2025 Mazda CX-90 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 2025 Mazda CX-90, 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
- Driver assistance1027.8%
- Brakes616.7%
- Engine513.9%
- Powertrain (other)38.3%
- Electrical38.3%
- Interior & seats25.6%
- Fuel system25.6%
- Steering25.6%
- Seat belts12.8%
- Tires & wheels12.8%
- Other / unspecified12.8%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ISSUE 1 – UNINTENDED DECELERATION (Power Train): While driving at highway speeds (60–80 mph) with foot off accelerator for approximately 5+ seconds while coasting, the vehicle unexpectedly executes a sharp, single downshift causing sudden unintended deceleration and an RPM spike. No warning lights illuminate. Documented on 11 occasions between May 20, 2026 and July 29, 2026; incidents occurred prior to May 2026 but were undocumented. Occurs most frequently decelerating off highway exit ramps but also during general highway coasting in Houston, TX. A passenger was present during multiple incidents. Trailing vehicles are not anticipating the sudden speed reduction, creating rear-end collision risk. ISSUE 2 – FALSE BLIND SPOT / REAR RADAR ALERTS (ADAS): The Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Radar Sensor systems generate daily false alerts — both audible and visual — when no vehicles or objects are present. Triggers randomly across varying conditions. False alerts have caused multiple aborted lane changes that were otherwise safe to execute. ISSUE 3 – LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE (ADAS): The LKA system applies forceful steering corrections during intentional, signal-indicated lane changes, including in areas without lane markings. Occurs at highway speeds during on/off-ramp transitions. Corrections have triggered reactive maneuvers by surrounding drivers in dense traffic, causing near-collision situations. Dealer service appointment scheduled August 6, 2026.
Every time I drive the vehicle, it basically snatches me back into the lane aggressively. If I am moving into the next lane, the lane correction is so aggressively, I am afraid it is going to cause a collision. The brakes squeak and squeal constantly. They have oiled the brakes but it didn't work.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased this Mazda new in October 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has unexpectedly applied the brakes on three separate occasions while I was driving under normal conditions. There was no reason for the vehicle to brake, and each incident created a dangerous situation because the vehicle slowed suddenly without my input. I brought the vehicle to my local Mazda dealership for inspection. The dealership was unable to identify a defect or repair the issue. I was told that the automatic emergency braking system may sometimes react to reflections and that this behavior is considered normal. However, I do not believe it is normal or safe for a vehicle to apply the brakes unexpectedly during normal driving. I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle, especially with my husband and young child as passengers. I am concerned that if the vehicle brakes unexpectedly again, it could cause a rear-end collision or another serious accident. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this may be a safety-related defect involving the automatic emergency braking/forward collision avoidance system. I am requesting that this issue be documented and investigated.
Every time I drive the vehicle, it basically snatches me back into the lane aggressively. If I am moving into the next lane, the lane correction is so aggressively, I am afraid it is going to cause a collision. The brakes squeak and squeal constantly. They have oiled the brakes but it didn't work.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2026 Mazda CX-90 hybrid with approximately 13,000 miles. The vehicle began making a grinding noise while driving, which has progressively worsened over time. It has since developed a hard knocking noise accompanied by noticeable vibration when the vehicle shifts gears. This knocking occurs during normal in-town driving. I have taken the vehicle to the selling/authorized Mazda dealership on two occasions — June 2, 2026 and July 14, 2026. On both visits, the dealer was able to reproduce and confirm the noise and knocking. The dealer stated they are aware other customers have reported the same issue, but that Mazda considers the noise/knocking acceptable and declined to perform a repair. No warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes have appeared at any point; the only symptoms are audible and physical. The vehicle is under both factory warranty and a purchased service/maintenance agreement. It has only been inspected by the selling dealership; no inspection has been performed directly by Mazda North America, law enforcement, or an insurance representative. I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others because a worsening, unexplained drivetrain issue that produces hard knocking and vibration during routine driving suggests a mechanical fault that could progress to sudden failure, and the manufacturer has declined to investigate or repair it further despite the symptom escalating across two documented visits. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, leased in April 2025. Since early in my lease, the vehicle has had ongoing drivability issues that have worsened over time and now present a serious safety concern.From the beginning, the vehicle exhibited jerking and hesitation while driving. Initially minor, this has become more frequent and now includes stalling behavior during normal driving conditions, including acceleration and traffic flow. This creates a risk of collision, especially when merging or at intersections.Approximately six months into my lease, the radiator failed and had to be replaced. More recently, while driving, multiple warnings appeared at once: Hybrid System Malfunction, Battery System Malfunction, Oil Monitoring Malfunction, and i-ACTIVSENSE partially disabled. These warnings were documented.Two weeks prior, the dealership reported no diagnostic codes. However, on my most recent visit, I was told via video that the active air shutter is now the issue. The required part is on backorder until August. I was told I could either remain in a non-comparable loaner while still making full lease payments, or continue driving the vehicle in its current condition until the part arrives. I find this unacceptable given the safety concerns.I expressed that I do not feel safe driving this vehicle, but the service advisor stated this is “not a safety concern.” I disagree. A vehicle that jerks, hesitates, or stalls while driving, combined with multiple system malfunctions and disabled safety features, presents a clear safety risk.I also disclosed prior to leasing that I do not have access to charging. I was told this would not be an issue. I am now being told that not charging the vehicle may be contributing to the problem. Service advisors have also indicated these vehicles have known hybrid battery issues.I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle and am concerned for my safety and my family’s safety.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ISSUE 1 – UNINTENDED DECELERATION (Power Train): While driving at highway speeds (60–80 mph) with foot off accelerator for approximately 5+ seconds while coasting, the vehicle unexpectedly executes a sharp, single downshift causing sudden unintended deceleration and an RPM spike. No warning lights illuminate. Documented on 11 occasions between May 20, 2026 and July 29, 2026; incidents occurred prior to May 2026 but were undocumented. Occurs most frequently decelerating off highway exit ramps but also during general highway coasting in Houston, TX. A passenger was present during multiple incidents. Trailing vehicles are not anticipating the sudden speed reduction, creating rear-end collision risk. ISSUE 2 – FALSE BLIND SPOT / REAR RADAR ALERTS (ADAS): The Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Radar Sensor systems generate daily false alerts — both audible and visual — when no vehicles or objects are present. Triggers randomly across varying conditions. False alerts have caused multiple aborted lane changes that were otherwise safe to execute. ISSUE 3 – LANE KEEPING ASSISTANCE (ADAS): The LKA system applies forceful steering corrections during intentional, signal-indicated lane changes, including in areas without lane markings. Occurs at highway speeds during on/off-ramp transitions. Corrections have triggered reactive maneuvers by surrounding drivers in dense traffic, causing near-collision situations. Dealer service appointment scheduled August 6, 2026.
I own a 2026 Mazda CX-90 hybrid with approximately 13,000 miles. The vehicle began making a grinding noise while driving, which has progressively worsened over time. It has since developed a hard knocking noise accompanied by noticeable vibration when the vehicle shifts gears. This knocking occurs during normal in-town driving. I have taken the vehicle to the selling/authorized Mazda dealership on two occasions — June 2, 2026 and July 14, 2026. On both visits, the dealer was able to reproduce and confirm the noise and knocking. The dealer stated they are aware other customers have reported the same issue, but that Mazda considers the noise/knocking acceptable and declined to perform a repair. No warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes have appeared at any point; the only symptoms are audible and physical. The vehicle is under both factory warranty and a purchased service/maintenance agreement. It has only been inspected by the selling dealership; no inspection has been performed directly by Mazda North America, law enforcement, or an insurance representative. I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others because a worsening, unexplained drivetrain issue that produces hard knocking and vibration during routine driving suggests a mechanical fault that could progress to sudden failure, and the manufacturer has declined to investigate or repair it further despite the symptom escalating across two documented visits. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
On 3/19/2026, the vehicle ignition was turned on. Immediately, we received a variety of warnings, including: "charging system malfunction", "i-ACTIVESENSE Partially Disabled", "Hybrid System Malfunction", "i-stop Malfunction", "Charging System Malfunction", and "Critical Systems Failure". Vehicle has only 20,040 miles. On 3/20/2026 8:30 AM, we contacted the Mazda dealer where vehicle was purchased new and they said "we are not sure when we can get to it--it could be several weeks". We had the vehicle towed to this dealer since they were involved in addressing the recall about "fuel sensors". An email was also sent to Mazda corporate so they would be aware of the response we received from the dealer and help with a car rental. It was very fortunate that we were not on the highway when this happened as it would have been an extreme safety risk.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My driver door would not open from the inside. Doors are unlocked, but only the driver side door will not open from the inside. Driver side door can only open from the outside.
Seatbelt got stuck between seat and seat frame. Seatbelt was stuck in the locked position and was neither able to be retracted or pulled out rendering the seatbelt unusable. This is a huge safety concern as we were stranded at night with small children and unable to use the seatbelt. A recall should be made to this vehicle (Mazda cx90). Further Mazda is claiming that seatbelts are not part of the warranty (it’s a <1 year old car) and they are charging $1000 to fix this. This is a huge safety issue to not have a functioning seatbelt and a design flaw that should be fixed. It is too easy under normal use for this to occur.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 2026 Mazda CX-90 hybrid with approximately 13,000 miles. The vehicle began making a grinding noise while driving, which has progressively worsened over time. It has since developed a hard knocking noise accompanied by noticeable vibration when the vehicle shifts gears. This knocking occurs during normal in-town driving. I have taken the vehicle to the selling/authorized Mazda dealership on two occasions — June 2, 2026 and July 14, 2026. On both visits, the dealer was able to reproduce and confirm the noise and knocking. The dealer stated they are aware other customers have reported the same issue, but that Mazda considers the noise/knocking acceptable and declined to perform a repair. No warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes have appeared at any point; the only symptoms are audible and physical. The vehicle is under both factory warranty and a purchased service/maintenance agreement. It has only been inspected by the selling dealership; no inspection has been performed directly by Mazda North America, law enforcement, or an insurance representative. I am concerned about my safety and the safety of others because a worsening, unexplained drivetrain issue that produces hard knocking and vibration during routine driving suggests a mechanical fault that could progress to sudden failure, and the manufacturer has declined to investigate or repair it further despite the symptom escalating across two documented visits. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2025 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, there was a very strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the battery charge was low. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle was a new vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Every time I drive the vehicle, it basically snatches me back into the lane aggressively. If I am moving into the next lane, the lane correction is so aggressively, I am afraid it is going to cause a collision. The brakes squeak and squeal constantly. They have oiled the brakes but it didn't work.
Brakes have been really squeaky and seems like a common problem for other CX90 but no fix. Steering tends to feel “sticky” when doing certain turns and locks when you’re at the max radius and won’t return back
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
Seatbelt got stuck between seat and seat frame. Seatbelt was stuck in the locked position and was neither able to be retracted or pulled out rendering the seatbelt unusable. This is a huge safety concern as we were stranded at night with small children and unable to use the seatbelt. A recall should be made to this vehicle (Mazda cx90). Further Mazda is claiming that seatbelts are not part of the warranty (it’s a <1 year old car) and they are charging $1000 to fix this. This is a huge safety issue to not have a functioning seatbelt and a design flaw that should be fixed. It is too easy under normal use for this to occur.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Premature tire tread wear on 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV equipped with OEM Falken tires. At 21,586 miles, an authorized Mazda dealer measured tread depths at 5/32, 5/32, 4/32, and 3/32 (rear tire at replacement threshold). This level of wear is abnormal for the mileage and creates a safety concern due to reduced wet traction and hydroplaning risk. Dealer inspection dated 12/16/2025. Mazda USA case number 00394959.
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
I purchased a new 2025 Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid, which currently has approximately 16,500 miles. Despite normal daily driving, proper maintenance, and all scheduled services performed at authorized Mazda dealerships, all four original tires have prematurely worn out and require full replacement. This level of tire wear is abnormal and significantly below the expected lifespan for a vehicle of this type. Mazda representatives have verbally acknowledged that premature tire wear is a known issue with this model, reportedly related to the vehicle’s weight and design, yet no corrective action, repair, or warranty assistance has been offered. This defect creates an unexpected financial burden and raises safety concerns for a family vehicle used daily to transport children. Based on current wear, this issue will require tire replacement on a yearly basis, which is unreasonable for a high-purchase-price vehicle of this class. I am seeking a fair resolution, including reimbursement for premature tire replacement and appropriate corrective measures to address the underlying cause of the excessive tire wear.
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 .