NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mazda CX-9 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 34 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mazda CX-9's overall crash rating from NHTSA places it firmly in the "Strong" safety band, indicating robust performance in federal safety assessments. With only one recall issued for the model year, the vehicle achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100.
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 ranks 43 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 34 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 43 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-9?
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 shows a notable decline in its Safety Index, dropping three points to 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This is a step down from the 2020 model's 90 out of 100 Exceptional rating. The primary driver of this change is the defect record sub-score, which stands at 15.75 out of 20 for the 2021 model. This score reflects the impact of a specific recall concerning the second-row seat assembly. Despite this recall, the vehicle maintains a robust safety foundation. It achieved an overall NHTSA crash-test rating. Its crash protection sub-score is a strong 61 out of 70, complemented by a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. Standard safety features across all trims include forward collision warning and lane departure warning. While the single seat assembly recall is a focused issue rather than a broad systemic defect, its presence directly differentiates the 2021 model from its predecessor's higher Safety Index. Additionally, 34 owner complaints have been registered, with engine issues as the dominant concern. These complaints, though unverified, warrant monitoring.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mazda CX-9 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 demonstrated exemplary protection in side-impact collisions, earning a 5 out of 5 star rating from NHTSA. Its overall safety rating also stands at 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal impact protection received a 4 out of 5 star rating, matching the rollover protection score. The CX-9's rollover risk was assessed at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15173
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?
One recall campaign covers the 2021 CX-9. It targets vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats, specifically a mid and rear seat assembly concern shared with certain 2020 models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the NHTSA data for this campaign. Used buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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 2021 Mazda CX-9?
NHTSA has logged 34 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 CX-9. Alleged issues are concentrated in the Engine category, which accounts for 17 reported cases. Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Back Over Prevention systems also appear among the top reported components. All are unverified consumer allegations.
34 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mazda CX-9?
A notable vulnerability in the second-row seat assembly of the Model is subject to an outstanding recall. For any prospective owner, verifying the completion of this recall is paramount. An unaddressed recall transfers with the vehicle, making remedy confirmation the most critical safety check prior to purchase.
- The 2021 CX-9 Safety Index dropped to 87 from the 2020 model year's 90, a three-point year-over-year decline driven by a lower defect record sub-score of 15.75 out of 20 tied to the seat assembly recall.
- One active recall covers the second-row 60/40 split bench seat assembly on certain 2021 CX-9 vehicles, a campaign shared with some 2020 models and the key defect-record differentiator for this vintage.
- NHTSA's side-impact crash test produced a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 out of 5, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic test.
- Thirty-four unverified owner complaints are on file with NHTSA, with Engine-related allegations accounting for 17 of them, making it the most-reported component category for this model year by a wide margin.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mazda CX-9 places
The 2021 Mazda CX-9 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mazda CX-9 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mazda CX-9 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mazda CX-9, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mazda CX-9 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-9 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mazda CX-9?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 34 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-9. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-9 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15173), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-9 2021.
- 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 43 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.