coolant from exhaust side of engine cylinder head. This issue has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership in North Charleston, South Carolina. The issue first appeared shortly after replacing the water pump (performed by the same dealership). The issue is known and documents on Mazda TSB 01-002/23 - COOLANT LEAKS AT CYLINDER HEAD. The safety of my family was put at risk as there was no indication of a cracked head until there was coolant leaking on the driveway. Should the car have overheated without the indication of a coolant leak, the car would have been placed in to limp mode. Prior to the leak, there were no warning lamps or messages indicating the issue. Further, the Mazda dealership did not detect the issue at the time of replacing the water pump.
- Reported
- Jun 2024
- Incident date
- Apr 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingMay 2024 · ODI 11591593Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated after the vehicle cooled off, the was able to be restarted. The contact checked under the vehicle and stated that there was coolant leaking on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak behind the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 01-002/23. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- Apr 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2024 · ODI 11590677Details +Close −
Vehicle had a horrible coolant leak at the rear of the engine to find out the engine has a weak cylinder head and is known to break and leak coolant. The vehicle will need a new cylinder head or engine replacement.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2024 · ODI 11589984Details +Close −
A month ago, I experienced a coolant leak at the back of the engine compartment. Upon researching I found that the head was prone to crack at the turbo and produce the leak. I took to my dealer, and they confirmed that it was in fact a cracked head causing the coolant leak. They also confirmed it was a known Mazda problem on the 2016 and newer 2.5 liter turbo engines. The dealer fixed four in the last month and one on a car their salesman purchased that the head failed at only 2000 miles. I was quoted a cost of $5965 for cylinder head replacement. It seems extremely excessive for a new cylinder head and a more appropriate price for a completely new motor. If this is a known defect on this motor no matter the miles, it seems Mazda should correct this problem in or out of warranty.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- Apr 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2024 · ODI 11588715Details +Close −
Engine head cracked. Known problem with a tsb issued
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- Feb 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2024 · ODI 11587338Details +Close −
My car has a cracking cylinder head and is leaking coolant.
- Reported
- May 2024
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineApr 2024 · ODI 11585709Details +Close −
2016 Mazda CX-9 2.5L Turbo Touring with 93,197 miles. In September of 2022, I noticed a sweet smell coming from the engine bay after coming home from work. I took my car to my mechanic on 9/30/2022 for an oil change and asked if they could figure out the "sweet smell" coming from the engine bay. When they were doing the oil change, they checked for leaks and noticed that coolant was leaking from cylinder head. Since it was out of warranty, I had my mechanic repair the issue. Which resulted in a complete cylinder head replacement. This is a know issue by Mazda and there is lots of documentation online for this as well. There has since been updated parts to repair this issue, but this should be a recall covered by Mazda. Cause this repair cost me $5,700 out of pocket.
- Reported
- Apr 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2024 · ODI 11582514 · fireDetails +Close −
My seat warmer caught fire and burnt a hole through the seat.
- Reported
- Apr 2024
- Incident date
- Mar 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
EngineApr 2024 · ODI 11582438Details +Close −
We noticed anti-freeze leaking from our car a couple of days ago and immediately brought the car to our local mechanic. The mechanic determined that one of the cylinder heads in the engine was cracked and was leaking anti-freeze. He said the car was unsafe to drive. He also told us that a TSB had been issued by Mazda for this problem ( Bulletin No 01-002/23, issued 02/10/23). This bulletin states "Residual stress generated during production in the cylinder head material may be greater than expected. The external force from the exhaust system when driving over bumps may cause unexpected force to certain areas of the cylinder head". Had we not noticed the leak, the engine could have overheated, causing the engine to seize at any time, any place. which could have led to a dangerous accident. An accident that could have occurred on a major highway and could have involved other vehicles as well. Our car has just under 80,000 miles, has been well maintained and garage kept. I do not understand why a manufacturing defect such as this - which could lead to engine failure is not a mandatory recall by the manufacturer. We should have been warned that this could happen and mazda should be responsible for the cost of the repair. It is an engineering design flaw of the vehicle!
- Reported
- Apr 2024
- Incident date
- Apr 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionMar 2024 · ODI 11578122Details +Close −
I started smelling coolant after exiting the vehicle from a drive. Coolant level was very low. Adding coolant did not last long. I could not see where the leak was. The dealership evaluated and determined I had a cracked cylinder head and the car is leaking coolant near the rear of the engine. This could cause the engine to seize should coolant get into the engine. The dealer (New Rochelle Mazda) explains the cylinder head needs replacing. The dealer also observed bad rear sway bar links. One was detached. The car is serviced at the same dealership every 5k miles. The car has approximately 85k miles. The cylinder head has been repaired by the dealer under the extended warranty. Safety risk was moderate as the car could have stalled on the highway. The component was inspected by the warranty company and dealer only. The only warning lamps that showed up once were both brake indicator lights came on and the climate control would not warm the car.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Mar 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlMar 2024 · ODI 11575368Details +Close −
Vehicle “surges” at idle. 300-500 RPMS at a time. Sometimes the brakes hold and sometimes not. Have nearly been in 3 collisions the last 2 days because of this issue. The ECM codes indicate throttle body or TPS issue, both of which have been unfounded. Vehicle has 63,000 miles. Researching this topic online found that many others have had this issue with no associated safety recalls noted. I am hoping to bring light to this so someone doesn’t have to be injured or killed to have this rectified.
- Reported
- Mar 2024
- Incident date
- Mar 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2024 · ODI 11570347Details +Close −
Cylinder head had a crack in it and had to be replaced.
- Reported
- Feb 2024
- Incident date
- May 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJan 2024 · ODI 11565213Details +Close −
The car started to overheat so we added coolant and then the car started to stall had our mechanic look at it and he said the head gasket needs to be replaced. How is this not a recall
- Reported
- Jan 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJan 2024 · ODI 11564442Details +Close −
The intercooler failed or failed cylinder head causing coolant leaking into the exhaust side and cause the engine to over heat.
- Reported
- Jan 2024
- Incident date
- Sep 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2023 · ODI 11560271Details +Close −
Engine is leaking coolant. Took the car to Horne Mazda of Avondale dealership for inspection, was told coolant is leaking from cylinder head. Was told the engine overheated and both cylinder head and cylinder block warped and will need to replace the engine. I feel my safety and others were at risk because the car could have lost power and stalled in the middle of roadway at any time due to there was no symptoms of my car engine overheated, car was running as normal, no check engine light, coolant temperature gauge did not show it was overheating, no sign of engine loosing power, no smoke from under the hood, no sweet smell or any indication engine is loosing coolant and overheating while driving. It appears to be a slow leak because coolant reservoir still have coolant above minimum level. First sign of coolant leak was notice during first week of October 2023 when small amount of green fluid was found on garage floor, took car to dealer on Oct.12.2023 for inspection. MazdaUSA refused to cover engine replacement under paid Mazda Extended Confidence warranty (MEC), blaming it's owners fault for operating car while engine overheated and refused to provide written copy of inspection details.
- Reported
- Dec 2023
- Incident date
- Oct 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsDec 2023 · ODI 11559545Details +Close −
The vehicle has tire pressure monitoring system malfunction warnings and parking brake malfunction warnings even after taking to dealership to be fixed. Was told it’s a known problem by Mazda, should be recalled, but there were not any current recalls for the issue.
- Reported
- Dec 2023
- Incident date
- Nov 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2023 · ODI 11558846Details +Close −
While driving, engine suddenly overheated due to coolant leak from cracked cylinder head. This was a known issue per the TSB 01-002/23. See attached. Vehicle only has 55k miles and has been maintained, only requiring oil change, topping off of fluids, and filter changes. Dealership has determined that it will require a completely new long block. Mazda USA is currently only willing to cover a small fraction of parts costs, requiring me to pay the remaining parts and all labor costs.
- Reported
- Dec 2023
- Incident date
- Nov 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2023 · ODI 11553315Details +Close −
Car started running rough and losing power intermittently. After arriving home and parking the car, a puddle of coolant started at the rear of the engine. Online research indicates this is a known issue for the 2016 CX-9. Head gasket failure causes coolant leak from back side of engine at the head gasket. Coolant is still leaking 24 hours later without the car being run.
- Reported
- Nov 2023
- Incident date
- Nov 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2023 · ODI 11552326Details +Close −
I have taken the Mazda CX9 since I bought it new to service at Mazda every 6 months or 5,000miles as suggested. Two years a new engine was required due to overheating and coolant problem which the service man noticed 5 months prior during service appointment but didn’t suggest doing anything. Now two years later new engine they installed overheated also.The Mazda has never been in a wreck of any sort. The Mazda has 86,000 miles on it only. How can a car have 2 engines fail in 7 years when it has been serviced there at the agency punctually as required?
- Reported
- Oct 2023
- Incident date
- Oct 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2023 · ODI 11549198Details +Close −
Coolant leak. Needs new motor to fix issue.
- Reported
- Oct 2023
- Incident date
- Aug 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2023 · ODI 11548895Details +Close −
The car has 75K miles on it and has always been maintained by either Mazda or independent garages. Engine overheating, took car to Mazda specialist and found the engine cylinder head is cracked. This is a known issue with this type of Mazda engine and Mazda has published a TSB which I attach. Car is unsafe to drive as coolant may leak completely at any stage and leave myself and family stranded. The cost of the fix exceeds $6,000!
- Reported
- Oct 2023
- Incident date
- Oct 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemSep 2023 · ODI 11545342Details +Close −
As I am accelerating to merge onto the highway from an on-ramp, while the gas pedal is depressed, I will get a series of sensor alerts simultaneously (city brake malfunction, park assist malfunction, lane assist malfunction, etc.) and my gas pedal becomes non-functional at 60-70mph. It is terrifying especially when there is other traffic around my vehicle. This exact issue has happened 6 times within the past 12-18 months at seemingly random intervals but always when I am accelerating onto the highway at 50-70mph. I typically pull off to the side of the highway and turn off the vehicle. After letting it sit off for ~30 seconds, I turn the vehicle back on and all of the sensor alerts have cleared and the vehicle functions properly including the gas pedal and I am able to rejoin the highway. I took the car to the Mazda dealership in my state of Vermont a few months ago to have them diagnose and address the problem. They had never heard of this issue and were unable to find the root cause or fix it. Please help, this is dangerous!
- Reported
- Sep 2023
- Incident date
- Sep 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2023 · ODI 11544838Details +Close −
I just had my engine replaced due to a cracked cylinder head that allowed coolant to leak into cylinder #3 & #2.
- Reported
- Sep 2023
- Incident date
- Aug 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2023 · ODI 11543910Details +Close −
Crack cylinder head
- Reported
- Sep 2023
- Incident date
- Sep 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineAug 2023 · ODI 11537889Details +Close −
Cylinder head crack/failure required the replacement of the entire engine on my 2016 Mazda cx9, the odometer was only at 85,000km. The crack Resulted in loss of coolant and overheating, the indicator on dash stating to pull over and shut the car off. This could have resulted in engine seizing if I was unable to safely pull over. This is a know issue by Mazda, the dealership has seen this issue before, there is lots of documentation online for this as well. There has since been updated parts to repair this issue, This should be a recall covered by Mazda. No car should require an entire engine replacement at 85,000km. This repair cost me $7700 out of pocket.
- Reported
- Aug 2023
- Incident date
- Jul 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2023 · ODI 11530871Details +Close −
First radiator blew (after noticing the temp gauge higher than normal and fan running a lot), and when replaced, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 continued to leak coolant. Took it to dealership to find out engine cylinder cracked and head gasket. A simple google search finds that so many Turbo Mazda’s between the years of 2016-20 experienced this design flaw as well. Mazda would not cover any of it since the car was out of warranty. It costed me over $7,000 to repair radiator and engine.
- Reported
- Jul 2023
- Incident date
- Jun 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJun 2023 · ODI 11528448Details +Close −
My 2016 Mazda CX-9 2.5l Touring has approx 67,500 miles. I noticed the "sweet" smell of coolant after driving. The temp gauge was not showing signs of overheating. I checked under the hood and coolant level in radiator and reserve tank were normal. I also did not see any coolant leak/patches under the car. Few days later the car temperature gauge shot past the 1/2 mark. i stopped the care let it cool and checked under hood. radiator was empty but reservoir tank was still full. there were signs of coolant drips underneath car on the plastic cover below the area of the water pump (passenger front wheel side). waiting to have car assessed/fixed by mechanic.
- Reported
- Jun 2023
- Incident date
- Jun 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2023 · ODI 11522786Details +Close −
UKNOWN-Seat Heating system in my car gets too hot to the skin where it burns the skin if not turned off. I’m not able to use it often because even on low setting it gets extremely hot.
- Reported
- May 2023
- Incident date
- Jul 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMay 2023 · ODI 11521492Details +Close −
While driving on the freeway in stop and go traffic the engine warning light came on. A few minutes later the data screen stated that I needed to pull over immediately as my engine was overheating. I was on a stretch of the 5 freeway north of Oceanside with no exits for several miles. I pulled over and when the light went off I got back on the freeway to try to make it to an exit. I repeated this process until I was able to exit and pulled in at the first mechanic I came to. The vehicle was losing power at that point. Pulling in and out of the traffic was hazardous to both me and the other drivers. When they inspected my car, they determined that the coolant had been leaking for a significant period of time as demonstrated by the worn spot on the pipe it had landed on. Further inspection revealed a blown head gasket. When a new head gasket was ordered from the local Mazda dealership, the mechanic was surprised to learn that Mazda had four of these parts in stock as most dealerships would have to order the part. The Mazda service department told him that they had four head gaskets in stock because this happens pretty often. My research on this site and on the Mazda forum indicates that this is a known defect to Mazda. This vehicle has just over 56,000 miles on it. It is regularly serviced. There was no warning light prior to this incident, in fact, the blue light indicating the engine was cool had regularly appeared whenever I started the vehicle. I have the replaced head gasket in my possession, should inspection of the part be necessary. I have reported this issue to Mazda but have been advised it is unlikely they will reimburse me.
- Reported
- May 2023
- Incident date
- Apr 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2023 · ODI 11507815Details +Close −
Head gasket blew in a 2016 Mazda CX9 while driving causing us to as safely as possible quickly get off the road from the middle lane of an interstate. This is from a known coolant leak in the cylinder head from service bulletin 01-013/21.
- Reported
- Feb 2023
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2023 · ODI 11503274Details +Close −
I took my car into the dealership and was told that I had a cracked cylinder head and the car is leaking coolant near the rear of the engine. This could cause the engine to cease should coolant get into the engine. The dealer (North Park Mazda, San Antonio) has confirmed this as the issue. I have received a video of the inspection from the dealership explaining the issue. The vehicle displayed a warning that it was overheating which is what prompted me to bring the vehicle in for service.
- Reported
- Jan 2023
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2022 · ODI 11499485Details +Close −
My engine head cracked whiling driving. sudden lost of complete power in houston texas at a 75mph speed. Was able to safely pull to the side. took it to the dealer where they confirmed it was a cracked engine head. Its a common issue with this model from 2016-2019 no warning light came on just lost 90% power. was able to restart and drive the 7 mins to the dealer.
- Reported
- Dec 2022
- Incident date
- Dec 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2022 · ODI 11499498Details +Close −
Car overheated. check front engine and could not see any visible leaks. check all around the engine and found coolant leaking from the back of the engine. confirm by dealer that is leaking at the cylinder head.
- Reported
- Dec 2022
- Incident date
- Sep 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainDec 2022 · ODI 11498923Details +Close −
At an intersection the engine stalled and car was extremely hard to restart (took several minutes). I later noticed oil and coolant dripping from the engine and coolant mist/vapor from the exhaust. Later I learned it was possibly related to Mazda's own TSB Bulletin No: 01-013/21 where a manufacturing defect caused coolant to enter the combustion chamber and hydro lock the engine (where I stalled and had hard time restarting). I had to have the car towed home. At home I noticed the passenger underside of the vehicle coated with oily/watery residue of possible oil or oil/coolant mix. Vehicle had 66K miles on and Mazda dealer refused to fix.
- Reported
- Dec 2022
- Incident date
- Dec 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2022 · ODI 11498304Details +Close −
I am being told by the dealership service center that there is a coolant leak from the engine. A previous coolant look due to a hose was repaired but this is a separate issue related to the TSB for coolant leak at the cylinder head Bulletin 01-007/22
- Reported
- Dec 2022
- Incident date
- Dec 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2022 · ODI 11493746Details +Close −
Cracked Cylinder Head due to Coolant Leak - SB 01-013/21. This is a known issue with Mazda, yet it has happened with the vehicle being serviced regularly. This is happens directly after the warranty period and it is not being covered.
- Reported
- Nov 2022
- Incident date
- Nov 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls
No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-9 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 28 | 24 |
| CX-9 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 26 | 23 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.
Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2016 Mazda CX-9: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Mazda CX-9?
Owners filed 99 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-9. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2016 Mazda CX-9?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (47% of complaints) and electrical system (12%).
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 have?
No safety recalls are on record for the 2016 Mazda CX-9 as of Jul 2026.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda CX-9 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Mazda CX-9 between 23 and 24 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.