2018 Mazda CX-9 recalls and problems

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 has 2 safety recalls and 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
128
Crashes / fires
4 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Mazda CX-9 recalls

Recall 21V-875: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 12, 2021 · 121,038 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-403: Electrical System

Reported May 30, 2019 · 7,854 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2018 Mazda CX-9 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine76
Unknown or Other19
Electrical System15
Power Train13
Service Brakes11
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Forward Collision Avoidance4
Back Over Prevention4
Steering3
Visibility/Wiper3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Seats3

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Pressure Sensor — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Mazda CX-9 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 124,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2026
While driving at highway speed in heavy rain the oil light suddenly came on followed within 30 seconds by an urgent need to immediately stop the car due to overheating. There was no radiator fluid left due to the sudden and catastrophic structural failure caused by a known manufacturing defect. Mazda calls it csp-11. They did NOT do a recall even though a situation such as this is clearly life-threatening. They offer an extended warranty to fix the problem fully up to 120,000 miles. Our car has 124,000 miles. Two months ago it would have been fully repaired at no cost but now they want in…
Engine · reported Sep 15, 2026
My 2018 Mazda Cx-9 equipped with the skyactiv-g 2.5T developed a serious cylinder-head/cooling-system failure. The vehicle began to lose coolant with no apparent external leak and subsequently displayed and engine -overheating warning. It continued to lose coolant after a flush. The Mazda dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a warped cylinder head; I was also advised that the engine oil was milky, indicating coolant contamination. The affected component is the engine cylinder head/cooling system. This condition created a safety concern because loss of coolant and overheating can lead…
Engine · reported Aug 8, 2026
I was driving home from work and may car started overheating out of nowhere. I was stuck in traffic and white smoke was exiting my exhaust. I pulled over and all of my coolant leaked out of my car. Took it the shop and they said I had a cracked head and need a whole new engine. I seen that there was a warranty sent out for a problem with an exhaust manifold issue leaking coolant and that is exactly what caused my problem. I contacted Mazda and they said there is nothing they can do. I will have to hire a lawyer and file a class action lawsuit. I never recieved anything from Mazda regarding the…
Engine · reported Jul 15, 2026
The cylinder head on this 2018 Mazda CX-9 (Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine) cracked, allowing engine coolant to leak and intermix with engine oil, causing loss of coolant and catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle became undriveable in the first week of November 2025 at approximately 125,019 miles and has remained inoperable since; it was not in a crash and had to be towed. This matches a known, documented defect on Mazda's Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine: coolant leakage at the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold, leading to overheating and engine failure. Mazda issued technical service bulletin(s)…
Seats · reported Jun 8, 2026
My passenger heated seats malfunction while I was driving. As I was driving on the highway I smelled something burning. I didn't know where the smell was coming from it was strong . Then while I'm driving on the highway my seat started to smoke a lot I got scared and pulled on side of the road. I realized my seat was the issue turned off the heated seats on the control. Step out the vehicle on side the highway I was nervous and scared standing outside my vehicle. The smoke eventually died down and cleared out. I never turned it back on and put a small piece of tape over the hole it burned…

Other Mazda CX-9 years

Compare all Mazda CX-9 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-9: 21V-875 (fuel system, gasoline), 19V-403 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mazda CX-9?

Owners report engine problems most often (76 reports), followed by unknown or other (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,000 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.