NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Mazda CX-9 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A strong indicator for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 is its overall crash rating from NHTSA. This model year shows no recalls on file, further reinforcing its safety profile. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 places it firmly in the "Strong" safety band. Potential buyers should note this score represents a one-point decrease from the 2022 model year, a detail worth examining prior to a purchase decision.
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 SUV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Mazda CX-9 ranks 47 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 47 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 posts a Safety Index of 89 out of 100 in the Strong band, slipping one point from the 2022 model year's 90 out of 100 Exceptional rating. That single-point movement traces to the defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20, a modest but measurable softening compared to the prior year's cleaner profile. The crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 reflects the NHTSA NCAP results directly: a five-star overall, a five-star side rating, and four-star scores in both frontal and rollover categories. The avoidance technology sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, earned because forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this model year. Zero recalls distinguishes the 2023 CX-9 from many competitors of the same age. The 12 unverified complaint reports are a low volume for a three-year-old vehicle, though the presence of alleged child-restraint component issues, specifically chest clips, buckles, and harnesses, and two reports touching forward collision avoidance, are patterns a safety-focused buyer should monitor as the NHTSA complaint record continues to develop.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Mazda CX-9 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 achieves a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its side protection earns a full five stars, both frontal and rollover protection are rated at four stars. The CX-9 carries a 15 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test showing no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17237
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Mazda CX-9 have any recalls?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be added after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
NHTSA has received 12 unverified owner complaint reports for this model year. Alleged problem areas include chest clips, buckles, harnesses, forward collision avoidance, and service brakes. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and three reports cite a crash event.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 presents a notable safety profile, underscored by a complete absence of recall campaigns to date. This is an uncommon occurrence for a vehicle in its inaugural year, emphasizing the importance of checking its specific VIN for any future recall filings as the vehicle ages.
- The 2023 CX-9 carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a distinction that sets this specific model year apart from many vehicles of comparable age in the used market.
- The Safety Index fell one point to 89 out of 100 compared to the 2022 model year's 90, driven by a defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 rather than any change in crash-test performance.
- NHTSA's unverified complaint file includes allegations involving child-restraint components, specifically chest clips, buckles, and harnesses, which account for six of the twelve reports and are worth reviewing if the vehicle will carry child passengers.
- All three primary crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2023 model year, contributing a full 10 out of 10 in the avoidance technology sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Mazda CX-9 places
The 2023 Mazda CX-9 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Mazda CX-9 safety questions
Was the 2023 Mazda CX-9 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Mazda CX-9, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2023 Mazda CX-9 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda CX-9 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Mazda CX-9 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Mazda CX-9?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17237), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-9 2023.
- 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 47 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.