2020 Mazda Cx-9 Safety Report

2020 Mazda CX-9: High crash test ratings but notable engine and electrical system complaints, plus a critical seat recall.

16Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
75/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Engine (3)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (2)Back Over Prevention (1)Tires (1)Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Service Brakes (1)Power Train,Engine (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Mazda Cx-9

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 presents an overall strong safety profile, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It performed exceptionally well in side impact tests with a 5-star rating, and received solid 4-star ratings for frontal crash and rollover resistance. However, despite its high crash test scores, the vehicle has accumulated 16 NHTSA complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. A significant concern is a recall issued for the second-row seats, where the left-side seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to belted occupants. This recall directly impacts occupant safety in a collision. Analysis of the 16 complaints reveals several recurring patterns, particularly concerning the engine and electrical systems. The ENGINE component accounts for 3 complaints, with issues ranging from hesitation/stalling, excessive oil consumption, and coolant leaks leading to overheating and reduced power. The ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER category also has 2 complaints, including malfunctions of the smart brake system, forward smart city brake support, and front radar system, which can affect acceleration and potentially lead to uncommanded engine acceleration. Other notable issues include abnormal tire degradation and sidewall cracking, and an exploding sunroof. While the 2020 CX-9 demonstrates excellent passive safety through its crash test performance, the active safety systems and engine reliability appear to be areas of concern based on owner complaints. The single recall addresses a critical safety flaw related to seat integrity during a crash. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues, particularly those related to engine performance and the reliability of advanced driver-assistance systems, which could impact the driving experience and safety in real-world conditions.

Reliability Score

The 2020 Mazda Cx-9 receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2020 Mazda Cx-9

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Mazda Cx-9:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Hesitation/Stalling And Overheating
Vehicle hesitates/stalls while driving, has shut off at stops, and experienced overheating with reduced power due to coolant leaks and excessive oil consumption.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Smart Brake/Radar System Malfunctions
Random 'smart brake system malfunction,' 'forward smart city brake malfunction,' and 'front radar system malfunction' messages, affecting acceleration and potentially leading to uncommanded acceleration.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Second-Row Seat Sliding Forward (Recall)
Left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash, increasing occupant injury risk. Subject of a recall.		 High Rare all miles
Tire Tread Degradation And Sidewall Cracking
Abnormal tread degradation and excessive sidewall cracking, including a circumferential crack along the top of all four tires.		 Medium Rare 14000 miles
Exploding Sunroof
Sunroof exploded outward while driving at freeway speed without external impact.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Mazda Cx-9:

Engine 18% of complaints

Issues include hesitation, stalling, overheating due to coolant leaks, and excessive oil consumption.

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other 12% of complaints

Malfunctions of smart brake, forward smart city brake, and front radar systems, affecting acceleration and potentially causing uncommanded acceleration.

Tires 6% of complaints

Abnormal tread degradation and sidewall cracking.

Structure 6% of complaints

Reported issues include an exploding sunroof and a plastic wheel trim falling off.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Mazda Cx-9

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 has a 5-star overall safety rating, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has 16 owner complaints, including issues with engine performance and advanced safety system malfunctions, and a recall for a potentially unsafe second-row seat.

What are common problems for the 2020 Mazda CX-9?

The most reported issues for the 2020 Mazda CX-9 are related to the ENGINE (3 complaints), including hesitation, stalling, and overheating, and the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), which covers malfunctions of the smart brake and radar systems. There's also a recall for the second-row seats.

Are there any recalls for the 2020 Mazda CX-9?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. It addresses a defect where the left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.

How does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 perform in crash tests?

The 2020 Mazda CX-9 received excellent NHTSA safety ratings: a 5-star overall rating, 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the engine in a 2020 Mazda CX-9?

Based on NHTSA complaints, there are concerns regarding the engine, with 3 complaints detailing issues like hesitation, stalling, excessive oil consumption, and overheating due to coolant leaks. While not widespread, these are serious issues to be aware of.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2020 Mazda CX-9 boasts high crash test ratings, prospective buyers should be aware of the recall concerning the second-row seats and investigate the reported engine and electrical system issues, potentially seeking a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Mazda Cx-9

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Mazda Cx-9. The data includes 16 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Mazda Cx-9 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.