Last updated: 2026-03-04
2025 Mazda CX-50 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 21 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
21
Complaint Rate
N/A
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
N/A
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 scores 66/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 21 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (6). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-50. See also the 2024 Mazda CX-50 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Low complaint frequency
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- POWER TRAIN: Front CV boot and axle assembly (6 complaints)
- SUSPENSION: Issues with the suspension of the 2025 Mazda CX-50, specifically related to CV... (2 complaints)
Compare 2025 Mazda CX-50 With
2025 Toyota RAV4
Score: 84/100
2025 Honda CR-V
Score: 80/100
2025 Subaru Forester
Score: 79/100
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Score: 72/100
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- SEATS (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
- STRUCTURE (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- ENGINE (1)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
21
complaintsSafety Incidents
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Mazda CX-50. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SUSPENSION
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.
Consequence
Wheel or suspension component detachment can cause a loss of vehicle control and a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front suspension fastener bolts and, if necessary, replace and tighten them, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7925J. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 3, 2025.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
Shifting into gear without the brake pedal depressed can result in unexpected vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module (ECM) and reprogram the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and Power Control Unit (PCU), free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated late summer 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7725F.
AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the module software, free of charge. Owner notifications will not be mailed due to all vehicles being under Mazda dealer control. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7625F.
2025 Mazda CX-50 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Safety Technologies
Mazda CX-50 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis | $98 – $143 |
| General Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Vibration Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| No Start Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $183 – $269 |
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $122 – $179 |
| AC Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection | $122 – $179 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2025 Mazda CX-50
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect CV joints and axles for grease leaks or damage
- Test transmission for engagement issues when shifting from reverse to drive
- Check seat heaters for excessive heat or signs of damage
- Inspect windshield and rear hatch window for cracks or unexplained damage
- Verify alignment of front passenger door and fender for scraping or misalignment
Check Any 2025 Mazda CX-50's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 CX-50 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Mazda CX-50 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Common Problems by Component
21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the front CV boot and axle assembly. Complaints commonly describe grease leaks from the CV boot and clunking noises during turns, with some reports indicating internal axle damage. These issues are often identified around 6,000 miles and have led to extended repair wait times due to parts backorder. Additionally, multiple owners experience transmission engagement failures when shifting from reverse to drive, resulting in the car behaving as if in neutral, which poses a safety risk by immobilizing the vehicle in traffic. These patterns suggest potential early-life component failures, with significant safety implications due to possible loss of vehicle control or inability to move.
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the suspension of the 2025 Mazda CX-50, specifically related to CV joints and axles. Complaints frequently mention premature axle failure occurring as early as 6,000 miles, with symptoms including clicking noises, vibration, loss of power to the wheels, and complete axle failure. These symptoms suggest a pattern of early failure under normal driving conditions, rather than isolated incidents. Safety implications include the potential for sudden loss of propulsion, which may increase the risk of a crash, particularly at highway speeds or during turns. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues and consider the potential need for repairs or further investigation.
SEATS
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the seats in the 2025 Mazda CX-50, specifically involving fire hazards and injuries from seat heaters. One complaint describes a fire originating inside a front seat under normal vehicle operation, occurring 6-8 weeks after purchase, with no external fire sources or modifications noted. Another complaint details a driver experiencing second and third-degree burns on their thighs after using the heated seat feature during a long drive. These incidents highlight potential safety risks, including fire hazards and severe burns, in vehicles with low mileage shortly after purchase.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 report issues with glass components, specifically the windshield and rear hatch window. One owner notes a crack on the inside of the windshield at approximately 1,892 miles, despite the vehicle being garage-kept and free from debris impact. Another owner describes the rear hatch window shattering overnight without any apparent cause, as confirmed by surveillance footage. These issues occur at low mileage and do not involve crashes or loss of vehicle control, but they may lead to unexpected repair needs.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners report structural issues with the 2025 Mazda CX-50, with complaints focusing on two main problems. One owner describes an indentation in the rear bumper that resembles a known defect, though it was not acknowledged by the dealer. Another complaint highlights a misalignment issue where the front passenger door scrapes against the interior fender, potentially affecting the vehicle's structural integrity and the uniformity of panel alignment. This misalignment could lead to the door becoming stuck. While specific mileage or timelines are not mentioned, the structural concerns, particularly regarding the front passenger door, could have safety implications if they affect the vehicle's crumple zones. These issues may be relevant for potential buyers evaluating the vehicle's condition and safety.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintI get an error that rear side radar obsured, I activsense temporarily disabled almost everytime I drive at freeway speeds. It disables the blind spot monitoring making the vehicle less safe. It disables for long periods of time in all conditions. Took to Mazda and they indicated it’s an issue, but no solution.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintWhen using adaptive cruise control, during SOME cornering, SOMETIMES the car brakes unexpectedly, very aggressively, without warning. Very dangerous, especially when another car is behind you.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint1) Driving on an expressway and the red warning light goes on - two red bars with a sterring wheel in the middle. Car sounded an alarm that indicated we were going to crash. No cars in front of us. 2) Driving on the expressway with the cruise control on. Driving 75 miles an hour and the vehicle goes to 30 miles an hour and I have to accelerate. Thank the Lord no one was behind me. This has happened 3 times. I took it into Mazda and tool them the issue but they just did their regular maintenance on my car. There is a major issue with this vehicle and nobody wants to admit Need your help
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintDue to a hybrid battery malfunction, full body sensor mlafunction and TPMS functionality error, vehicle left inoperable. Vehicle could not be placed in neutral. Vehicle could not be jump started.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintCheck engine light came on at 600 miles. Took it to the dealer and the code was a p3400 code, cylinder deactivation fault. The dealership replaced both solenoids, part #PYFA-12-360A, found metal in OCV valves. When we got the car back I changed the oil, cut the oil filter open and found large metal shavings. At about 1300 miles the same check engine light came on. Back to the dealership with the same code. Now Mazda says to replace the head.
When Do 2025 Mazda CX-50 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mazda CX-50 Years
Best Mazda CX-50 Years to Buy
The best Mazda CX-50 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (66/100) and 2023 (65/100).
2024
1 recall · 26 complaints
2025(this page)
3 recalls · 21 complaints
2023
2 recalls · 49 complaints
Mazda CX-50 Years to Avoid
No Mazda CX-50 years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Mazda CX-50 years-to-avoid analysis →Mazda CX-50 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda CX-50 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 67/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 66/100 | Good |
Mazda CX-50 Reliability Compared to Other Years
2025 Mazda CX-50 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 21 | 3 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 21 | 3 | 0 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
How many recalls does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 have?
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-50 expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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