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2012 Mazda CX-9: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2012 Mazda CX-9 has more owner complaints on file with NHTSA than any other CX-9 model year, 221 in all[1][2]. The brakes are the most named component group, and four recalls apply to this model year[3][2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 221 owner complaints for the 2012 CX-9[1]. Nine mention a crash, none a fire, and eight mention an injury. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Brakes[3] | 143 |
| Engine[5] | 26 |
| Air bags[6] | 23 |
| Power train[7] | 18 |
| Speed control[8] | 11 |
| Suspension[9] | 9 |
| Steering[10] | 7 |
| Unknown or other[11] | 6 |
Brakes. This group has 143 complaints, 4 crashes and 1 injury. The median mileage at failure is 56,622[3]. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 8 describe a hissing pedal, a hard pedal, lost power assist or a longer stopping distance[3]. Some of those owners say a brake booster was replaced[3].
Engine. The engine group has 26 complaints, with 1 crash and a median mileage at failure of 58,000[5]. In a sample of 12 we read, 5 describe the engine stalling or cutting off while driving, slowing down or waiting at a light[5]. Three describe revving or accelerator trouble[5].
Power train. There are 18 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 52,526[7]. In a sample of 12 we read, 5 describe a failed or leaking transfer case, which owners link to all-wheel-drive versions[7]. They mention noise, a burning smell or a loss of power[7].
Air bags. There are 23 complaints, 2 crashes and 6 injuries[6]. In a sample of 12 we read, 9 come from owners waiting on a recall repair, and 7 of them said repair parts were not yet available[6]. Two describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash[6].
Speed control has 11 complaints and 4 crashes, but no sample theme is drawn from it here[8].
Recalls
Four recalls are on file for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- Passenger air bag inflator (19V782). Dated 2019-10-31[12]. Inflators that were already replaced once under an earlier recall used the same design. They may explode as the propellant breaks down over time in humid, hot conditions. Metal fragments could hit the driver or other occupants and cause serious injury or death. Owners are told not to drive the vehicle until the repair is done. Dealers replace the passenger inflator with a different one, free of charge[12].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V717). Dated 2018-10-12[13]. It covers certain CX-9 vehicles, depending on the state where they were sold or registered[13]. The inflator may explode in a crash because of propellant breakdown, with the same risk of metal fragments and serious injury or death. Dealers replace the passenger inflator with an alternate one, free of charge[13].
- Passenger air bag inflator (17V457). Dated 2017-07-18[14]. It covers certain 2012 CX-9 vehicles sold or registered in certain states and territories[14]. The inflator may rupture and send out metal fragments, with a risk of serious injury or death. Owners are told not to drive until the remedy is done. Dealers replace the passenger inflator free of charge[14].
- Front ball joint (15V451). Dated 2015-07-20[15]. Water can leak into the front suspension ball joints and corrode them. Over time the front lower control arm could separate from the joint, which could cause a loss of steering control and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers replace both lower control arms free of charge. The repair was rolled out in phases by model year and state, so ask a dealer about parts for your car[15].
Recalls can overlap and supersede each other. Keep, or reword to: Ask a Mazda dealer which of these apply to your car.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the 2012 CX-9 with a 3.7L 6-cylinder engine and an Automatic (S6), and it uses regular fuel[4][16].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD (front-wheel drive)[4] | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg |
| 4WD[16] | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg |
The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,550 for both versions[4][16]. That figure uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2012 CX-9 4 stars for rollover in both drive types[17][18]. The rollover risk is 14.3% for the all-wheel-drive version[17] and 15.1% for the front-wheel-drive version[18].
Engine and size
The 3.7L 6-cylinder engine is rated at 273 to 274 hp, depending on version[19]. This is the rating listed for EPA test cars.
The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications, so US cars can differ slightly[20][21].
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 86 | 5 |
| 2008 | 172 | 5 |
| 2009 | 59 | 6 |
| 2010 | 195 | 6 |
| 2011 | 170 | 4 |
| 2012 | 221 | 4 |
| 2013 | 68 | 4 |
| 2014 | 54 | 3 |
| 2015 | 35 | 2 |
| 2016 | 107 | 0 |
| 2017 | 61 | 0 |
| 2018 | 128 | 2 |
| 2019 | 53 | 2 |
| 2020 | 19 | 1 |
| 2021 | 40 | 1 |
| 2022 | 11 | 0 |
| 2023 | 13 | 0 |
Among the CX-9 model years on file, 2012 has the most complaints[2]. It has 221, ahead of 195 for 2010 and 172 for 2008[2]. The other years are all lower[2].
On recalls, 2012 has 4[2]. That is fewer than 2007 and 2008 (5 each) and 2009 and 2010 (6 each)[2]. It matches 2011 and 2013, which also have 4[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2012 CX-9?
The record is mixed. This model year has the highest complaint count of any CX-9 year, and brakes lead it with 143 complaints[3][2]. Complaints are unverified, but the brake theme in the sample we read is worth a test drive and a check with a mechanic. Four recalls apply, including three for the passenger air bag inflator, so run the VIN and confirm that the repairs were done before you buy[12][13][14][15]. Fuel economy is 19 mpg combined for both versions, with an estimated fuel cost of $3,550 a year[4][16]. Our data does not cover repair costs or reliability ratings, so a pre-purchase inspection matters.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda CX-9?
- Brakes have the most complaints with 143 of 221[1][3]. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 8 describe a hissing or hard pedal or lost power assist[3]. The engine group has 26 complaints, and some owners in our sample describe stalling[5].
- Does the 2012 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?
- Yes. Four recalls are on file. Three are for the passenger air bag inflator (17V457, 18V717, 19V782) and one is for front ball joint corrosion (15V451)[12][13][14][15][2]. Check your VIN to see which are open.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2012 Mazda CX-9?
- The 2WD is rated 17 city, 24 highway and 19 combined mpg[4]. The 4WD is rated 16 city, 22 highway and 19 combined mpg[16].
- Is the 2012 CX-9 the worst CX-9 year?
- By complaints on file it is the highest at 221, ahead of 2010 at 195[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is only a rough guide[2].
- How much horsepower does the 2012 Mazda CX-9 have?
- The 3.7L 6-cylinder is rated 273 to 274 hp, depending on version[19].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 221 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Mazda CX-9 (9 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Mazda CX-9 model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 143 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,622). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for CX-9 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 26 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,526). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,804). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 19V782, filed October 31, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V717, filed October 12, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V457, filed July 18, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V451, filed July 20, 2015: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for CX-9 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Mazda CX-9 with 3.7L 6-cylinder: rated 273 to 274 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CX-9 4DR SUV AWD GT: length 200 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,533 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CX-9 4DR SUV FWD GS: length 200 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,319 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov