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Mazda

CX-9

TC· 2016-2026 suv-soft Value

Top issues

10 known problems · 2 high

high

Rear PTU / transfer unit failure (AWD)

From 70k-150k km · ~$2500-5000 (worse if it damages the driveline)

high

Cracked cylinder head / coolant loss (2016-2020)

Any (build-related) · ~$3000-8000+

medium

Cracking / spider-web infotainment screen

Any · ~$800-2500

All 10 problems ↓ Inspection checklist →

Recalls

2 on record

REC-000893 2019-09-27

Defect: Wiring harness connectors may have a weak retention force, causing communication errors between vehicle control modules.

Hazard: False warnings may display on the instrument cluster, turn signals may not operate as intended, the engine may not be able to be restarted, and/or the front passenger airbag may not deploy as intended in an accident.

Remedy: Contact your preferred Mazda dealer for repair of the affected wiring connectors, free of charge.

Affected: 1,280 units, CX-9 2017-2019

Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29

REC-005009 2021-12-02

Defect: The low-pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed, which can cause the fuel pump to stop working.

Remedy: Contact your nearest Mazda dealer for inspection and repair, free of charge.

Affected: 90,363 units across multiple Mazda models, 2017-2019

Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29

Check a specific car by VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

At this odometer

See which of this car's known problems are due at that mileage, which should already have been dealt with, and what's coming up.

Before and after

Before: Mazda CX-9 TB (2007-2016)

After: Mazda CX-90 (2023-) / CX-80

Price (AUD)

$25k-$60k

Body styles

5-door 7-seat wagon

Drivetrain

FWD, On-demand AWD (i-Activ, with rear power take-off unit)

Origin

Japan

Built in

Japan (Ujina #1 plant, Hiroshima)

Overview

The second-generation CX-9 (TC) launched in Australia in mid-2016 as Mazda's flagship seven-seat soft-roader, sold as Sport, Touring, GT, GT SP, Azami and the run-out Azami LE. Unlike the V6 TB it replaced, the TC is a single-engine line: every CX-9 TC sold here uses the 2.5L SkyActiv-G turbo four (PY-VPTS) paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic, in front-drive or i-Activ on-demand AWD. It's a genuinely good-driving, premium-feeling large SUV with strong real-world torque, but it is not a serious off-roader and tows a modest 2000kg braked. The defining reliability concerns are the AWD models' sealed rear power take-off / transfer unit (the 'lifetime' fluid degrades and the unit can seize), a smaller number of cracked-cylinder-head/coolant-loss cases on 2016-2020 cars, plus the usual direct-injection turbo housekeeping (intake carbon, oil dilution from short trips) and Mazda niggles like cracking infotainment screens and failing power-fold mirrors. Well-serviced examples with the PTU fluid changed are reliable and pleasant; buy on service history.

Engines & variants

2.5L SkyActiv-G 2.5T turbo petrol

Engine

2.5L SkyActiv-G direct-injection turbo-petrol I4 with Dynamic Pressure Turbo and cooled EGR

Config

I4 turbo

Displacement

2488cc

Power

170kW @ 5000rpm (on 95/98 premium; ~169kW on 91)

Torque

420Nm @ 2000rpm

Drivetrain

FWD or i-Activ on-demand AWD

Economy

8.4-9.0 L/100km combined (claimed); 9-11 L/100km real world

Tow (braked)

2000kg

Tow (unbraked)

750kg

Transmission

6AT

Timing chain / belt / gear

Chain-driven

Pros

Strong, flexible low-down torque (420Nm from 2000rpm) - feels like a bigger engine
Shares its bottom end with the proven naturally-aspirated SkyActiv 2.5
Chain-driven timing, no belt to replace
Smooth, quiet and economical for a large 7-seat SUV
Premium cabin and good resale within the segment

Cons

AWD models carry the rear PTU/transfer unit with 'lifetime' fluid that can fail
Direct injection means intake-valve carbon and oil-dilution risk on short trips
Only a 6-speed auto and modest 2000kg tow rating
Likes premium fuel to make full power
A handful of cracked-head/coolant-loss cases on 2016-2020 build

Known problems

high

Rear PTU / transfer unit failure (AWD)

AWD CX-9s use a rear power take-off / transfer unit filled with 'lifetime' fluid that Mazda never gave a change interval. The fluid degrades, overheats and breaks down; bearings can pick up and the unit can seize. If it lets go it can damage the output splines and cost far more. A recurring complaint on Australian owner forums and CarsGuide.

Fix: Change the PTU/transfer-case fluid every 40,000-60,000km as preventive maintenance (most independents now recommend this). Inspect for whine/heat pre-purchase on AWD cars; FWD cars are not affected.

From 70k-150k km · ~$2500-5000 (worse if it damages the driveline)

high

Cracked cylinder head / coolant loss (2016-2020)

A minority of 2016-2020 engines have cracked cylinder heads (and occasionally blocks), showing as coolant loss, coolant spraying/seeping from the rear of the engine, overheating or misfire. Failure rate is low relative to volume sold but the repair is major.

Fix: Pressure-test the cooling system and check for coolant loss/oil-coolant mixing pre-purchase; head replacement or short/long engine if cracked. Confirm any goodwill/warranty history.

Any (build-related) · ~$3000-8000+

medium

Intake-valve carbon build-up (direct injection)

Like all direct-injection engines, fuel doesn't wash the back of the intake valves, so carbon accumulates and can cause rough idle, hesitation and a slight power/economy drop. The cooled-EGR system can add intake soot.

Fix: Walnut-blast / chemical intake clean as needed; quality oil, longer drives and an occasional spirited run help. A catch-can reduces build-up.

From 80k+ km · ~$400-1200

medium

Oil dilution / oil consumption on short trips

Stop-start, short-trip city use can let fuel dilute the oil and, on some cars, raise oil consumption (valve-stem seals implicated on a few later engines). Worth watching, not a widespread defect.

Fix: Stick to 10,000km/12-month oil changes (sooner for short-trip use), check oil level regularly, and ensure the engine reaches full temperature.

Any (usage-related) · ~$0-600 (oil/monitoring)

Common problems (all variants)

medium

Cracking / spider-web infotainment screen

The dash-top centre display can develop internal cracks or a spider-web pattern without impact, a well-documented CX-9 TC complaint, often blamed on heat and adhesive ageing.

Fix: Screen/unit replacement; some cars done under warranty - check the display carefully pre-purchase.

Any · ~$800-2500

low

Power-folding mirror failure

Power-folding door mirrors commonly stop folding in or out, or fold erratically - one of the most frequent owner exterior complaints.

Fix: Mirror fold-motor/actuator or full mirror replacement; many resolved under warranty when in period.

Any · ~$300-900

medium

Brake booster / master cylinder

Some owners report brake booster / brake master cylinder failure (subject to a US recall but not an AU recall), giving a hard or inconsistent pedal.

Fix: Booster/master-cylinder replacement; check pedal feel and for warning lights pre-purchase.

Any · ~$1200-2000

low

Sunroof glass shatter (panoramic)

Panoramic sunroof glass has reportedly shattered during normal driving on some cars due to heat, stress or debris.

Fix: Glass replacement; some addressed under warranty after Mazda Australia review.

Any · ~$1000-2500

low

Soft paint / scratch-prone gloss black trim

Soul Red and other finishes are reported as soft/easy to scratch, and the gloss-black interior and exterior trim marks easily.

Fix: Cosmetic only - paint correction/protection; not a mechanical fault.

Any · Varies (cosmetic)

low

Brake wear on a heavy 7-seater

A heavy seven-seat SUV works its brakes hard, especially loaded or in stop-start traffic, so pads and rotors wear faster than a smaller car.

Fix: Quality pads/rotors; budget brakes as a regular consumable.

From 40k+ km · ~$400-900

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