Mazda CX-9 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Mazda CX-9 2021 and 40 complaints filed by owners. It has 56% fewer complaints than the average Mazda CX-9 from 2016–2025 (92 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Mazda CX-9 2021? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Mazda CX-9 2021
Seats
NHTSA campaign 21V750000 · 2021-09-27
What happens
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence
A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
40 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
7 with a crash · 1 injury
Most reported problems on the Mazda CX-9 2021
- Engine: 21 (53% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 5 (13% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 4 (10% of complaints)
- Brakes: 4 (10% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 3 (8% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Mazda CX-9 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2021 Mazda CX-9 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Mazda CX-9 recalls by year
- 2016 : 0 recalls · 99 complaints
- 2017 : 0 recalls · 61 complaints
- 2018 : 2 recalls · 128 complaints
- 2019 : 2 recalls · 53 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recall · 19 complaints
- 2021 : 1 recall · 40 complaints
- 2022 : 0 recalls · 11 complaints
- 2023 : 0 recalls · 13 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 456 complaints
- 2025 : 2 recalls · 35 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Mazda CX-9 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Mazda CX-9 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Mazda CX-9 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (21 of 40 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).