While the average life expectancy of a Mazda CX-9 is about 200,000-250,000 miles, or between 13 and 16 years, the 2010 model gets mixed reviews when it comes to longevity. Consistent

car maintenance

is a major determinant of how long your vehicle will last.

The 2010 Mazda CX-9 has a slightly above-average expected lifespan of 200,000-250,000 miles.
As an older model, the 2010 CX-9 faces some reliability issues that newer models don’t experience.
Regular car maintenance is paramount to your vehicle lasting as long as possible.

The Mazda CX-9 gets good reviews and is generally a popular vehicle, but the 2010 model has suffered from recalls and major repair issues. Does that mean you should ditch your 2010 CX-9 altogether? Here’s what to consider.

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How many miles can a 2010 Mazda CX-9 last?

The average 2010 Mazda CX-9 should get upwards of 200,000-250,000 miles over its lifetime. The average US driver adds around 15,000 miles per year to their vehicle, which gets you just shy of 17 years with your vehicle.

Note that earlier models, including the 2010, have suffered from significant repair issues that may affect your specific SUV’s lifespan.

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How long does a Mazda CX-9 engine last?

If you keep up with regular maintenance, an engine can typically go up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles. The 2010 Mazda CX-9 gives you a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 273 horsepower—a decent amount of power.

Newer versions of the CX-9 get great ratings, but the 2010 model has more mixed reviews, thanks partially to the engine. Some owners run into

engine failure around the 100,000-mile mark

, so you could have to decide between a major repair or scrapping your SUV, depending on your luck.

Can a Mazda CX-9 last 500,000 miles?

Most vehicles don’t make it that far, so this is a stretch for any model. While the 2010 CX-9 does get a 4/5 reliability rating score from Repairpal (4.7/5 from Kelley Blue Book), you’ll be a one-in-a-million winner if you get your CX-9 to the 500,000-mile mark.

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Average life expectancy for a Mazda CX-9

Mazda estimates upwards of 250,000 miles to 300,000 miles for the CX-9, though the higher estimates are more realistic for the newer second-generation models. With older models, you can expect something more like 200,000 to 250,000 miles.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates the average passenger car will last just under 12 years on the road—which would get you to about 180,000 miles based on average usage per year.

Here are some factors that affect how long a vehicle can last:

Regular maintenance: it’s difficult to understate just how important sticking to a regular

maintenance schedule

is for the life of your vehicle. A CX-9 can stay on the road a lot longer depending on whether you keep up with things like

oil changes

Driving habits: if an owner of a 2010 CX-9 puts a lot of miles on it or regularly drives on rougher terrain, that affects how long the SUV will last.

Accidents happen: a CX-9 is solidly built, but a fender bender affects its lifespan and can increase the need for repairs in the long run.

Check things like mileage and accident history if you’re looking for a used 2010 Mazda CX-9. An SUV with higher mileage is not a good sign, especially if it’s close to 200,000 miles. And you should always get a used vehicle checked out by a good mechanic.

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How to extend a 2010 Mazda CX-9’s life expectancy

An owner has a big impact on how well the vehicle ages, and a lot of it comes down to maintenance.

There’s no getting around it—if you keep up with things like oil changes, changing out filters, and all the other items on the maintenance schedule, you’ll help your 2010 CX-9 last much longer. But if you keep ignoring the service warning light on your dashboard, you’re going to shorten the SUV’s lifespan overall.

Common 2010 Mazda CX-9 problems to watch out for

Like any vehicle, some years and generations are better than others. The Mazda CX-9 does get great reviews and a 4/5 reliability rating from Repairpal, but the first generation didn’t fare as well.

Unfortunately, your 2010 Mazda CX-9 may run into some of the following problems:

Engine trouble: some earlier models have engine failure around the 100,000-mile mark. If you have to replace the engine, costs start at $4,000 and only go up from there.

Water pump failure

: if this happens, it can damage the engine or other parts of the SUV. It can cost between $400 and $510 to replace this part.

Brake problems: the braking assist and brake power unit can fail—which requires immediate attention. Repairpal estimates it costs between $600 and $740 to fix.

Airbag recall: the 2010 Mazda CX-9 airbag ran into problems and

had to be recalled

years ago. Make sure the airbag was replaced if you look at a used 2010 CX-9.

If you’re considering a used 2010 Mazda CX-9, be sure you get a mechanic to inspect it before making the purchase. The 2010 model is generally reliable, with a 4/5 reliability rating, but it also has known issues that don’t plague newer models.

That said, most owners of the CX-9 love their SUVs, so don’t assume the worst. You’ll just need to be careful when selecting a used vehicle—make sure you access the vehicle’s accident history and maintenance record.

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