Car Defect Radar
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Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 2 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

2 total · 2 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Brakes recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 23V275000 · Apr 2023

Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 23V135000 · Mar 2023

Towing a trailer with inoperative lights or brakes can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Dealers will repair the trailer hitch harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5723B.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

63 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
8

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

sudden stalling 3unintended acceleration 2transmission slipping 2
A recent report: Fuel gauge permanently stuck on empty. Computer code = P0463 Occurred on Jan 30, 2026. Mechanic provided error code at that time. Unsafe driving conditions where distance-to-empty calculations are…
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Fuel gauge permanently stuck on empty. Computer code = P0463 Occurred on Jan 30, 2026. Mechanic provided error code at that time. Unsafe driving conditions where distance-to-empty calculations are disabled, standard fuel level indicator showing empty (or stuck on full) risking an unexpected engine stall on public highways and roads. I have NO idea how much Fuel is in the tank nor how many miles are left on tank which could lead to unexpected and sudden stops in high traffic situations. Yes: code was confirmed by Advanced Auto, London Motorworks, and personal computer. Fuel sensor stuck on "FULL" in May 18 then again stuck on empty since May 21. Vehicle inspected by mechanic on Jan 30, 2026 Engine Warning light began on Jan 30, 2026 at 9:22amCT

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763043 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
7

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 3electrical shorts 2
A recent report: 2023 Mazda cx50 with 28k miles. This vehicle was purchased 3mths ago. The cx50 has locked me out 5 times & had a dead battery each time. Has been to dealership 3 times. No repairs made after…
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2023 Mazda cx50 with 28k miles. This vehicle was purchased 3mths ago. The cx50 has locked me out 5 times & had a dead battery each time. Has been to dealership 3 times. No repairs made after dealership doing battery drain extensive testing. Cycle of this happening 3 times. I’ve been in a loaner more than my purchased vehicle. It is a safety concern leaving me locked at of my vehicle 5 times. Then when gaining access to vehicle with manual key. Vehicle has had dead battery 5 times all of this occurred over 3 months. With no repairs made from dealerships. It’s been to two different dealerships. Major safety concerns! The dealership has agreed to buyback the cx50. But it has taken a lot of phone calls with dealerships & Mazda corporate. Vehicle is still currently owned by me & awaiting buyback to occur this week. Not a safe vehicle!!! No warning lights no signs of any kind & battery continues to be dead. Battery changed twice by dealership. No other repairs done.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11700471 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
14

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 3 mention a crash.

software faults 5loss of braking 4fluid leaks 2
A recent report: Premature brake wear exacerbated by heavy stop and go traffic conditions.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761979 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
12

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

loss of steering 4premature wear 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. The contact was able to move the steering wheel up and down very easily. The contact stated that the vehicle…
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The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. The contact was able to move the steering wheel up and down very easily. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash 7 months ago, and the steering wheel started to become loose one week ago. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,585.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11704754 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
3

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 2airbags deploying unexpectedly 1
A recent report: I am reporting a potential airbag system/emergency brake failure in my 2023 Mazda CX-50. I was involved in a rear-end motor vehicle accident at approximately 60 mph while my vehicle was completely…
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I am reporting a potential airbag system/emergency brake failure in my 2023 Mazda CX-50. I was involved in a rear-end motor vehicle accident at approximately 60 mph while my vehicle was completely stopped. I then hit the person in front of me. At the time of the impact, the airbags did not deploy, and I received a dashboard message indicating an airbag system malfunction. Since then, the emergency brake turns on and off on it's own at any time. Due to the severity of the crash, I am concerned that the airbags should have deployed, and their failure raises a serious safety concern. I sustained injuries (multiple fractures) as a result of the collision. I am requesting a formal investigation into possible defect or malfunction in the airbag system and emergency brake system.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11727435 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
8

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 3
A recent report: While driving 72mph on the interstate at 6am on 7/21/26 the sunroof exploded. No foreign objects made impact with the vehicle and there was no sudden temperature shifts. The glass had no previous…
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While driving 72mph on the interstate at 6am on 7/21/26 the sunroof exploded. No foreign objects made impact with the vehicle and there was no sudden temperature shifts. The glass had no previous defects and it shattered into tiny pieces, failing into the car. The sun shade was open at the time. The vehicle is being serviced at a glass repair shop who noted this is a common issue with Mazda sunroofs.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751781 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
11

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 4premature wear 3
A recent report: My rear differential is going out at only 40,000 miles. Ive heard from many other people that this is a widespread issue, and i feel requires a response from the company.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11747626 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 63 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2022 and 2026, roughly 15 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2023 has 63 complaints on file, more than the 2024 (33). That is the most of the 4 model years of the Mazda CX-50 we cover. Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.