2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical3323.1%
- Engine3021.0%
- Driver assistance2920.3%
- Steering1711.9%
- Fuel system139.1%
- Powertrain (other)96.3%
- Visibility64.2%
- Brakes32.1%
- Other / unspecified21.4%
- Seat belts10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Received Hybrid Battery Malfunction and Electrical Leakage Detection alerts two weeks ago. Dealer has not been able to fix. First they said it was the water heater, then they said my radiator was leaking and I need a new one. Estimated 4 additional weeks for repair.
I was driving my 2024 CX90 PHEV when a warning about an electrical leakage in the hybrid system was detected. I brought it home and parked in my garage. I called the dealership and they told me to bring it in. When I started to leave, the car would not shift out of park and bricked up. A towing service had to drag it out of my garage. My concern is that there is no limp mode or any way to switch to the gasoline engine when this happened. Had there been a fire in the battery, I would not have been able to get it out of my garage, putting our house and children at risk. Also, had it locked up on a highway, an accident could easily happen. After the dealership dragged it off of the rollback, they couldn’t even get the car to move. They told me that they would have to order special tools to be able to get the car to move. Along with the steering recall that worked for about a month, the steering rack had to be replaced, and the failure of the electrical system, I feel like this car is unsafe to drive. Thank you.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
When driving at highway speed (>60mph), the driver side mirror appears to be vibrating, and when attempting to focus on images in the mirror, the images appear blurred. Over time, the blurring vision starts to make the driver feel dizzy when on long (3+ hrs) road trips. This was initially noticed/experienced on a road trip from Illinois to Norfolk, Virginia, and again on two more trips to Washington DC from Norfolk VA. Needless to say, the issue is persistent every time at highway speeds. The issue was reported to a local dealership in Chesapeake, VA, on October 2nd, 2024. Initially, the dealer said they could not replicate the issue. However, upon going on the test driver with a "senior mechanic," the issue was acknowledged. Dealer also picked a random Mazda CX 90 inline (non PHEV) from the lot, and the issue was again observed on test drive, with a more pronounced vibration in both mirrors. The dealer however declined to address or report the issue. Instead, the dealer maintained that the issue was unique to CX90s, so it is normal in this model. On October 9th, this issue was reported to Mazda USA and was assigned case number [XXX]. Bottom line: this issue may be "normal" in Mazda CX 90s, but that is not normal driving conditions, and poses a safety risk to drivers taking (long) road trips in this vehicle. This issue potentiates any feeling of fatigue driving on road trips and deserves attention and a remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver side mirror shakes at speeds over 45 mph which makes viability in driver side mirror unsafe and distracting while driving.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
On April 3rd, around 5:20 PM, while driving with my daughter on a suburban street, my Mazda hybrid experienced sudden brake failure as I approached a stop sign. Attempts to engage the brakes failed, but they unexpectedly resumed, allowing the car to stop safely. This incident triggered multiple dashboard warnings including "Engine Malfunction," "Hybrid System Malfunction," and "i-Activesense System Malfunction." The hybrid battery’s range indicator also fluctuated erratically between 1 and 4 miles. The primary malfunction involved the vehicle’s braking system, with concurrent issues in the engine and hybrid systems as indicated by the alerts. The vehicle and all related components, along with the computer fault codes, are available for inspection and further testing at the Mazda dealership. The brake failure significantly endangered the safety of both myself and my daughter, as we nearly entered an active intersection uncontrollably, which could have led to a severe collision, posing a grave risk to both occupants and pedestrians. Despite extensive diagnostics and approximately 33 miles of test driving under various conditions, the dealership was unable to replicate the brake failure, raising serious concerns about the braking system’s reliability and predictability. The dealership's technicians, in cooperation with Mazda corporate engineers, have inspected the vehicle and analyzed the diagnostic data and fault codes. As of April 19th, the car remains with the dealership for further analysis. No additional inspections by police, insurance, or independent service centers have been reported. The inability to reproduce the brake failure and the spontaneous nature of the dashboard warnings underscore the necessity for continuous investigation by Mazda. Without a clear resolution, my trust in the vehicle’s safety is deeply shaken, especially for driving in high-speed or heavily trafficked areas.
Vehicle engine suddenly loses significant power, the car violently shakes and the engine starts knocking. When attempting to bring the car to a safe location, the vehicles brakes wouldn’t work. Then the car displayed a bunch of errors, like “Engine Malfunction” and “Hybrid System Malfunction”. The car has been in service twice for this issue and they haven’t found a fix. This malfunction has happened twice during our commute with our children in the car.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
premature failure of OEM Falkens on CX-90 PHEV at 20k miles, posing hydroplaning/skidding risk; Mazda denying full goodwil
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The seatbelt reminder system is broken and someone almost took my door off this morning because I had to open my door to get it to stop. Every day when I drop my kids off at school I have to make sure the vehicle is in park so the seatbelt reminder doesn't go off. If they open it a second before I put the vehicle in park it will keep beeping and beeping until I turn the car off, open my door, and turn the car on. I had to do that today and at a stop sign. It's busy by the school so everyone is in a hurry. So it was beeping non stop because my son unbuckled early and the car will keep beeping even if noone is in the seat. I stopped at the stop sign, turned off the car (and it still kept beeping), opened my door to get it to stop, It was at this point the person behind me thought my car was disabled and went around me, almost taking out my door and possibly my arm at the moment. I also have to do this when someone in the back seat moves seats (and we have to put a seatbelt on an empty seat) or even puts some pressure on a seat. If they sit inbetween seats we then have to put a seatbelt on an empty seat. Dealer says this is the way its designed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .