Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2024 Mazda CX-50Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 36 owner complaints for the 2024 Mazda CX-50. Most complaints involve electrical system (8) and forward collision avoidance (6). The EPA rates it 25–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–27mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Mar 2025
Owner complaints
36
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Trailer hitches

Free remedy

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.

Trailer hitchesReported Mar 14, 2025NHTSA 25V167000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

36 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2024 – Nov 2026
  1. Electrical system8
  2. Forward collision avoidance6
  3. Structure6
  4. Service brakes5
  5. Engine4
  6. Power train3
  7. Lane departure3
  8. Back over prevention3
  9. Steering3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CX-50 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
202365
202436
202550
202615
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

8 reports1 crash1 fire
“FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT Vehicle: 2024 Mazda CX-50 Subject: Repeated Unintended Emergency Braking, False Collision Warnings, and Persistent Braking-System Malfunction I am submitting a formal safety complaint concerning serious and recurring braking-system malfunctions involving my 2024 Mazda CX-50. The vehicle initially began displaying false collision and braking warnings despite there being no apparent hazard or obstruction. These warnings occurred repeatedly and eventually progressed to incidents in which the vehicle activated its automatic emergency braking system without justification. During one particularly dangerous incident, I was traveling approximately 75 mph on the freeway when the dashboard suddenly displayed a red braking warning and the vehicle automatically applied its brakes with extreme force. There was no apparent vehicle, pedestrian, or obstruction requiring emergency braking. The sudden and unexpected deceleration nearly resulted in a serious collision. These problems are not isolated. The vehicle continues to experience false collision alerts or unintended braking on an almost daily basis, even when no hazard is present.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11770595

Forward collision avoidance

6 reports1 crash
“Front license plate in OEM factory location interferes with forward radar sensor, causing phantom automatic emergency braking events in moving traffic. Vehicle came to complete stop in active traffic lanes on multiple occasions, creating severe collision risk. Removing the plate (in violation of California law) restored normal sensor function.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11771509

Structure

6 reports1 fire
“I was attempting to mount my bike rack. To get the clips to properly fit I needed to partially open the liftgate. Upon triggering the door release the power liftgate and began opening the door. The anti pinch system did not detect the pinch and it crumpled the roof and liftgate at the seam. I tried to stop it but there was too much pressure and by the time it stopped lifting under my body weight significant damage had occurred. If a finger had been there it would have been chopped off.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 24, 2026StructureODI 11733496
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CX-50 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
243027$2,300335
CX-50 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
232925$2,500356
  • CX-50 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    24 city · 30 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • CX-50 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    23 city · 29 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Mazda CX-50 SUV AWD Early Release
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-50 SUV AWD Later Release
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 20024Vehicle 19377
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2024 CX-50 questions

How many recalls does the 2024 Mazda CX-50 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 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.

What are the most common 2024 Mazda CX-50 problems?

Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (8), forward collision avoidance (6), structure (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2024 Mazda CX-50 get?

The EPA rates the 2024 Mazda CX-50 at 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2024 Mazda CX-50?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2024 Mazda CX-50 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026