NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints for the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Most complaints involve service brakes (16) and forward collision avoidance (14). The EPA rates it 25–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“On 1/14/2026, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage when the vehicle abruptly accelerated causing the vehicle to hit the concrete wall in front of me. No braking assist or front collision warning issued. Airbags deployed. The car is currently at Joe Myers Collision Center in Houston, Texas to obtain an estimate for repair. The police did not respond to reported incident. Incident was reported to my insurance company immediately.”
“The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 38 MPH. The contact stated he was approaching an intersection when a vehicle in front of him attempted to make a left turn but slowed down. The contact was unable to depress the brake pedal and turned the steering wheel to the left to avoid the crash, but he crashed into the corner of the passenger side rear bumper of the other vehicle. The contact was not sure of the damage to the other vehicle; his vehicle had damage to the right headlight and the front quarter panel. The contact stated that his vehicle was equipped with a front collision avoidance system, but the system had not engaged. The contact stated that no persons were injured. The contact stated that the police were on scene and wrote a report. The vehicle was driven to a collision center for repair. The contact had not had the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”
“The temperature control dial on the climate control system behaves erratically and inconsistently. When turning the dial to increase temperature, the displayed temperature sometimes decreases. When turning it to decrease, it sometimes increases. The dial also jumps multiple units rather than incrementing one degree at a time. The behavior is unpredictable and occurs regardless of whether the engine is warm or cold. This issue has been confirmed by multiple other 2023 CX-50 owners in owner forums, suggesting a manufacturing defect in the encoder mechanism for the temperature control knob. The dealer confirmed the bumper-to-bumper warranty has expired but has not offered a resolution.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-50 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 335 |
| CX-50 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 356 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (16), forward collision avoidance (14), electrical system (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Mazda CX-50 at 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Mazda CX-50 5 out of 5 stars overall.