2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid Owner Complaints

I'd like to join the open investigation for RQ26002 [XXX] ). Our car has had jerky steering when doing a long turn at the same angle for well over a year. We brought in the car multiple times to the Mazda dealership and they said they couldn't find an issue, essentially ignoring our request. It makes the car unsafe to drive on the highway (and other roads) because the steering wheel jerks when it needs to straighten out after a curve. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questoins. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11715478

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

I bought a fairly used 2024 Mazda on December 19, 2025 from a Mazda dealership and immediately noticed that there was some resistance with turning the steering wheel. I mentioned it to the sales person and was told that it was how the car operated. After purchasing the car, the problem kept persisting in many ways while on the freeway or when making turns. The steering will try to self correct with sudden jerks that manifest a violent pull against my efforts to keep the car on the road or the correct lane. I immediately took the car to a Mazda dealership by my house and they couldn't identify an issue with the lane changing sensor. They did however recommend I get new tires but I decided to get a second mechanical opinion by taking it to the Mazda dealership where I purchased the car. They also could not identify any issues or an ongoing steering recall, but recommended getting a new set of tires for a car that I had just purchased from them a couple of weeks earlier. Following my frustration, I decided to do some research on the Mazda CX-90 and that's when I came across the steering wheel recall 24V022. I told them about the recall and they could not find it under the VIN #. I called Mazda (The Company) and they could not also locate that recall using my VIN #. I pressed them to look closely and Mazda (The Company) finally established that my car was part of the recall under the batch number 6524A. I went back to the dealership where I had bought the car and provided them with the batch number and they were able to establish the recall for my car after haven refuted my claim. I mention this because it is VERY likely that other Mazda CX90s with similar issues may not have this recall show up under the car VIN #s, unless owners take the initiative to contact Mazda (The Company) directly. The dealership also told me that my recall was closed but they could not provide any proof of what remedial work that was done under the recall.

NHTSA ID

11715373

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

After the recall for the worm gear the steering wheel feels disconnected from the steering rack when making turns at 30 ish mph( like making half circle on ramps) only for a second or two and goes back to normal after completing the turn. I’ve taken it to the dealer and waiting for an update

NHTSA ID

11714529

Incident

Jan 27, 2026

Power steering malfunction. Power steering assist may be reduced. When it is safe to do so, restart the vehicle. If the warning indicator remains illuminated after restarting, consult your dealer.

NHTSA ID

11712304

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

Steering wheel gets stuck when turning steering wheel, will not come back to center. Almost lost control on the freeway when steering wheel got stuck. Took it to the dealership and was told this is normal. Even though I found Recall 6524A.

NHTSA ID

11711698

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

Steering it getting stuck when Turing from left to center. It also make brake squeaking.

NHTSA ID

11708726

Incident

Oct 25, 2025

When doing a sustained turn at highway speeds of 50+ mph, the steering wheel sticks and does not return to center. I had to forcefully return the wheel to center which caused a jerk in the steering. This happened 10+ times on a recent road trip I took (200 miles). I brought the car to Mazda afterwards and they are replacing the steering rack.

NHTSA ID

11708656

Incident

Dec 27, 2025

My Mazda had a recall due to faulty steering worm. We noticed the steering was getting unsafe and the steering column was replaced once in 2024. It is now having the same issues again. Almost 2 hours into a 14 hour road trip, we turned around and went home because the steering was sticking and jerky

NHTSA ID

11707865

Incident

Dec 27, 2025

The steering has become jerky despite a previous recall that was supposed to fix the issue. When driving at speed, changing lanes become dangerous because of the sudden jerky slip of the steering wheel as if it takes more effort to turn the wheel and suddenly jerks to the left or right.

NHTSA ID

11706869

Incident

Dec 23, 2025

Dear NHTSA Team, I am writing to formally report and follow up on a safety-related issue regarding my 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, VIN: [XXX] . The vehicle has experienced repeated defects affecting critical safety systems, including: Engine overheating and cooling system failures Repeated engine malfunction warnings EVAP/emissions-related system faults These issues have persisted despite multiple visits to authorized Mazda service centers, and no permanent repair has been achieved. The defects raise serious concerns regarding the vehicle’s safety, reliability, and potential risk to road users. I have submitted a complaint via NHTSA’s Vehicle Complaint system but would like to confirm receipt and request the current status of my case, or any guidance on next steps. Please let me know if additional documentation, service records, or details are required. I am fully willing to cooperate to ensure this matter is properly reviewed. Thank you for your attention and assistance. Sincerely, Dr. [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11705472

Incident

May 14, 2025

I am reporting serious safety concerns with my Mazda CX-90 PHEV (leased, manufactured September 2023). These issues create unacceptable risk to occupants and other road users. Multiple Severe Recalls: My vehicle has had at least four major recalls: • 6323J – Engine & Motor Shutdown: Complete loss of propulsion without warning. • 7024J – ECU Software Failures: Loss of drive power and restart failures. • 24V817000 – EV Mode Power Loss: Sudden propulsion loss in EV mode. • 6724E – Sudden Braking: Automatic braking without cause. These defects could lead to crashes or fatalities. Hybrid System Malfunctions: Two recent “Hybrid System Malfunction” warnings required dealer visits. These failures could cause the car to shut off while driving—even at highway speeds. • First incident: Battery-related issue. • Second incident: Triggered by a loud noise during startup, impacting the AVAS system. A loud noise should never disable a family vehicle, indicating a design flaw. Charging Safety Issues: Charging via a standard outlet caused flickering lights and breaker buzzing in my house. A licensed electrician diagnosed harmonic distortion from the onboard charger. I spent $7,500 on electrical upgrades (dedicated EV line and panel upgrade) to charge safely. Manufacturer Response: I have had an open case with Mazda corporate for nearly two weeks. They refuse to acknowledge overall vehicle safety or provide written documentation confirming safety. Request: I urge NHTSA to investigate whether these defects represent a systemic safety issue in Mazda CX-90 PHEV models and take appropriate regulatory action

NHTSA ID

11704628

Incident

Nov 25, 2025

premature failure of OEM Falkens on CX-90 PHEV at 20k miles, posing hydroplaning/skidding risk; Mazda denying full goodwil

NHTSA ID

11701599

Incident

Nov 25, 2025

The steering is inconsistent. Sometimes it requires more or less effort to turn. The steering has been sticking around turns lately. This issue started over a year ago. They applied grease and it made the sticking go away but it has came back after 9 months.

NHTSA ID

11698176

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

My 2024 Mazda CX-90 continues to have a malfunctioning fuel gauge despite multiple dealer visits and the recall repair (Recall 25V568). The dealer confirmed the issue was fixed, but it is not. The digital fuel gauge does not update in real time. It remains stuck for long distances and only partially recalibrates after restarting the car. For example, on November 5, 2025, I drove more than 60 miles, but the gauge dropped by only about 10 miles. After turning the ignition off and on, the gauge adjusted slightly but still did not reflect the true fuel level. Photos from that day are attached. I have serious safety concerns. The recall notice states: “If the vehicle incorrectly indicates an inaccurate fuel level, there is a chance of unexpectedly running out of fuel while driving. This would result in an engine stall and vehicle being unable to restart, increasing the risk of a crash.” This issue persists even after the recall service was completed, suggesting that the current fix may not fully resolve the defect. This has been an ongoing issue. I visited the dealership again on Nov 5th, 2025.

NHTSA ID

11697781

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

On occasion (several times in a month) I will drive the car listening to the radio. I then park for a short time and turn the car on and drive away when I notice that the radio isn;t on as it was when I parked. I then have to pull over, park the car, shut off the engine then restart. Now the redio comes on. I am concerned that other safety items are also non functioning when this happens. The dealer has been no help.

NHTSA ID

11691433

Incident

Oct 4, 2025

While driving 35 mph on a busy street, our vehicle completely lost power. The vehicle started violently shaking until I came to a complete stop. Many warning lights came on. Two primary: "Hybrid Malfunction", "Engine Malfunction" along with a couple others. When I stopped the car completely, it took 5 minutes before I could change the car from park to drive to move the car out of the way of oncoming traffic. Sitting in the middle of a busy road with hazards on is not safe!! Also, Suddenly losing power on a very busy street caused car behind me to slam brakes and honk at us. Very lucky we didnt cause an accident. If this had happened in a different situation such as freeway at 75 mph, major intersection, on a long roadtrip etc... the risk for significant disaster increase significantly! The car is current at Tum Dahle Dealership in Murray, Utah. This is the second time in 4 months we've had to take this car to the dealer for an issue. The first time was just an "Engine Malfunction" light. It sure seems like we bought a lemon. Even if they fix this car, my confidence is extremely low in this car being a safe car that im ok with having my family in.

NHTSA ID

11688799

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

Humming noise coming out of the powertrain that might be related to gear box or bearing. This mechanical safety issues mught endanger my life and cause a breakdown while driving, thus an accident. Mazada did not find the fix yet and unable to repair. Since September 3rd, my car is in Jim Click repair shop with no solution at sight.

NHTSA ID

11688371

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

The hybrid battery and hybrid system malfunctioned. The vehicle emitted a strong rotten-egg odor (consistent with hydrogen sulfide gas) inside the cabin from [XXX] to [XXX]. The hybrid system warning light first appeared on [XXX]. On [XXX], the air conditioner did not work while driving, and on other occasions it failed to turn on until the engine was restarted. On August 5, 2025, the vehicle was serviced for a related recall, but the warning light returned shortly afterward. From [XXX] to [XXX], my children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ), my elderly mother, and I were exposed to fumes inside the cabin. We experienced headaches, nausea, and dizziness. On one occasion, my mother nearly fainted after dinner while visiting, which coincided with her exposure to the odor. The dealership did not warn me that the hybrid warning light could be associated with the odor or that an odor would be hazardous, so I continued driving the vehicle during this period. On September 3, 2025, the dealership confirmed the hybrid system malfunction, deemed the car unsafe to drive, and ordered a replacement battery. The vehicle was out of service until September 15, 2025, when the entire hybrid battery was replaced. The dealership inspected the vehicle multiple times, and Mazda corporate (Customer Experience Center case manager) was notified. The component was replaced under warranty, but the event created a significant safety risk due to exposure to toxic fumes and the potential for hybrid system failure while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11687732

Incident

Jul 20, 2025

Ever since the lease of this vehicle on January 2025 we’ve had problems with the brake/rotors took it in twice for that. As of recent August 2025, we took it in for loss of power going up a hill, hybrid malfunctioning electrical system going out. Dealership gave it back saying everything was fine. We took it on August 29, 2025 to Colorado vehicle failed to perform loss of power going up the mountain almost got hit by a vehicle because I was in a fast lane with my family had to pull over with whatever power I had left in the engine (not the battery). I mean the vehicle just keeps failing to perform as it should as well on the way back. It had the same issues but as severe going to Colorado.Vehicle does not change gears going uphill. When we stopped in Vegas for fuel, fuel door did not open it & malfunctioned. So vehicle does not perform well in cold and hot weather AWD system does not work at all. We feel a jerking, we hear a whistling’s type of noise that the dealership fell to inspect. Per them everything worked fine but when we took it to Colorado this weekend for Labor Day, vehicle underperformed with extreme safety concerns and we contacted Mazda, but they fell to listen to our concerns and say the vehicle is fine but when you drive the vehicle, it does not perform as it should and is a safety hazard to us and anybody around us due to a loss of power and everything I described above.

NHTSA ID

11684407

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

The backup camera did not beep as I backed into a mailbox. The emergency braking also did not activate. The following day when I used the backup camera it was displaying an image of somewhere I had parked prior (it was not the real time image). The wrong image stayed displayed despite turning the car off and back on multiple times.

NHTSA ID

11683746

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts due to an issue with the hybrid battery. The contact stated that the message "Electrical Leakage in the Hybrid System” was displayed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the service technician acknowledged that the failure and confirmed that the issue with the hybrid battery was a known issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID

11673454

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

Mileage

24,000 mi

On two separate occasions, my young children were locked inside the vehicle, and on one of the two occasions my elderly mother was also locked inside. In all incidents, the doors and windows remained closed and would not unlock, even when attempting to use the key fob. Specifically, after parking, I exited the driver’s seat and closed my door. When I went to open the rear doors to get my children out of their car seats, the rear doors were locked and could not be unlocked by the key fob. The same occurred when my elderly mother was in the vehicle. Each time, the car was in hot conditions, and we were fortunately able — after some struggle — to unlock the doors and remove them from the vehicle. This presents a serious safety risk, particularly in warm weather and with young or elderly passengers who cannot exit the vehicle themselves. I am currently pursuing a lemon law claim for this vehicle, but I also wanted to formally report this defect because of the danger it poses.

NHTSA ID

11673421

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

My wife called me while I was at work today to let me know that our soon to be [XXX] old toddler locked himself in the car with her keys inside while the car was running with the air conditioning on. She repeatedly tried to use the My Mazda app to unlock the car but it kept giving an error message. She called 911 and luckily he finally unlocked it on his own just prior to the police department's arrival. Upon further research this appears to be a known issue that has been brought up to Mazda from other owners and it has been dismissed by Mazda as a safety feature designed to prevent theft. Apparently this is by design, the app will not let you unloco the car if the vehicle is running with the keys in it. Personally, the theft of the vehicle is nowhere near as important as the health and safety of my child. We were extremely fortunate that the air conditioning was on as the temperatures in our town are hitting triple digits right now. What if it had not been on? This could have had a much worse outcome. Additionally, how in the world does this deter theft? So what Mazda is basically saying is that somebody would get my phone, access my password/fingerprint protected app, unlock my car from my phone, then get in and drive off. The likely hood of this happening is way lower than a curious toddler or rambunctious dog accidentally getting locked inside the running vehicle. Additionally, if my wife locked her keys in the car, and isn't home to get the spare, or im at work and can't bring her the spare right away, she's [XXX]. This is a ridiculous feature and a major safety red flag that needs to be addressed with Mazda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11673185

Incident

Jul 13, 2025

Braking System and Infotainment Malfunctions — 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Vehicle: 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Incident Dates: June 1, 2024 June 16, 2024 June 30, 2025 Ongoing (infotainment issue) Summary of Complaint: I am reporting multiple safety-related concerns with my 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV involving both the braking system and the infotainment/electrical system: 1. Delayed Brake Engagement – June 1, 2024: While stopping for a pedestrian crossing the street, I pressed the brake pedal and the vehicle lunged forward before the brakes fully engaged. The delay in braking caused the vehicle to move forward several inches before stopping, nearly endangering the pedestrian. It felt as if the brakes did not respond immediately when applied. 2. Sudden, Unnecessary Braking – June 16, 2024: While following a vehicle that was slowing down to make a right turn, the CX-90 PHEV abruptly and aggressively braked on its own, despite sufficient following distance and no imminent collision risk. The rapid deceleration nearly caused the vehicle behind me to rear-end us. This appeared to be triggered by the vehicle’s automated braking or forward collision system reacting too strongly. 3. Infotainment System Failure – Ongoing / June 30, 2025: The infotainment system frequently restarts itself, shutting down entirely and rebooting without warning — particularly while driving in larger cities. On June 30, 2025, the system completely failed, and a warning appeared on the dashboard stating that the vehicle needed service. After shutting down and restarting the vehicle, the message disappeared. However, this intermittent failure creates a serious distraction and potential safety hazard while driving.

NHTSA ID

11670696

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

- Serious safety issue: car stopped suddenly in the middle of traffic - Errors appeared: Hybrid System Malfunction, “vehicle can not be driven” and “Electrical Leakage in Hybrid System Detected” - Would not come out of park, had to be towed to Mazda dealership - Picked up car and after 15 min of driving the 'hybrid malfunction' light came back on - Car was returned to Mazda dealership for testing

NHTSA ID

11664266

Incident

May 28, 2025