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2012 Mazda

CX-9 4WD

Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L

Mazda CX-9: best and worst years
2012 Mazda CX-9 4WD (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
4-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
15.1 mpg, reported by 3 driversabout 3.9 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
200 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
76 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
68 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
113 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,319 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
221
Reported injuries
8
Theft rate
0.6 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • SERVICE BRAKES53%
  • ENGINE10%
  • AIR BAGS9%
  • POWER TRAIN7%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4%
  • SUSPENSION3%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 263 total.

Mazda CX-9: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE19006opened May 2, 2019AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

    Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag Deployment

  • PE15022opened Jun 9, 2015SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

    Lower ball joint separation

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

263 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 21, 2026POWER TRAINSA-029-26

    This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services ar

  • Dec 17, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSA-061-25

    If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

  • Dec 10, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-004-25a

    A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can

  • Aug 22, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYSA-039/25

    Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar

  • Aug 14, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-036-25

    When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.

  • Jun 19, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-032-25

    Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (leaves, dust, dirt....ect.) may fall on the blower motor causing a fluttering type noise or odor.

  • May 22, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER09-024-25

    Some vehicles may exhibit following symptoms: 1. The rearview mirror (1) rattles up and down (2) while adjusting the mirror. 2. The rearview mirror (1) makes a rattle noise depending on the road surface conditions while driving. This concern is caused during rearview mirror installation. The adhesive is squeezed out between the windshield and the mirror base. The rearview mirror is assembled on top of the overextended adhesive. The adhesive is softened by heat, and loosening screws, results in a

  • Apr 25, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-004-25

    A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can

  • and 255 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.