What Are The Best Years For The Mazda CX-9?
The Mazda CX-9 is an SUV with a reputation for excellent handling, comfort, and, above all, reliability. Mazda is a brand that has long produced some of the trustiest vehicles in the market, and this SUV is no different. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect, as some years can have issues. In this article, we’ll discuss one of the most popular SUVs out there. So, what are the best years for the Mazda CX-9? Let’s find out.
What are the best years for the Mazda CX-9?
The best years for the Mazda CX-9 include 2007, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. These are the models that have shown fewer issues as well as the best performance. In addition, these years include both the first and second generation and can fit most budgets.
The first CX-9 generation spans from 2006 to 2015, and the SUV is a direct result of Mazda’s partnership with Ford. In fact, the CX-9 shares a platform with the Ford Edge, and this includes the powerplant. The first engine to power the CX-9 was the 3.5L MZI V6, which is powerful and has smooth acceleration.
From 2008 onward, the CX-9 offered the 3.7L V6, an improved version with more power and more reliability. These also came with the 6-speed automatic transmission, shared with other Ford vehicles like the Edge and Fusion. It’s a transmission that shifts smoothly and works well with both engines.
The second CX-9 generation entered the market in 2016. The significant difference is using Mazda’s SkyActive platform, sharing it with other vehicles such as the Mazda6. Another interesting factor is that Mazda opted to make the new CX-9 shorter but wider.
Mazda also went to great lengths to make the second-generation CX-9 lighter than its predecessor. So, it’s an excellent option for those who want an agile, comfortable SUV.
In the following section, we’ll discuss the best years for the first-generation CX-9 are.
Best years for the first-generation Mazda CX-9 (2006-2015)
The best years for the first-generation Mazda CX-9 are models from 2007, 2009, and 2014. These models have shown the fewest issues of the first generation, in sites such as Car Complaints. Out of these three, the 2009 model has the least recorded problems, followed by the 2007 model and, finally, 2014.
The first generation of the CX-9 is reliable and, in general, shown to have few problems. However, if there are issues, keep in mind that Mazda is a company that has more expensive spares and repairs. So, it’s best to keep that in consideration when buying a used CX-9.
If you’re looking for a first-generation Mazda CX-9, the ideal model should be one with mileage below 50,000 miles. Also, it’s best to get one from southern states as this ensures that it hasn’t faced a lot of snow and salt. Still, the Mazda CX-9 doesn’t have a reputation for having rust issues. In a later section, we will discuss some of the more common problems with the first-generation CX-9.
Best years for the second-generation Mazda CX-9 (2016-present)
The best years for the second-generation Mazda CX-9 are from 2017 to 2020, with the 2021 model also showing superior reliability. However, it’s important to highlight that, being a new model, it hasn’t had enough time to present problems over time.
Any CX-9 that you buy from these years has a solid reputation, with few issues reported, and has shown to be reliable. It’s also a comfortable SUV that holds its sportiness over time and can keep up with the newer competition.
Out of these years, the most reliable is the 2018 model. There are minimal issues reported, plus high consumer satisfaction. Any CX-9 within these years, with low mileage and good maintenance records, should be an excellent choice for a dependable SUV.
The Mazda CX-9 isn’t perfect, and both generations have shown to have problems. So, in the next section, we’ll cover some of the most common issues that you can find in the CX-9.
What are some common issues in the first-generation Mazda CX-9?
The first-generation Mazda CX-9 has few issues, but it does present problems in two main areas.
Car Complaints reports that the water pump fails at around 100,000 miles, with a repair cost of about $4,000. If you’re buying a used CX-9 with higher mileage, you can request service records to confirm that the technician has tended to the water pump.
If the pump is the original, you should consider that it might fail at around the 100,000-mile mark. The water pump is vital for the vehicle’s cooling system, and its failure could lead to more severe damage. This problem is expected in 2008 models and those from 2010 to 2013.
You should also pay attention to the brakes, especially in the 2012 model. This year has a high number of complaints with the brake power boost unit. It fails at around 65,000 miles, with a cost of about $700 to fix. Braking issues are always critical. So, if you’re looking to buy a used CX-9, have a technician perform a thorough inspection and ask for service records.
These two issues are preventable when the vehicle has gone through frequent service. We tend to insist on this website, but service records are vital when buying a used SUV. You can also perform checkups in sites like Carfax to better understand the vehicle’s history. Finally, having a trustworthy mechanic is also essential.
What are some common issues in the second-generation Mazda CX-9?
While the second-generation Mazda CX-9 has shown to have superior reliability, it still has issues. Fortunately, these have been minor and are most common in the 2016 model.
This situation makes a lot of sense as it is the first year of the new model. It’s common for new models to have more issues, as they use new technology that still hasn’t been tested in the long run.
Common problems in the 2016 model are also around brakes, only that this time, it’s about premature wear. The 2016 Mazda CX-9 has a tendency to wear out both the pads and discs at low mileage. Some users have reported these issues at less than 20,000 miles.
Signs of this problem include loud braking and grinding noise. The pedal can also vibrate when pressed. So if you’re looking to buy one, it’s best not to go for the 2016 model and opt for a later model.
Another problem with the Mazda CX-9 is the infotainment system, again in the 2016 model. Customers have complained that it becomes unresponsive and can stop working altogether. Furthermore, it comes up at very low mileage, averaging around 11,000 miles.
These are the most common problems with the first and second generations of the Mazda CX-9. So, we’ll discuss the model years to avoid in the following section.
What years to avoid in the Mazda CX-9?
The worst years for the first-generation Mazda CX-9 are the 2008 and 2010-2013 years. These have shown to have the most problems. The 2012 CX-9 is one to avoid in particular. The 2010 and 2011 models also have a high number of reported issues.
As for the second-generation Mazda CX-9, it’s best to avoid the 2016 model. This is because it has shown the highest number of problems. Yet, this generation of CX-9 is reliable, so any year that’s not 2016 should be a good purchase.
Closing thoughts:
The Mazda CX-9 is a comfortable, sporty SUV that has a reputation for reliability. It has won several awards year in and out and consistently ranks high in the IIHS safety ratings. So, it becomes a coveted SUV, and it’s common for people to ask: what are the best years for the Mazda CX-9?
It’s essential to answer this question because it’s a coveted SUV. Plus, the CX-9 is harder to find than other models, with sales averaging 27,000 in the US.
In this article, we saw that the best years for the Mazda CX-9 are 2007, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. This is because these have the fewest amount of issues and very high-reliability ratings. With that in mind, it’s also important to highlight that the Mazda CX-9 is a very reliable SUV, although it’s not perfect.
The worst years for the Mazda CX-9 are 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016. The one year to avoid is 2012, as it has severe issues with braking and cooling. So, if you’re looking to buy a used one, it’s best to avoid these years. We hope that this article provides you with enough information to find the best Mazda CX-9 for you.