2023 Mazda CX-50 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 91 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median CX-50 year — the 2023 model ranks #1 of 4 CX-50 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other CX-50 years?

CX-50 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-50 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Mazda CX-50 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Driver Assistance	23	25%	new
Brakes	14	15%	new
Electrical System	9	10%	new
Other	8	9%	new
Body & Structure	6	7%	new
Suspension	5	5%	new
Steering	4	4%	new
Transmission	3	3%	new
Engine	3	3%	new
Airbags	3	3%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	2%	new
Latches & Locks	2	2%	new
Lighting	2	2%	new
Seats	2	2%	new
Tires & Wheels	2	2%	new
Fuel System	1	1%	new
Seat Belts	1	1%	new
Speed Control	1	1%	new

Does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V275000BrakesApril 18, 2023 · 2,410 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.

23V135000Trailer HitchMarch 1, 2023 · 560 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Towing a trailer with inoperative lights or brakes can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will repair the trailer hitch harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5723B.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The Collision Avoidance System did not activate, to avoid a front-end collision. The vehicle in front of me stopped, making a right-hand turn onto another road. I moved forward, not seeing him stop. My car rear-ended the vehicle in front of me, with no warning or activation from my system.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 11, 2024 · crash

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 14, 2026 · crash

“When adjusting the temperature in the car with the dial, it does not respond correctly. It either jumps up or down by multiple degrees. This causes to take your eyes off the road to try to adjust the temperature. No warning lights came on and pushing lighter or harder on the dial does NOT fix it.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 1, 2026

“Lane keeping assistance does not prevent the vehicle from departing the lane nor does it provide corrective steering. LKA is fully activated and vehicle travelling over 45 mph on highway with clearly marked lanes; vehicle drifted across three lanes with zero corrective action from LKA. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 30, 2023

“The rear lift gate came open while driving on the freeway on ramp. No buttons were pushed to open the lift gate. I had to pull over to the side of the road to safely close the lift gate.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 8, 2023

2023 Mazda CX-50 — common questions

Is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 91 complaints put the 2023 model at #1 of 4 CX-50 years. It is one of the CX-50 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 CX-50 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (23 complaints), brakes (14 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-50 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-50 years to avoid are 2023. The cleanest record among CX-50 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2023 Mazda CX-50?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2023 compare to other CX-50 years?

What are the most common 2023 Mazda CX-50 problems?

Does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2023 Mazda CX-50 — common questions

Is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 reliable?

What are the most common 2023 CX-50 problems?

Does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have recalls?

Which Mazda CX-50 years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2023 Mazda CX-50?

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