RoadVitals

2023 Mazda CX-50

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
60
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 18, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 60 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Mazda CX-50, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 343 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Apr 18, 2023
2,410 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 5823DView on NHTSA.gov

TRAILER HITCHES

Mar 1, 2023
560 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Towing a trailer with inoperative lights or brakes can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will repair the trailer hitch harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5723B.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 5723BView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed Jul 21, 2026

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 ID
11751781
Incident
Jul 21, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 1, 2026

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 ID
11747626
Incident
Jun 17, 2026
BrakesInterior & seatsPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 1, 2026

Rear differential failure, and side seat tear on 2023 Mazda cx 50

NHTSA ID
11747582
Incident
Jun 30, 2026
Electrical
Filed May 29, 2026

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 ID
11740817
Incident
May 29, 2026
Electrical
Filed May 15, 2026

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 ID
11738212
Incident
Feb 1, 2026
Visibility
Filed May 11, 2026

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 ID
11737196
Incident
Feb 27, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 6, 2026

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 ID
11736010
Incident
May 1, 2022
Electrical
Filed May 6, 2026

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 ID
11736004
Incident
May 1, 2022

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SA-043-26

VISIBILITY/WIPER

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-063/24 09/06/24 DESCRIPTION The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can malfunction with the following symptoms if the rear side radar sensors are installed facing the wrong direction.

SA-042-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-017/25 12/16/25, 09/08/25, 07/14/25, 05/15/25 and 03/21/25 DESCRIPTION Mazda Connect Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI General Informatio Opening the TCU Communication Line WI-FI How-To Conditions for Remote Engine Start Will Not Function WI-FI Trial Period Conditions for Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF Interacting With The App TCU Communication Line Status Service Issues Educational Videos Troubleshooting Resources MyMazda App Error Codes Customer Opt-Out

16-010-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

COMPLIANCE WITH NEW YORK STATE GENERAL BUSINESS LAW §399‑CCCCC (CONNECTED VEHICLE SERVICE; DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS) DESCRIPTION This Service Information is issued in accordance with New York State General Business Law §399􀀀CCCCC (Connected Vehicle Service; Domestic Violence Victims). This regulation is intended to protect victims of domestic violence by allowing them to request the termination of third-party access (including access by an alleged abuser) to connected vehicle services, such as vehicle location tracking and remote control functions. To support this requirement, this Service Information enables confirmation of whether a vehicle is subject to connected vehicle services by referring to the SUBJECT VIN & PRODUCTION DATE RANGE, and provides guidance on the procedure to terminate such services when a customer requests the removal of third-party access for an applicable vehicle. Effective July 1, 2026, if a customer requests action under this regulation, a CMU/CDC software update must be performed to enable appropriate control of connected vehicle service access. If no request is made by the customer, the CMU/CDC software update is not required. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Confirm that the customer has requested deactivation of connected services in accordance with New York State General Business Law related action. 2. Perform the CMU/CDC software update according to the procedures outlined in the appropriate TSB shown in the table below:

16-001-26a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 16-001/26 01/08/26 DESCRIPTION The release notes outlined below provide an overview of bug fixes, feature improvements, and updates included in the latest software release. The latest version of software contains all the updates of the previous versions. NOTE: If current version is not 7230C1A-NA01_***** or 7230C2A-NA01_*****, this TSB is not applicable. Version 7230C1A-NA01_10022 enables termination of connected services at customer request: Termination of Connected Services by customers at their initiative has been enabled. Accordingly, the following items have been updated. Add a "Data Communication Information" item under Settings > System Settings>Online Connectivity. ○ Updated the text displayed on the confirmation screen for disabling Connected Services. ○ • The list on the center display may appear distorted, giving a double image. • The system may reboot when the ignition is turned on. However, the camera images on the center display are not affected, and the back camera is usable. • The voice recognition function does not start. • Apple CarPlay® may fail to connect while driving on the highway. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. Update MAZDA CONNECT with software version 7230C1A-NA01_10022/7230C2A-NA01_10014 or later with a USB memory stick using the 7TH GEN MAZDA CONNECT Update Instructions.

SA-041-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.

SA-027-26a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This SA supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. SA-027/26 04/16/26 DESCRIPTION The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types) 1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings (excluding i-STOP batteries e.g. Q-85, S-95) molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the factory with a JIS rated battery. NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Perform appropriate repair to vehicle. If needed, use the Battery Diagnostics of the DCA-8000 to test the charging and starting systems by following the on-screen instructions for entering the appropriate information. Refer to the Mazda DCA-8000 Instruction Manual for more information.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda CX-50 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120043.4
2025342061.7
2024321050.3
2023Viewing602058.4

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.