2026 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 2026 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
- Electrical333.3%
- Airbags222.2%
- Steering222.2%
- Seat belts111.1%
- Visibility111.1%
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
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.”
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact was driving a 2026 Mazda Motor. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the contact discovered that while the front passenger seat was not occupied, when the passenger did not weigh enough the front passenger side air bag was inoperative; the contact stated that while the front passenger seat was not occupied the "fasten passenger seatbelt" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the fasten seat belt alarm went off. A dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,133.
Vehicle experienced multiple safety-related failures at approximately 500 miles. The failures included complete instrument cluster loss (no speedometer or gauges), unpredictable windshield wiper operation, headlight flickering, complete loss of brake lights and turn signals, rear liftgate malfunction, and airbag/seatbelt warning indicators. These issues created unsafe operating conditions, including inability to monitor vehicle speed, loss of rear signaling and brake indication to other drivers, and uncertainty regarding airbag system functionality. This presented a risk to both the driver and surrounding traffic. The failures occurred intermittently and in combination, indicating a potential systemic electrical issue rather than a single isolated component failure. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Mazda dealership and is currently under inspection and repair. The dealership has indicated the instrument cluster requires replacement and is currently on backorder. Full root cause has not been confirmed. Warning indicators, including airbag and seatbelt system alerts, were observed prior to and during the failures. Additional symptoms included erratic system behavior across multiple vehicle functions. Vehicle remains at dealership with no confirmed repair completion date. Component is available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership.
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
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.”
The contact owns a 2026 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was pulling to the left, causing the vehicle to merge into the left lane unintendedly. The contact firmly held the steering wheel to prevent the failure. Additionally, the vehicle jerked to the right lane while the lane keep steering assist function was activated because the steering wheel was pulling to the left. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no cause of failure was found. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and an alignment of 0.1 degrees was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the third time, and the contact was informed that no repair was available and was advised to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
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
Vehicle experienced multiple safety-related failures at approximately 500 miles. The failures included complete instrument cluster loss (no speedometer or gauges), unpredictable windshield wiper operation, headlight flickering, complete loss of brake lights and turn signals, rear liftgate malfunction, and airbag/seatbelt warning indicators. These issues created unsafe operating conditions, including inability to monitor vehicle speed, loss of rear signaling and brake indication to other drivers, and uncertainty regarding airbag system functionality. This presented a risk to both the driver and surrounding traffic. The failures occurred intermittently and in combination, indicating a potential systemic electrical issue rather than a single isolated component failure. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Mazda dealership and is currently under inspection and repair. The dealership has indicated the instrument cluster requires replacement and is currently on backorder. Full root cause has not been confirmed. Warning indicators, including airbag and seatbelt system alerts, were observed prior to and during the failures. Additional symptoms included erratic system behavior across multiple vehicle functions. Vehicle remains at dealership with no confirmed repair completion date. Component is available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 .