Owners have filed 102 complaints
about the 2023 Mazda CX-50 with NHTSA between 2022 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 91
Against the median year of the Mazda CX-50. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Warnings
930.0%
Automatic Emergency Braking
826.7%
Body
516.7%
Adaptive Cruise Control
310.0%
Assist
26.7%
Interior
13.3%
Lock
13.3%
Warning
13.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
350.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
233.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
116.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2023 Mazda CX-50 SUV AWD
15.5% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2022peak 7Sep 2026
Recalls on the 2023 Mazda CX-50
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V275000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
Risk: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
23V135000
TRAILER HITCHES
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2023 CX-50 vehicles equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch. The trailer hitch harness may detach and become damaged, which can result in inoperative trailer lights and/or brakes.
Risk: Towing a trailer with inoperative lights or brakes can increase the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023232156 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, damage inside the antilock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit (HCU) could cause an increase in brake pedal travel and reduced braking. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mazda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the brake ABS HCU, and replace it if necessary.
Recall 20231082,592 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain vehicles, a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch wire harness may have been installed incorrectly. As a result, the wire harness could become loose or detach and be damaged by contact with nearby components like the exhaust system. If this happens, the trailer lights and/or brakes may not work. Note: This recall is to inspect all CX-50 vehicles produced before January 17, 2023 to determine if they are equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch harness kit. The kit may have been ordered and installed at the time of a vehicle purchase or purchased separately from a dealer as an aftermarket accessory. Safety Risk: A loss of trailer lights and/or brakes could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mazda will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle or your purchased harness kit to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the trailer hitch wire harness.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 57,000 milesState College, PACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 38 MPH. The contact stated he was approaching an intersection when a vehicle in front of him attempted to make a left turn but slowed down. The contact was unable to depress the brake pedal and turned the steering wheel to the left to avoid the crash, but he crashed into the corner of the passenger side rear bumper of the other vehicle. The contact was not sure of the damage to the other vehicle; his vehicle had damage to the right headlight and the front quarter panel. The contact stated that his vehicle was equipped with a front collision avoidance system, but the system had not engaged. The contact stated that no persons were injured. The contact stated that the police were on scene and wrote a report. The vehicle was driven to a collision center for repair. The contact had not had the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burleson, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I am reporting a potential airbag system/emergency brake failure in my 2023 Mazda CX-50. I was involved in a rear-end motor vehicle accident at approximately 60 mph while my vehicle was completely stopped. I then hit the person in front of me. At the time of the impact, the airbags did not deploy, and I received a dashboard message indicating an airbag system malfunction. Since then, the emergency brake turns on and off on it's own at any time. Due to the severity of the crash, I am concerned that the airbags should have deployed, and their failure raises a serious safety concern. I sustained injuries (multiple fractures) as a result of the collision. I am requesting a formal investigation into possible defect or malfunction in the airbag system and emergency brake system.
NHTSA complaint #11727435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a potential airbag system/emergency brake failure in my 2023 Mazda CX-50. I was involved in a rear-end motor vehicle accident at approximately 60 mph while my vehicle was completely stopped. I then hit the person in front of me. At the time of the impact, the airbags did not deploy, and I received a dashboard message indicating an airbag system malfunction. Since then, the emergency brake turns on and off on it's own at any time. Due to the severity of the crash, I am concerned that the airbags should have deployed, and their failure raises a serious safety concern. I sustained injuries (multiple fractures) as a result of the collision. I am requesting a formal investigation into possible defect or malfunction in the airbag system and emergency brake system.
NHTSA complaint #11727435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
ENGINE
On 1/14/2026, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage when the vehicle abruptly accelerated causing the vehicle to hit the concrete wall in front of me. No braking assist or front collision warning issued. Airbags deployed. The car is currently at Joe Myers Collision Center in Houston, Texas to obtain an estimate for repair. The police did not respond to reported incident. Incident was reported to my insurance company immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On 1/14/2026, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage when the vehicle abruptly accelerated causing the vehicle to hit the concrete wall in front of me. No braking assist or front collision warning issued. Airbags deployed. The car is currently at Joe Myers Collision Center in Houston, Texas to obtain an estimate for repair. The police did not respond to reported incident. Incident was reported to my insurance company immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On 1/14/2026, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage when the vehicle abruptly accelerated causing the vehicle to hit the concrete wall in front of me. No braking assist or front collision warning issued. Airbags deployed. The car is currently at Joe Myers Collision Center in Houston, Texas to obtain an estimate for repair. The police did not respond to reported incident. Incident was reported to my insurance company immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Overland Park, KS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel gauge permanently stuck on empty. Computer code = P0463 Occurred on Jan 30, 2026. Mechanic provided error code at that time. Unsafe driving conditions where distance-to-empty calculations are disabled, standard fuel level indicator showing empty (or stuck on full) risking an unexpected engine stall on public highways and roads. I have NO idea how much Fuel is in the tank nor how many miles are left on tank which could lead to unexpected and sudden stops in high traffic situations. Yes: code was confirmed by Advanced Auto, London Motorworks, and personal computer. Fuel sensor stuck on "FULL" in May 18 then again stuck on empty since May 21. Vehicle inspected by mechanic on Jan 30, 2026 Engine Warning light began on Jan 30, 2026 at 9:22amCT
NHTSA complaint #11763043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyattsville, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
Premature brake wear exacerbated by heavy stop and go traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11761979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyattsville, MD
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Premature brake wear exacerbated by heavy stop and go traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11761979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Premature brake wear exacerbated by heavy stop and go traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11761979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
POWER TRAIN
On multiple occasions the vehicle has not acceleratedfrom a stop while pushing the accelerator pedal. Have noticed this is usually on warmer days, with AC on half to full, within 3 minutes, and within 1 mile from leaving work for the day after car has sat parked. I am worried this will get worse and cause a potentially dangerous situation when turning left against traffic and the car doesn't accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11759005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
ENGINE
On multiple occasions the vehicle has not acceleratedfrom a stop while pushing the accelerator pedal. Have noticed this is usually on warmer days, with AC on half to full, within 3 minutes, and within 1 mile from leaving work for the day after car has sat parked. I am worried this will get worse and cause a potentially dangerous situation when turning left against traffic and the car doesn't accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11759005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sedro-Woolley, WA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While driving 72mph on the interstate at 6am on 7/21/26 the sunroof exploded. No foreign objects made impact with the vehicle and there was no sudden temperature shifts. The glass had no previous defects and it shattered into tiny pieces, failing into the car. The sun shade was open at the time. The vehicle is being serviced at a glass repair shop who noted this is a common issue with Mazda sunroofs.
NHTSA complaint #11751781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyons, NY
SEATS
Rear differential failure, and side seat tear on 2023 Mazda cx 50
NHTSA complaint #11747582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyons, NY
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential failure, and side seat tear on 2023 Mazda cx 50
NHTSA complaint #11747582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
POWER TRAIN
My rear differential is going out at only 40,000 miles. Ive heard from many other people that this is a widespread issue, and i feel requires a response from the company.
NHTSA complaint #11747626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyons, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
Rear differential failure, and side seat tear on 2023 Mazda cx 50
NHTSA complaint #11747582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gastonia, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The temperature control dial on the climate control system behaves erratically and inconsistently. When turning the dial to increase temperature, the displayed temperature sometimes decreases. When turning it to decrease, it sometimes increases. The dial also jumps multiple units rather than incrementing one degree at a time. The behavior is unpredictable and occurs regardless of whether the engine is warm or cold. This issue has been confirmed by multiple other 2023 CX-50 owners in owner forums, suggesting a manufacturing defect in the encoder mechanism for the temperature control knob. The dealer confirmed the bumper-to-bumper warranty has expired but has not offered a resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11740817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reynoldsburg, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When adjusting the temperature in the car with the dial, it does not respond correctly. It either jumps up or down by multiple degrees. This causes to take your eyes off the road to try to adjust the temperature. No warning lights came on and pushing lighter or harder on the dial does NOT fix it. Only driver side is currently having this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11738212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebastian, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2023 Mazda cx50 has a leaking panoramic sunroof and was noticed on February 27th, 2026 after a hard rain. Got an appointment with my dealership on March 4th, 2026 I bought my car through, they denied helping me of any kind and diagnosed my car with a cracked sunroof bypass drain plug and the part can’t be replaced, the entire panoramic assembly needs to be replaced. I believe this is a safety issue and Mazda Corporate will not help either. Water should not be coming into my car with electronics at risk!
NHTSA complaint #11737196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Malfunction / Erratic Low-Speed Operation I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the transmission system in my vehicle. The issue appears to have originated as a software-related drivability problem but progressed over time into a more serious mechanical failure affecting the transmission. The vehicle exhibited lurching/hesitation at low speeds, particularly during city driving and while idling or creeping forward in traffic. This malfunction creates a potential safety risk because the vehicle does not respond smoothly or predictably to driver input. The erratic behavior is disconcerting and requires increased driver attention, creating a distraction and reducing confidence in the vehicle’s operation. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by a service technician, who identified a transmission-related problem and recommended repair or replacement. The failure was not consistent with normal wear and occurred prematurely. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership and is covered under the 5 year power-train warranty. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights or messages indicating a major transmission issue. The problem I believe has been there since day 1- initially presenting as mild hesitation that could be mistaken for normal operation (especially with a turbocharged engine), but became increasingly annoying over time. After researching the issue, found similar reports from other owners describing comparable transmission behavior, suggesting this may be a broader defect.
NHTSA complaint #11736010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1) Climate Control System Malfunction I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the climate control system in my vehicle. Specifically, the temperature control knob is malfunctioning and behaves erratically. When adjusting the temperature, the system does not respond consistently and will unpredictably change temperature settings without corresponding input. This was diagnosed at The Autobarn Mazda of Evanston to be a failure within the HVAC control system. I see it is a common issue discussed in online forums. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by a service technician. At this time, the vehicle has not been fully repaired and remains available for inspection upon request. This malfunction creates a potential safety risk because it may cause a distraction while driving. The erratic behavior requires repeated adjustments and attention to the climate control system, diverting focus away from the road. The problem has been reproduced and verified by a dealership technician, who confirmed the abnormal operation of the temperature control knob and system. A repair was recommended, with replacement cost $690.24. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized dealership, and I also contacted Mazda to request goodwill repair assistance. However, they declined to cover the repair cost. My car has 55,000 miles, but this is an issue that has been present early on if not since day 1. Prior to the failure, there were no consistent warning lights or system messages indicating a problem. Given that this appears to be a known issue with this type of system, I am concerned that other vehicles may be affected by the same defect.
NHTSA complaint #11736004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesState College, PACrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 38 MPH. The contact stated he was approaching an intersection when a vehicle in front of him attempted to make a left turn but slowed down. The contact was unable to depress the brake pedal and turned the steering wheel to the left to avoid the crash, but he crashed into the corner of the passenger side rear bumper of the other vehicle. The contact was not sure of the damage to the other vehicle; his vehicle had damage to the right headlight and the front quarter panel. The contact stated that his vehicle was equipped with a front collision avoidance system, but the system had not engaged. The contact stated that no persons were injured. The contact stated that the police were on scene and wrote a report. The vehicle was driven to a collision center for repair. The contact had not had the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burleson, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I am reporting a potential airbag system/emergency brake failure in my 2023 Mazda CX-50. I was involved in a rear-end motor vehicle accident at approximately 60 mph while my vehicle was completely stopped. I then hit the person in front of me. At the time of the impact, the airbags did not deploy, and I received a dashboard message indicating an airbag system malfunction. Since then, the emergency brake turns on and off on it's own at any time. Due to the severity of the crash, I am concerned that the airbags should have deployed, and their failure raises a serious safety concern. I sustained injuries (multiple fractures) as a result of the collision. I am requesting a formal investigation into possible defect or malfunction in the airbag system and emergency brake system.
NHTSA complaint #11727435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a potential airbag system/emergency brake failure in my 2023 Mazda CX-50. I was involved in a rear-end motor vehicle accident at approximately 60 mph while my vehicle was completely stopped. I then hit the person in front of me. At the time of the impact, the airbags did not deploy, and I received a dashboard message indicating an airbag system malfunction. Since then, the emergency brake turns on and off on it's own at any time. Due to the severity of the crash, I am concerned that the airbags should have deployed, and their failure raises a serious safety concern. I sustained injuries (multiple fractures) as a result of the collision. I am requesting a formal investigation into possible defect or malfunction in the airbag system and emergency brake system.
NHTSA complaint #11727435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The driver's door is not opening from the inside. To open the driver's door while I am in the vehicle, I have to roll down the window and use the exterior door handle to exit the vehicle. This is a huge safety concern, as the window cannot be rolled down manually. If the car did not have power, I would have to break open the window. The potential for being trapped in the car with this defect is high. Several other owners of this car have reported this: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:INTERIOR
The driver's door is not opening from the inside. To open the driver's door while I am in the vehicle, I have to roll down the window and use the exterior door handle to exit the vehicle. This is a huge safety concern, as the window cannot be rolled down manually. If the car did not have power, I would have to break open the window. The potential for being trapped in the car with this defect is high. Several other owners of this car have reported this: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11722580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
ENGINE
On 1/14/2026, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage when the vehicle abruptly accelerated causing the vehicle to hit the concrete wall in front of me. No braking assist or front collision warning issued. Airbags deployed. The car is currently at Joe Myers Collision Center in Houston, Texas to obtain an estimate for repair. The police did not respond to reported incident. Incident was reported to my insurance company immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
On 1/14/2026, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage when the vehicle abruptly accelerated causing the vehicle to hit the concrete wall in front of me. No braking assist or front collision warning issued. Airbags deployed. The car is currently at Joe Myers Collision Center in Houston, Texas to obtain an estimate for repair. The police did not respond to reported incident. Incident was reported to my insurance company immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On 1/14/2026, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage when the vehicle abruptly accelerated causing the vehicle to hit the concrete wall in front of me. No braking assist or front collision warning issued. Airbags deployed. The car is currently at Joe Myers Collision Center in Houston, Texas to obtain an estimate for repair. The police did not respond to reported incident. Incident was reported to my insurance company immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11711337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Following a professional brake flush at Roger Beasley Mazda Central in Austin, Texas, the left front brake bleeder screw was left loose. This resulted in a significant loss of brake fluid over several days, causing a 'Brake Warning' light to illuminate and a visible reduction in braking performance. A secondary inspection by an independent mechanic confirmed the screw was not tightened, which caused corrosive fluid to leak onto the wheel and compromised the safety of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11706402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
