Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9: reliability compared
From 2007 to 2023, owners filed an average of 917 complaints per model year about the Ford Explorer and 88 about the Mazda CX-9.
Side by side
| Ford Explorer | Mazda CX-9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2007-2023 | 2007-2023 |
| Owner complaints | 15,587 | 1,496 |
| Complaints per model year | 917 | 88 |
| Recalls | 77 | 13 |
| Years to avoid | 20132014201520162017 | 20082010201120122018 |
| Best years | 200720192022 | 201520202021 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Brakes |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 20-27 mpg combined (2023) | 23 mpg combined (2023) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Explorer | CX-9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,511 | 62 |
| Body | 3,183 | 32 |
| Engine | 2,294 | 383 |
| Transmission | 1,663 | 165 |
| Electrical | 1,185 | 87 |
| Driver assistance | 809 | 49 |
| Brakes | 375 | 448 |
| Suspension | 571 | 158 |
| Airbags | 415 | 147 |
Questions about the Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9
Which is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the Mazda CX-9?
Between 2007 and 2023, the Ford Explorer has 5 years to avoid and the Mazda CX-9 5. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Mazda CX-9 drew fewer complaints per model year (88 vs 917), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Mazda CX-9?
From 2007 to 2023, the Ford Explorer was covered by 77 recalls and the Mazda CX-9 by 13.
What years of the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9 should you avoid?
Ford Explorer: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Mazda CX-9: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2018.
More three-row SUVs comparisons
Honda Pilot vs Toyota HighlanderFord Explorer vs Toyota HighlanderNissan Pathfinder vs Toyota HighlanderChevrolet Traverse vs Toyota HighlanderHyundai Palisade vs Toyota HighlanderKia Telluride vs Toyota HighlanderKia Sorento vs Toyota HighlanderToyota Highlander vs Volkswagen AtlasSubaru Ascent vs Toyota HighlanderDodge Durango vs Toyota HighlanderMazda CX-9 vs Toyota HighlanderGMC Acadia vs Toyota HighlanderBuick Enclave vs Toyota HighlanderFord Explorer vs Honda PilotHonda Pilot vs Nissan PathfinderChevrolet Traverse vs Honda PilotHonda Pilot vs Hyundai PalisadeHonda Pilot vs Kia TellurideHonda Pilot vs Kia SorentoHonda Pilot vs Volkswagen AtlasHonda Pilot vs Subaru AscentDodge Durango vs Honda PilotHonda Pilot vs Mazda CX-9GMC Acadia vs Honda Pilot
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car