NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mazda CX-9 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 achieves a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. This strong federal safety performance is supported by standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims and a single recall on record for this model year. Our computed NHTSA Safety Index for the 2020 CX-9 is 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band.
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five out of five stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 ranks 19 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 19 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 marks a meaningful step forward in the federal safety record for this nameplate. Its Safety Index of 90/100 in the Exceptional band represents a five-point gain over the 2019 model year's 85/100 Strong rating, a jump that reflects improvements across the index components. The defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 is particularly notable, driven by just one recall campaign targeting second-row seat assemblies on vehicles with 60/40 split bench configurations. The crash protection score of 61 out of 70 aligns with the NHTSA star picture: a five-star overall and side rating anchors the result, while the four-star frontal and four-star rollover scores introduce measured caution. The avoidance technology sub-score reaches the maximum 10 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this configuration. The 18 unverified owner complaints, with zero alleged crashes or injuries, do not materially alter the safety profile. Taken together, the 2020 model year stands out within this generation as the point where the CX-9's federal safety data crossed into Exceptional territory.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mazda CX-9 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection tests earned a perfect five stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover prevention each scored four out of five stars. NHTSA data shows a 16 percent rollover risk for this model, and dynamic tip testing concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14208
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2020 Mazda CX-9. Mazda North American Operations recalled certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats due to a seat assembly concern. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign based on available data.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY21V750000
Risk: A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.
Reported 2021-09-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
Eighteen unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (5 reports), Electrical System (4), and Fuel/Propulsion System (3). No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these unverified filings.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
A prominent safety concern for the 2020 Mazda CX-9 involves an active recall on its second-row seat assembly. Prospective owners of this six-year-old vehicle must verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that the recall remedy has been performed. This is a critical pre-purchase safety item requiring resolution.
- The 2020 model year achieved a five-point Safety Index gain over the 2019 CX-9, moving from 85/100 Strong to 90/100 Exceptional, the highest band in the MotorCaliber scale.
- One active recall targets the second-row 60/40 split bench seat assembly on 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles; used buyers must verify remedy completion by VIN before taking delivery.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this configuration, and the 16 percent rollover risk figure accompanied a four-star rollover rating, the one area below a five-star result.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all listed as standard on this model year's tested configuration, contributing to a perfect 10/10 avoidance technology sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mazda CX-9 places
The 2020 Mazda CX-9 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mazda CX-9 safety questions
Was the 2020 Mazda CX-9 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mazda CX-9, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mazda CX-9 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mazda CX-9 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mazda CX-9?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-9. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-9 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14208), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-9 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 19 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.