2012 Mazda CX-9 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

J.P.C. on April 7, 2023

After 70 thousand miles the transmission failed costing me 5,500 to replace, there's no dip stick to check on the transmission fluid, I was told it's a life time fluid.

Todd on November 30, 2022

I bought a 2012 CX-9 AWD Grand touring model in 2016 with 59k miles on the odometer. We now have 178K miles on the odometer and we still love the car. It has been rock solid. In 7 years and now with 178k on the odo, the only maintenance has been an alternator and a radiator. Of course oil changes/brakes/battery as any car would need. The leather heated seats still look new and work great. It's very roomy... with all seats down we can fit a twin mattress in the back. I have towed a popup camper several times a year and it tows it like it's not there (about 2000lbs). The awd goes through snow easily, but I doubt if it is hardly ever engaging and would probably have been fine with FWD only. We plan on driving the CX-9 until it has at least 250k on the odo, which should take about 4 more years. As others have stated, the mpg is a little low for this class of vehicle. We get around 17.5 mpg mostly until we get out on the highway, where we can get 22-23mpg.

Lostinspace on June 25, 2022

I purchased a used 2012 cx9 five years ago with 60K miles. Now the odo reads 165K miles. Despite new fuel injectors, a complete tune-up, change of plugs, wires, fuel line, etc., it is getting a miserable 10mpg in spite that I am easy driver, make slow turns, and rarely have floored it, and, I have taken the CX9 just one long trip to PA from Washington DC. These last six months I have sunk over 4 to 5K $ in maintenance and repairs fees. On top of that, it remains with a burned-out moonroof and right front pax window switch, leaky power steeling fluid, burned out fog lights, broken tailgate, floppy driver side visor ($250 to replace), a never worked parking brake, odd sounds under the right right front wheel well complemented with a suspension similar to an Amish horse drawn wagon over Baltimore and DC's terrible roads and streets. Yes, the engine remains zoom zoom zoom, the electrical system aside from the other complaints is flawless, the leather on all the seats are in great shape and comfortable, the AC blows plenty of cold air still, the Bose audio system is excellent, the GPS is so so (likely it needs updates). Road noise and wind noise from one of the windows are quite loud and it shows in the aging vehicle. I love the height of this model so I can run over curbs and deep snow and deep water. When I had newer tires no amount of snow ever slowed this puppy down. I do loathe the leather seats without venting holes to cool off the body though. Visibility is excellent. The rear backup cam still functions fine. If only the suspension were smoother and had significantly better mph I would keep it to 300,000 miles. However, now that I am getting older, my next ride must now have a velvety suspension, far less road noise, and much greater mpg.

Bert on December 15, 2020

Car meets all my needs, plenty of room for family. Presently I have no need for such a large vehicle. Great car all around. No dents or rust.

Sandilo on July 19, 2020

Beautiful body styling. Sleek lines and swept-back looking. Reliable, though I have not had it too long, so far it has been a trustworthy vehicle. Comfortable with leather seats, third-row seating and plenty of cargo space. There is a Nav System, charging ports on the dash and in the console. Air Conditioning, with vents to the second-row seats. Moon roof, heated seats, bluetooth enabled and 18" wheels. The colour is a beautiful white with the interior sand colour. Just such a nice car.

SLYFOX47 on March 16, 2020

No one talks about the one flaw inherent to this vehicle and all other cars that have the Ford Duratec engine. It's the internal water pump. When the water pump goes out, and it will go out sometime, it may take the whole engine with it and it will cost from $2,000.00 to $10,000 to fix. Not to mention leaving you stranded wherever it goes out. Therefore, I can't depend on it. I take my reliable Camry on long trips. I realize most owners, and thus reviewers, are just ignorant of this design flaw, but I wish, at least, the so-called experts would point this issue out in their "expert reports". What kind of expert fails to tell you something as important as this? I am looking to sell this car and may buy another Mazda, but it will NOT have this Ford engine.

Patty May on December 28, 2019

I bought my Mazda CX-9 used in 2015. Needed something that I could transport 3 grandkids (2 in car seats) in safely and reliably. The 3rd row seats are only suitable for kids or a very small adult. Also, there is a lot of wind noise around windows (cabin noise). Those are the only negative things i can say about this vehicle. First of all I like the way it looks and I like the way it handles. When I travel on the interstate I want a vehicle that will accelerate quickly if needed and this Mazda does the trick. So far no mechanical problems...just oil changes and a new battery. This has been a very reliable vehicle so far and I couldn't be happier.

Johnny & Suzie on November 19, 2019

This car was it as soon as I test drive it I knew that this was the best car I have ever owned. It came with seat warmers, phone hookups, leather interior, and the list goes on.

Shirley F. on August 1, 2019

Great, so far! SUV yet sporty and fun to drive. Love the third row and still room for storage! Bose sound system, back seat air conditioning controls, sun roof, remote start, AWD👍🏼👍🏼 It’s does like gas though - that’s the only con.

Tom NEPA on July 25, 2019

Purchased this Mazda CX-9 used it has more style and comfort than expected, plenty of room, nice ride, many amenities heated front seats dual zone temperature control with rear heat and air 3rd row seating that folds flat for extra cargo. with 83,000 miles on the odometer it rides and handles like new.