Ford Escape vs Mazda CX-9
For 2007–2021 models, the Mazda CX-9 has 38.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 64.2 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2007–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
64.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.7× the Mazda CX-9’s rate
- Complaints
- 22,993
- Sold
- 3,581,761
- Recall campaigns
- 68
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010 and 2020. Fewest: 2007, 2012, 2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Mazda CX-9
38.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
41% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 1,448
- Sold
- 379,754
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2016. Fewest: 2015 and 2019–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 67,000 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 106,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 53,625 mi
-
Control arms, ball joints and bushings
Typically around 107,300 mi · repair $230–$700
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 107,300 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Mazda CX-9?
For 2007–2021 models, the Mazda CX-9 has 38.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 64.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Mazda CX-9?
The most-reported problem on the Mazda CX-9 is master cylinder and booster, typically around 67,000 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Mazda CX-9 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2008–2010 and 2020; Mazda CX-9: 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2016.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.