Owners have reported 7 crashes and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Mazda CX-50. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints9
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 report several issues related to the service brakes. Common complaints include unexpected activation of the automatic braking system, sometimes without any obstruction present, which has led to near-accidents in some cases. Additionally, some owners describe premature brake wear, with rear brakes needing replacement around 22,000 miles, and brake fluid leaks near the calipers reported by others with mileage around 47,000. A notable incident involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, and braking assistance was absent. These issues highlight potential safety implications, such as loss of control or increased risk of collisions, especially in scenarios involving automatic braking activation.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report multiple issues with the 2023 Mazda CX-50, with the most frequent being water leaks into the vehicle's interior, specifically pooling between the headliner and the body, leading to mold growth. This issue is often observed in both rear sides of the roof during rain. Other complaints include the lane keeping assistance failing to provide corrective steering, allowing the vehicle to drift across lanes. Additionally, owners mention problems with the wireless charging pad not maintaining a charge, and a safety concern where a plastic part falls into the footwell, potentially obstructing the brake pedal. These issues are described across varying mileages, with some posing significant safety risks, such as impaired braking and loss of vehicle control.
Owner complaints5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 report several issues related to the electrical system. A common problem involves the vehicle's battery repeatedly dying, leading to being locked out, with one owner experiencing this five times over a three-month period despite multiple dealership visits. Another issue involves erratic trailer lighting behavior when using Mazda's accessory wiring harness, which has been verified by a dealership but remains unresolved. Additionally, one owner reports that the electronic parking brake failed to engage, contributing to a minor crash when the vehicle rolled into a construction area. These complaints generally arise within the first year of ownership, with mileage as low as 28,000. Safety implications include the risk of being stranded due to battery failure and potential accidents related to trailer lighting malfunctions and parking brake issues.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
SUSPENSION
Owners report issues with the suspension system of the 2023 Mazda CX-50, with common problems including control arm failures and ball joint failures. Symptoms frequently mentioned include loud clunking noises during low-speed driving and severe noise over road imperfections. These issues are observed in vehicles with mileage ranging from as low as 2,077 miles to around 34,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involves a crash resulting from a ball joint failure that led to loss of vehicle control. Potential buyers should be aware that these suspension issues can lead to vehicle inoperability and safety risks.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 report issues with the steering system, primarily describing symptoms such as looseness and stickiness in the steering wheel. Complaints frequently mention that the steering wheel becomes loose or wobbles, with one owner noting this occurred after a previous crash. Multiple owners describe a sticky sensation when turning left, particularly between the 9 and 11 o'clock positions, often more noticeable in cold weather or at lower speeds. The reported mileage at the time of these issues varies, with one owner experiencing problems around 40,585 miles and another at approximately 75,500 miles. Safety implications include a noted crash and potential steering control issues, which could be of concern to potential buyers.
Owner complaints4
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 report several structural issues, with keyless entry and auto-lock system malfunctions being a recurring theme. Complaints frequently mention the keyless entry system failing intermittently, requiring multiple attempts to unlock, and the auto-lock feature not engaging reliably, though it typically eventually works. Another reported issue involves the rear lift gate unexpectedly opening while driving, requiring immediate attention to close it safely. Additionally, some owners describe the hood visibly wobbling and producing a clanging noise, suggesting it may not be securely fastened. Fabric lining or insulation detaching from the dashboard area is also noted. These issues are reported at varying times, with no specific mileage mentioned, and while no direct safety incidents are detailed, the potential for distraction or inconvenience is implied.
Owner complaints3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2023 Mazda CX-50, with problems including failure to activate during a potential collision and unnecessary activation under certain conditions. One owner experienced a crash when the system did not engage to prevent a rear-end collision. Another describes the system applying maximum braking on the freeway without any obstacles, noting prior driving through a snowstorm and receiving a forward camera dirty warning. Complaints frequently mention system disablement due to environmental factors like dirt, fog, or moisture, with some owners comparing it unfavorably to other vehicles. The safety implications include the potential for crashes or unexpected braking, which could be hazardous in traffic.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners report issues with the air bags in the 2023 Mazda CX-50, particularly involving non-deployment during crashes. One owner describes a collision with a deer at 55-60 MPH where the air bag failed to deploy, and the seat belts did not secure the occupant, leading to an eye injury. Another owner mentions an airbag malfunction where the air vent detached, and the airbag burst, resulting in smoke filling the vehicle. These incidents occur at approximately 27,000 miles and involve crashes with injuries, highlighting potential safety implications for buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 report issues related to the power train, specifically noting unusual sounds. One complaint describes a knocking sound from the rear of the vehicle occurring at low speeds between 1 to 10 mph. Another owner mentions a "weird sound" from the front when braking to 10 mph, which accompanied a 'Vehicle System Malfunction' message. This second issue also involves damage to the front right-side lower active grille shutter, reportedly caused by a small object, leading to concerns about the lack of protective measures for the shutters. These complaints emerge within a few months of vehicle purchase, suggesting early onset of the issues. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported in these cases.
Owner complaints2
WHEELS
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 report issues related to the vehicle's wheels, particularly involving a clicking sound from the back driver's wheel and a sidewall defect in a tire. The clicking noise occurs when slowing down and disappears at higher speeds, with one owner attributing it to a differential issue, though the dealership has not confirmed a fix. This problem appears in a vehicle less than a month and a half old with under 1500 miles. Another owner notes a large dimple on the sidewall of the driver's side tire, visible without impact, on a vehicle with approximately 1050 miles. These issues, particularly the differential-related clicking, may have safety implications, though no accidents or loss of control have been reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of these early-stage concerns, especially considering the low mileage at which they occur.
