2023 MAZDA CX-50

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
Good Reliability

This 2023 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the MAZDA brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

The 2023 CX-50 analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Safety & Reliability Score

82/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-2.4
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 MAZDA CX-50

Model Year2023
MakeMAZDA
ModelCX-50
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

May22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

12 complaints (25% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 48 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(2%)
🟡Medium
18(38%)
🟢Low
29(60%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 20k-40k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 40,359 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 10 of 48 complaints (21% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (20%)
20k-40k
3 reports (30%)
40k-60k
2 reports (20%)
60k-80k
3 reports (30%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

TRAILER HITCHESSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 23V135000

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations

Campaign: 23V275000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

48 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 CX-50.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning25%
Accident15%
Leak10%
Crash/Accident6%
Stall6%
Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES

Following a professional brake flush at Roger Beasley Mazda Central in Austin, Texas, the left front brake bleeder screw was left loose. This resulted in a significant loss of brake fluid over several days, causing a 'Brake Warning' light to illuminate and a visible reduction in braking performance. A secondary inspection by an independent mechanic confirmed the screw was not tightened, which caused corrosive fluid to leak onto the wheel and compromised the safety of the vehicle.

Steering/Suspension🔶 Medium
STEERING

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.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

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.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Cylinder 3, loss of engine power . Safety feature on and off. Life threatening .in the Middle line, suddenly English loss the power almost car behind me crash on us at the time my wife with me in the car . Yes dealer said fuel injector problem , I believe this is more then that . Yes vehicle inspected by dealer under warranty I saw engine logo and something malfunction, but at the I was hurry to drive car on the safe side after that I turn off engine.

Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
SUSPENSION

Wear of Strut Bearing causing crunching sounds at low speed braking and turning. Dealer reports this is due to dirt and debris getting up there. Vehicle has 34,000 miles (out of warranty due to time) and has had only light use off-road on dirt roads (2 camping trips). Not repairing can cause further damage and failure of suspension components. Vehicle marketed as off-road capable but components not protected properly from dirt/debris from driving off-road.

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

The contact owned a 2023 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH she crashed into a deer. The air bag did not deploy. The seat belts malfunctioned and failed to secure the occupant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received an alert on her app. The contact sustained injuries to her eye. The contact lost vision in her eye, and medical attention was provided. There were no reported fires. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was deemed a total lost. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I have had my 2023 Mazda CX-50 for almost two years. Since I got the car, I have had no issues with the i-Activsense until June 2025. The reason I got the newer car was to ensure the safety of my family; however, Mazda failed to do their part. My car was recently involved in a car accident due to a faulty system. It appears that the newer Mazda CX-50s were included in a recall, but the 2023 model was not and it should be. On the day of the accident, my daughter was driving my car. The traffic was slowing down, and two lanes of traffic had to merge to one lane due to construction and all of a sudden, the car in front of her slammed on their breaks and the car could not stop in time before hitting them. My car never sent an alert until contact was made with the other car, and the emergency breaking did not activate. After my car hit the other car, an alert came on screen that indicated the i-Activsense was disabled. Once the car was turned off and then back on the alert disappeared. Additionally, I am now having issues with the rear camera not alerting if someone is behind me (car or pedestrian). I have a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee that will slam on the break for you if you get too close to an object when you are in reverse. Isn't that what the Mazda CX-50 should be doing?

Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
SUSPENSION

On [XXX], our 2023 Mazda CX-50 experienced a failure of the control arm, which was confirmed by Auffenberg Mazda of O’Fallon, IL, to be a manufacturer’s defect. Despite this, the dealer informed us that the vehicle was safe to drive. However, Mazda corporate contradicted this, stating the vehicle is unsafe to drive and instructed us not to operate it. We were informed that the replacement part will not be available until sometime in July 2025, leaving us without a safe vehicle for nearly two months. Both Mazda corporate and Auffenberg Mazda of O’Fallon, IL, have refused to provide a loaner vehicle or commit to reimbursing rental car expenses during this period. Additionally, Mazda corporate has failed to maintain consistent communication, not returning calls when promised and leaving us without timely updates or resolution. This situation poses a significant safety concern and financial burden, as we are left without a reliable means of transportation due to a confirmed manufacturing defect. We request that the NHTSA investigate this issue, including the conflicting safety assessments provided by the dealer and Mazda corporate, the delay in part availability, and the refusal to provide a loaner vehicle or rental car reimbursement. We also urge an evaluation of the control arm defect to ensure other Mazda CX-50 owners are not at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Brakes🔶 Medium
SERVICE BRAKES

The stock manufacturer brakes on this vehicle have been known for issues. There is a open recall on some models but according to records my vehicle does not fall under the listed VIN numbers associated with the recall. Although my vehicle experiences the same concerns the recall list stats. The brakes seem to intermittently have trouble slowing the car down while ascending slopes and coming to a immediate stop. Often you are forced to use excessive force on the pedal and it still does not come to a complete stop.With the amount of forced iv had to use in the past the brakes should lock up and and create a slide but iv never experienced it. If im am not careful and maintain all attention to what its front of me i fear i will create a accident some day. To often in stop and go traffic or abrupt braking situations i have not been able to assure the vehical will stop . This causes concerns due to always having to travel at slower speeds and politically car repair bills. The life expectancy on the brakes are wearing out quickly. I am not a aggressive driver so i should have no problems with premature brake wear. Iv had the brakes inspected by the same dealership multiple times but they always say there's nothing wrong. The brakes have felt the same since purchasing date. Now we are two years into own the vehicle. The dealership is no help and the manufacture is not as well.

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

On the freeway going 60 MPH, the safety system malfunctioned and applied maximum braking - as if I was going to collide with something in front of me. It was frightening. There was a 1/4 mile of open road in front. It happened 2 more times in the next 2 miles on the interstate. Background: I had been driving through a snow storm for a couple hours prior to the incident and I received a forward camera dirty warning. I was in the left lane (of 3 lanes) with a concrete barrier about 15 ft to my left. All 3 times, there was a semi truck & trailer on the right. I was in no danger of collision. I took the CX50 to the Mazda Dealer and the issue was escalated to the regional service techs who said the auto was "working as intended" I vehemently disagree. I am lucky there was no one driving close behind me, otherwise there would have been a terrible accident

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2023 MAZDA CX-50?

Yes, the 2023 MAZDA CX-50 has 2 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including TRAILER HITCHES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE.

Is the 2023 MAZDA CX-50 safe to drive?

The 2023 MAZDA CX-50 has 2 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2023 MAZDA CX-50 has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local MAZDA dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Trailer hitches

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm trailer hitches recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all trailer hitches recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:23V135000
2

Service brakes, hydraulic

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:23V275000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your MAZDA dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your MAZDA dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.