43 of the
541 complaints filed about the Mazda CX-90
are about the electrical system —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2024.
Driving down the freeway, the car throws an error code, reduces speed from 75 to 40 in seconds, with enough time to pull off the freeway. The car has an error code stating "Hybrid battery malfunction." Now the car will not start. The Dealer could not get it started and now wants to charge me for a diagnostic. But from my understanding, they should cover a new battery under EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 85). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
NHTSA complaint #11756837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased. The dealer inspected the vehicle multiple times; on the first attempts they could not duplicate the issue. On a later visit, the vehicle displayed a lost communication fault with the electric power steering (EPS) system, and the dealer replaced the steering gear/rack assembly and EPS motor per the manufacturer’s technical hotline instructions. Despite this part replacement, the same steering/warning light condition recurred weeks later. At that point the dealer confirmed the defect but stated there is currently no authorized repair or parts replacement available, and that engineering is developing a permanent corrective action. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection. This defect creates a serious safety risk because the vehicle cannot be steered or shifted normally when the condition occurs, including while driving. No crash or injury has occurred to date.”
NHTSA complaint #11756580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a recurring safety-related issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium involving the mild hybrid system. The first failure occurred at approximately 28,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle displayed multiple warning messages, including "Mild Hybrid Battery Malfunction," "i-Stop Malfunction," and "Engine Malfunction." Shortly afterward, the vehicle entered a reduced-power (limp mode) condition. The loss of normal power made it difficult to safely accelerate and keep pace with surrounding traffic, creating a significant safety concern. The dealership diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the mild hybrid battery. My vehicle remained out of service for approximately one month while repairs were completed. At approximately 56,000–58,000 miles, the same problem occurred again. The vehicle once again displayed the "Mild Hybrid Battery Malfunction," "i-Stop Malfunction," and "Engine Malfunction" warning messages and again entered reduced-power mode while driving. The repeated loss of power created another serious safety concern because the vehicle could not accelerate normally when merging into traffic or driving on higher-speed roads. After diagnosing the second failure, the dealership informed me that, in addition to replacing the mild hybrid battery, corrosion had been found in the wiring harness and internal wiring associated with the hybrid battery system. Those components also required replacement. Due to parts availability, my vehicle remained at the dealership for an extended period before repairs could be completed. This vehicle has experienced the same hybrid system failure twice within approximately 58,000 miles, despite the first battery having already been replaced. I am concerned that this is a recurring defect affecting the mild hybrid electrical system. A failure that causes multiple system malfunction warnings and forces the vehicle into reduced-power mode while driving increases the risk of a crash, especially when merging onto highways
NHTSA complaint #11755124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally notify you that I have officially filed comprehensive complaints with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI, Case #202604748), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding Wyatt Johnson Mazda. I am submitting my vehicle's official Warranty Vehicle Inquiry Report as evidence of consistent technical issues and mismanagement by Wyatt Johnson Mazda. Please note the following: History of Repeated Technical Issues: The Warranty History shows a long list of repairs, including PCM/TCM reprogramming and other electronic service actions performed by the same dealer. This demonstrates that the vehicle has had ongoing, recurring technical problems that the dealer was well aware of. Contradiction in Dealership's Claims: Despite this extensive record of technical service, when I brought the vehicle in for the steering issue, the dealer claimed there was "no issue." This report clearly proves the dealer has been documenting and performing technical service on this specific VIN since 2023, making their claim of "no issue" highly suspicious and professionally negligent. Evidence of Neglect: The report confirms that my vehicle has been serviced exclusively by this dealer (Dealer 24014). They have full knowledge of the vehicle’s history, yet they chose to ignore the steering defect and attempted to charge me for a repair that should have been addressed under recall or warranty considerations. Bad-Faith Conduct by General Management: Furthermore, the Dealership General Manager persistently refused to acknowledge these documented defects. He went as far as bringing a technician to confront me, and despite me presenting this official warranty history as evidence, they dismissed it entirely and demanded $2,438 for a steering system replacement. I have photographic evidence documenting this interaction and the demand for payment, which confirms their bad-faith efforts to extort r
NHTSA complaint #11750695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, several warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel, including the electronic stability control and the check engine warning lights. Later, while driving, the power steering failed, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The contact was informed that the battery would not remain charged. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There was a recall issued within the last year for my make and model vehicle, in March 2026, it was fixed when my car was towed to a Mazda dealership due to a check engine light and "hybrid engine malfunction". On June 24, 2026, the vehicle went into limp mode, the error message resolved upon turning off the vehicle. There were no check engine lights that appeared. On June 25, 2026, the vehicle went into limp mode on I-5 in traffic. We were able to safely get the vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. The error code on dash was "hybrid engine malfunction" again. The radiator was replaced at a second Mazda dealership, we were told "that should fix the problem". There was no indication the radiator needed replaced due to no fluids leaking and no overheating of the vehicle. The battery did fail during this visit. On June 26, 2026, when we were on I-90 in traffic again, the vehicle went into limp mode again with the same hybrid engine malfunction warning. The vehicle was towed to a third Mazda dealership to finally have the hybrid battery finally replaced. The only warnings were when we went into limp mode, no dash lights or check engine lights, nor overheating. The safety of my family was put at risk due to the vehicle decelerating from 75 mph to 35 mph in the fast lane of traffic twice. Mazda has done all service repairs and recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11747320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle lurched to a complete stop and engaged the parking brake while entering the on ramp at FDR bridge in NYC. I had my whole family (7 of us) in the vehicle. Cars behind us had to slam on the brakes or swear to not hit us. The worst part is, the car had no option to put it into neutral to move the vehicle to a safe location. I sat praying for 45 minutes while we waited for a tow truck. Cars were flying past us as we were blocking 2 lanes of traffic, one of which was the on ramp. They could not see us as they were coming around a corner. Several accidents almost happened. There was nothing we could do but sit there. This is a known issue with Mazda CX 90 2024 PHEV system. Mazda did not warn me in any way that if the vehicle has an issue with the PHEV system, it was going to disable the vehicle to the point that you are unable to put it into neutral. There was no way to disengage the parking break. The vehicle was towed twice with the break engaged.
NHTSA complaint #11747142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Over my time owning this vehicle i have had several different safety concerns. although they have been resolved by the dealer, i have concerns for anyone purchasing this make and model. 1. lane departure. i have turned off lane detection because i have had the car try to auto correct and jerk me to the left into oncoming traffic 2. i have had incidents where the driver door was unable to be opened from inside. i had to roll down the window to open the door and get out 3. At a speed of 45mph, the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode. the car turned off and luckily i was able to pull over into a safe area. again i experienced the door locking from the inside. all issues and solutions have been documented at dealer services. these issues are of great concern and potentially could have been harmful or fatal. i no longer have trust in this model or company.
NHTSA complaint #11747146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Instrument cluster will reboot during braking at random times. All warning lights turn on, gauges go to zero and front wipers are set off. This happens for 1-3 seconds. Mazda replaced instrument cluster but only made issue worsen they said it’s safe to drive but very distracting especially when turning onto busy roads. Currently being experienced by multiple other vehicles, so not isolated. Bought in February 2026 and started in early March 2026, currently still an issue as of June 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11743274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus has experienced repeated hybrid system failures. The vehicle currently has an active "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning light. This is the latest in a series of 17 recalls and recurring defects since purchase in July 2023. Most recently, the vehicle was out of service from February 14, 2026 to approximately March 18, 2026 due to a severe transmission fluid leak, which the dealer (Nealson Mazda Cool Springs, TN) acknowledged was common in this model. The current hybrid system malfunction warning poses a direct safety concern as it affects the vehicle's powertrain and reliability. I am a daily driver of this vehicle and have two young children who ride in it regularly.
NHTSA complaint #11741525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Low voltage battery system Safety is at risk because vehicle could loose power and be forced into a turtle mode cause injury from sudden slow down Yes there were warning lights This is a continued problem identified but other owners and consistently replaced
NHTSA complaint #11739844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact leases a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while stopped and the ON/OFF feature was activated, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that several warning messages including the "Engine Malfunction ", "Charging System Malfunction", and "Eye Active Sense System Malfunction" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that she had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V816000( Electrical System, Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was serviced. The contact stated that while driving at a 20 MPH, the vehicle shut off as the previous warning messages appeared on the instrument panel. The contact managed to restart the vehicle; however, an audible beeping sound persisted. Due to the failure, the contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer kept the vehicle for nearly two weeks where they replaced the mild hybrid battery. Despite the latest repair, the contact expressed concern about the vehicle being that the failure occurred while her two young children were in the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure in a letter and requested to have them replace the vehicle under her lease. The manufacturer denied the contact's request and closed the case. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
NHTSA complaint #11738616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hybrid battery recall was replaced and failed a month later for a second time burning other systems and causing a compete failure in the car. It failed in a deserted portion of [XXX] while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] for important business. This left me stranded in the middle of the [XXX] desert late at night in a dangerous area. It failed on the highway loosing complete power with multiple failures reported on dashboard. I was left stranded in the middle of nowhere with no nearby services or immediate assistance and was forced to remain in the vehicle overnight in unsafe conditions. The vehicle required towing, and I was later informed the issue was again the hybrid battery the same component that had already been replaced under recall less than one month prior. This repeated failure creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power and leave occupants stranded without warning, even in remote or unsafe locations. In addition it lost power on the highway and that posses a significant safety concern. The vehicle is unreliable given its age and repeated failures, and I am requesting investigation into a potential safety defect involving the hybrid battery system and sudden loss of propulsion/power and damages to other parts. I had 8 different warnings on my dashboard before the car completely died and I couldn’t even open or close windows or lock and unlock doors. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle experienced a sudden and repeated malfunction of the hybrid/electrical system and powertrain, resulting in the vehicle becoming inoperable. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. While driving in traffic, multiple warning messages appeared, including "Hybrid System Malfunction," "Charging System Malfunction," "Engine Malfunction," "Brake" and "i-ACTIVSENSE System Malfunction." The vehicle lost functionality and could not operate normally, creating a dangerous situation in active traffic. I was forced to slowly maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder after several restart attempts. This issue has been reproduced multiple times. The vehicle has previously been inspected and repaired by an authorized dealership, including recent repairs (12V battery and engine mounts). Despite these repairs, the same critical malfunction occurred again shortly after the vehicle was returned as repaired. The vehicle is currently being inspected again by the dealership. The issue has not yet been permanently resolved. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had a history of similar warning messages and abnormal behavior beginning at approximately 20,000 miles. These issues have continued intermittently despite multiple repair attempts. The repeated failures, including the most recent incident, indicate an ongoing unresolved defect that creates a significant safety concern. This issue is a continuation of a previously reported complaint (NHTSA Report No. 11734505).
NHTSA complaint #11736989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car thinks the key fob is inside the vehicle when it is not. If you get out of the vehicle it will not self lock even if you have that feature set up. It will also beep consistently for about 10 seconds when you press the lock button on the key fob when your outside of the car, indicating that there is a key fob in the car....but there is not. The most concerning thing is you can get into the car and start it without any key fob inside the vehicle. It always thinks the key fob is in it, at all the time and will start without any key fob in it. This is not an occasional thing. It has been like this since we pirchased it from Mazda as a CPO vehicle. It's been doing this for all 2 months that we've owned it. We currently have an appointment with the dealership to take it in for them to hopefully fix it as well as other issues.
NHTSA complaint #11737085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1) What component or system failed? The issue appears to involve the vehicle’s electrical system and hybrid system, as well as brake-related electronic systems. The vehicle displayed multiple warnings including “Hybrid System Malfunction” and “Critical Vehicle Malfunction.” The electronic parking brake system was also affected during the incident, including a situation where the brake could not be released while the vehicle was in motion. The affected components are available for inspection upon request. 2) How was safety put at risk? Safety was put at risk because the malfunction occurred while driving and involved critical system warnings and brake-related issues, including the inability to release the electronic parking brake. The sudden appearance of a “Critical Vehicle Malfunction” warning during operation created concern about potential loss of vehicle control and safe braking capability in traffic. 3) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer? The issue has not been fully resolved. The vehicle previously underwent service for a high-voltage hybrid battery replacement, but the current symptoms continue to occur repeatedly. The problem has not yet been confirmed as permanently resolved by the dealer. 4) Has the vehicle been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, etc.? UNKNOWN 5) Were there warning lamps or symptoms before failure? Yes. Over the past two weeks, multiple warning lights and messages have appeared almost daily, including: Check Engine Light Hybrid System Malfunction i-Stop malfunction Intermittent brake / electronic parking brake warnings A “Critical Vehicle Malfunction” warning occurred once while driving, along with multiple simultaneous alerts. These warnings sometimes disappear after restarting the vehicle but consistently reappear during normal driving.
NHTSA complaint #11734505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact was informed about a previous recall associated with the steering that was repaired prior to owning the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and turning, the steering wheel jerked in the opposite direction, then became soft, and then more difficult to steer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, but the contact was informed of a steering investigation. On another occasion, the contact stated that when the vehicle was stopped and the ON/OFF feature was activated. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, and after refueling the vehicle, the messages "Engine Malfunction – Inspect Vehicle" and "Hybrid System Malfunction" was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,050.
NHTSA complaint #11730780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since taking delivery of this vehicle in June 2024 from Kenny Ross Mazda, I have experienced a persistent and unresolved error message on the vehicle’s display screen relating to “Multiple ECUs Reprogramming.” This error message first appeared within the first twelve (12) months of ownership and has remained continuously present on the vehicle’s instrument cluster/infotainment screen despite numerous repair attempts. The defect substantially impairs the use, value, and safety of the vehicle, as it creates constant uncertainty about the operational status of critical electronic control systems, diminishes the vehicle’s resale value, and interferes with my normal use and enjoyment of the vehicle. Photographic evidence of this error message is attached as Enclosures 2 through 5. I have brought the vehicle to Rohrich Mazda, an authorized Mazda dealership and service facility located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on at least seven (7) separate occasions over the past twelve (12) or more months in an effort to resolve this defect. Each time, the dealership has been unable to eliminate the error message. During the course of these repair attempts, the dealership initially believed the issue was related to a recall (Safety Recall 7024J — Multiple ECU’s Programming), but subsequent repair attempts have failed to resolve the condition. The dealership has contacted Mazda Corporate technical support on multiple occasions, and Mazda Corporate has been unable to provide a solution. As of this writing, the dealership and Mazda Corporate have acknowledged that they do not currently have a fix for this problem. The service ticket remains open.
NHTSA complaint #11730202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Incident 1: While driving my 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV at low-to-moderate speed, the vehicle suddenly and completely locked up without any driver input. There was no gradual slowing or normal braking behavior. Instead, the vehicle went immediately from moving to an abrupt, forceful stop, as if maximum braking was applied instantly. There were no warning lights, alerts, or audible signals before or during the event, and there were no obstacles or vehicles in front of me. Incident 2 (approximately 6 months later): A second, nearly identical event occurred while I was accelerating or cruising. The vehicle again immediately locked up and came to a sudden stop with no warning and no driver input. There was no progressive braking or deceleration. The stop was instantaneous and extremely forceful, causing me to lurch forward into the steering wheel. There were no hazards or objects present that would justify emergency braking. Additional Details: Both events involved an immediate, full-force stop with no transition or gradual braking. There were no dashboard alerts, warning sounds, or messages during either incident. The behavior did not match any known system alerts (such as door open or limp mode). The dealership was unable to reproduce the issue and found no diagnostic trouble codes. This creates a serious safety risk, especially the risk of being rear-ended during normal driving.
NHTSA complaint #11728149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Started the car to go to work and the check engine light came on, I stop started flashing and wouldn’t turn off. Message says there is a malfunction with the hybrid system and to visit Mazda dealer. I had to drive it to work, so it drove fine. But the lights never went off.
NHTSA complaint #11727151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.