Last updated: 2026-10-10
2025 Mazda CX-50 Reliability Report
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 has good reliability, but front axle and CV boot failures near 6,000 miles are the main problem owners report.
Recalls
3
Complaints
21
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Middle of the CX-50 pack, with early front axle failures and three recalls, more than the 2024 or 2026 years show.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- SEATS (2)
Should You Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-50?
Reliability is good for this model year, though it sits below average among 2025 SUVs. Among the four scored CX-50 years, it lands in the middle, and both 2024 and 2026 rate better. The 2026 has no complaints on file, but that mostly reflects how little time it has been on the road. Crash testing earned five of five stars.
The main problem is the front axle. Owners report leaking CV boots and axles failing inside, often near 6,000 miles, with a clunk from the front end in turns. Some dealers blamed outside impact, and replacement axles were back-ordered for weeks. A second complaint describes the transmission not engaging Drive after reversing until the engine is restarted. Two seat reports are rare but serious: heated-seat burns, and a fire inside a Hybrid's front seat.
Check the VIN for open recalls. Three are on file, covering suspension, engine and engine cooling, electrical, and air bags. Ask for any front axle repair records. The 2024 rates better and is worth comparing.
Compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-50, which scored 10 points higher. 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 boots leak grease and front axles develop internal damage, often... (6 complaints)
- −SEATS: Front seats get dangerously hot or catch fire (2 complaints)
Compare 2025 Mazda CX-50 With
2025 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 80/100
2025 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 84/100
2025 Nissan Rogue
Reliability: 84/100
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 75/100
2025 Kia Sportage
Reliability: 82/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (6)
- SUSPENSION (2)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2025 Mazda CX-50. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
21
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
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.
Buying a used 2025 Mazda CX-50? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 Mazda CX-50, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
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-50Repair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–28 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,150–$2,400/yr
Fuel only
23–25 city / 29–31 hwy MPG
Hybrid
38 MPG
Fuel cost: $1,600/yr
Fuel only
39 city / 37 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-50 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
| CX-50 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-50 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 39 | 37 | 38 | $1,600 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Mazda CX-50.
Make tight left and right turns in a parking lot and listen for clunking from the front end.
Look behind both front wheels for grease on the CV boots and axles.
Ask for service records showing whether the front axles were already replaced.
Shift from Reverse to Drive several times and confirm the car moves forward without rolling back.
Run each heated seat for several minutes and check that no spot gets painfully hot.
Open and close the front passenger door slowly and check for scraping against the fender.
Start the engine cold and note any heavy cabin vibration at idle.
Check the windshield and rear hatch glass for cracks, feeling the inside surface too.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Common Problems by Component
21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsFront CV boots leak grease and front axles develop internal damage, often around 6,000 miles. The usual symptom is a clunk from the front end during left or right turns. Some dealers blame boot leaks on outside impact without clear proof. Others replace the axle, but replacement parts have been back-ordered for weeks. In a second pattern, the transmission fails to engage Drive after reversing. The car acts like it is in neutral or rolls backward, with no warning lights. Restarting the engine, sometimes more than once, restores Drive. This can leave the car stuck in traffic.
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsCV joints and front axles fail early, with one failure reported at 6000 miles. Reported symptoms include clicking, vibration, loss of power to the wheels, and complete axle failure. Dealers say multiple Hybrid vehicles are coming back with the same problem, and one repair took over 3 weeks. A failed axle can cause a sudden loss of propulsion, which raises crash risk at highway speeds or in turns. These reports describe the same axle problem filed under the power train heading.
SEATS
2 complaintsFront seats get dangerously hot or catch fire. One complaint describes thigh burns and blisters after using the heated seat on and off during a long drive. That is the 1 injury on file. Another describes a fire that started inside a front seat of a nearly new Hybrid under normal use and charred the seat material. Neither report names a cause or a fix. There are only 2 complaints, but both involve a direct burn or fire risk to the people in the car.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsGlass cracks or shatters with no visible impact. In one report, a windshield crack appeared on a nearly new, garaged car. The crack could be felt only from the inside. In another, the rear hatch window shattered overnight while the car was parked, with no sign of a break-in or a thrown object. Neither report gives a cause or a dealer fix. There are only 2 complaints, so this is not yet a clear pattern.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsBody fit problems show up in two forms. One is a dent in the rear bumper. A dealer ruled the existing bulletin for that defect did not apply to the car. The other is a front passenger door that scrapes against the fender. The same filing also describes a rough idle at startup that shakes the cabin for about 40 seconds before it smooths out. With only 2 complaints, these look like fit and finish annoyances, not a demonstrated safety problem.
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
Based on reliability index scoreMazda CX-50 Years to Avoid
No Mazda CX-50 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 65 and 76 across 4 scored model years.
Mazda CX-50 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Mazda CX-50 Reliability Compared to Other Years
2025 Mazda CX-50 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is available with 2powertrain 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 by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. 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?
Does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 have front axle problems?
Does the 2025 Mazda CX-50 have recalls?
Is the 2024 or 2025 Mazda CX-50 better?
Don’t buy a 2025 Mazda CX-50 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2025 Mazda CX-50
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 does best on recall impact (75/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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