CX-50 (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
PY
2.5L 4-cyl Turbo / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
CW
2.5L 4-cyl / 176 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
PY Cylinder Deactivation
2.5L 4-cyl / 187 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mazda CX-50 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda CX-50, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50
On a used 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (36), the brakes (29) and the transmission and drivetrain (20). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 about the brakes.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 about the electrical system.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 about the body and structure.
Recalls (7)
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The front suspension fastener bolts may not be tightened properly, which can result in suspension component and/or wheel detachment.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The transmission gear shifter can be moved from Neutral to Drive without pressing the brake pedal.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended.
Show 2 older recalls
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.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 complaints?
Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the brakes and the transmission.
Is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 have?
NHTSA has 143 owner complaints on file for the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda CX-50?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the brakes and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the CX-50?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars. Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 143 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.