NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2025 Mazda CX-90. Most complaints involve service brakes (9) and engine (7). The EPA rates it 25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not function properly.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“My 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has experienced multiple incidents of sudden, uncommanded hard braking when there was no visible obstacle or danger in front of the vehicle. The most serious incident occurred on September 4, 2026, during rush hour traffic. The vehicle beeped, a warning that said "BRAKE!!" appeared on the dash, and abruptly braked without driver input, creating a significant rear-end collision risk. My dog was thrown from the back seat as a result of the braking. Another unexpected braking incident occurred the following morning when I was backing out of my driveway. Similar unexpected braking behavior has occurred earlier in my ownership of the vehicle as well. I brought the vehicle to a Mazda dealership for diagnosis on September 10, 2026 (their earliest available appointment). They kept and tested the vehicle, but were unable to reproduce the condition or identify a cause. No repair has been made that explains or corrects the unexpected braking. On October 2, the dealership informed me that the vehicle was ready to be picked up and that they considered nothing to be wrong with it. The service manager, Rocky, told my husband that a "critter or shadow"…”
“The vehicle utilizes I-Stop, which comes on when stopping and while traveling down the interstate when the computer isn’t registering throttle input as a way to increase fuel economy. At least a dozen times now, the vehicle has failed to register throttle input, which isn't allowing the vehicle to restart when traveling down the road. The tachometer will remain at zero even with the pedal all the way to the floor. This has even happened while traveling down [XXX] in Northern Virginia placing myself and my family at risk of a collision. We have taken the vehicle in for service and mazda has been unable to replicate the issue or successfully diagnose the problem.”
“Hybrid battery recall was replaced and failed a month later for a second time burning other systems and causing a compete failure in the car. It failed in a deserted portion of [XXX] while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] for important business. This left me stranded in the middle of the [XXX] desert late at night in a dangerous area. It failed on the highway loosing complete power with multiple failures reported on dashboard. I was left stranded in the middle of nowhere with no nearby services or immediate assistance and was forced to remain in the vehicle overnight in unsafe conditions. The vehicle required towing, and I was later informed the issue was again the hybrid battery the same component that had already been replaced under recall less than one month prior. This repeated failure creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power and leave occupants stranded without warning, even in remote or unsafe locations. In addition it lost power on the highway and that posses a significant safety concern. The vehicle is unreliable given its age and repeated failures, and I am requesting investigation into a potential safety defect…”
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-90 4WD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 354 |
| CX-90 4WD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Turbo, SIDI; Mild Hybrid · 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $3,200 | 358 |
| CX-90 4WD PHEV Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 27 | 25 | $3,200 | 168 |
| 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 Oct 28, 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 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (9), engine (7), forward collision avoidance (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Mazda CX-90 at 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Mazda CX-90 5 out of 5 stars overall.