Ford Explorer vs Mazda CX-9
For 2007–2021 models, the Mazda CX-9 has 38.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 55.3 for the Ford Explorer. 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 Explorer
55.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Mazda CX-9’s rate
- Complaints
- 14,963
- Sold
- 2,705,482
- Recall campaigns
- 71
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016. Fewest: 2007, 2009 and 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Mazda CX-9
38.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
31% fewer than the Ford Explorer
- 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 Explorer 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 Explorer has 55.3, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 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 Explorer and Mazda CX-9 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016; 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.