MAZDA Complaints

I am reporting serious safety concerns with my Mazda CX-90 PHEV (leased, manufactured September 2023). These issues create unacceptable risk to occupants and other road users. Multiple Severe Recalls: My vehicle has had at least four major recalls: • 6323J – Engine & Motor Shutdown: Complete loss of propulsion without warning. • 7024J – ECU Software Failures: Loss of drive power and restart failures. • 24V817000 – EV Mode Power Loss: Sudden propulsion loss in EV mode. • 6724E – Sudden Braking: Automatic braking without cause. These defects could lead to crashes or fatalities. Hybrid System Malfunctions: Two recent “Hybrid System Malfunction” warnings required dealer visits. These failures could cause the car to shut off while driving—even at highway speeds. • First incident: Battery-related issue. • Second incident: Triggered by a loud noise during startup, impacting the AVAS system. A loud noise should never disable a family vehicle, indicating a design flaw. Charging Safety Issues: Charging via a standard outlet caused flickering lights and breaker buzzing in my house. A licensed electrician diagnosed harmonic distortion from the onboard charger. I spent $7,500 on electrical upgrades (dedicated EV line and panel upgrade) to charge safely. Manufacturer Response: I have had an open case with Mazda corporate for nearly two weeks. They refuse to acknowledge overall vehicle safety or provide written documentation confirming safety. Request: I urge NHTSA to investigate whether these defects represent a systemic safety issue in Mazda CX-90 PHEV models and take appropriate regulatory action

The 2019 CX-5 AWD with the 2.5L NA engine (with Cylinder Deactivation) has an engine oil leak coming from the cylinder head area. The Mazda dealer confirmed the leak source and found burnt oil on the exhaust. The component is available for inspection. The leak location and symptoms are consistent with the known porous/cracked cylinder-head defect documented in this engine family. Full confirmation requires teardown. In early Dec 2025, a burning oil smell began, then thick white smoke came from under the hood while driving and after stopping. This created an immediate fire risk, and rapid oil loss could cause sudden engine failure or stall in traffic. The issue was inspected and confirmed by an independent mechanic, who noted the leak could only be traced after removing the exhaust manifold. The Mazda dealership then inspected it and confirmed the leak source at the cylinder-head area and the burnt oil residue. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by both the independent mechanic and the Mazda dealer. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the smoke. Mazda has an extended warranty program for the same cylinder-head defect on the Turbo engine, but no equivalent coverage exists for the NA engine, despite the identical safety risks.

My new Mazda CX-90 failed to restart after being stopped at a stop sign. After restarting manually, the dash displayed the check engine light and the “i-stop malfunction” light. The car now flashes this warning whenever it is on. There is an open recall for this issue (24V-816) but my local Mazda dealer does not pull anything up when they search my VIN. It appears the recall only applies to these vehicles built between 12/23 and 4/24. My car was built in 11/23. I believe this recall should be expanded to included more vehicles like mine.

The car was jump start due to a bad battery it cold and the light was left on. Right after the jump start a check engine light can on. When I put the vehicle in drive to turn the steering wheel it violently snapped bad and broken one of my finger nail. I tried aging in disbelief it happened aging this shouldn't be happening it could've broke my fingers.

The exterior rear door handles get stuck in the open position. This is a danger and the door has opened while driving since the door handle did not close all the way. I have tried lubricating the both door handles with no improvement. Our car has never been in accident is approximately 18 months old. I have done research on the internet and it looks like this is not a new problem with multiple owners who have complained to the manufacturer in the past with no fix. Here is the link to the forum: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The car's electrical system doesn't fully turn off after being put in park and turning the ignition off. The electrical system stays on, despite the engine and ignition turned off. It's a BIG problem that I've seen a lot of other people report. And yet Mazda refuses to address the issue.

Backup camera shows three to four feet before red collision line is not accurate causing severe damage to my garage door.

The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The vehicle was transported from the east to Texas, and the vehicle was bought used. The contact stated that the dashboard was sticky and that a gap was between the instrument panel and cover. The contact stated that a small to medium bubble had started to form. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.

On two occasions the vehicle (which is silver--more about that below) has suddenly and without warning activated its emergency braking. The most recent occasion was summer of 2023. On a clear, dry afternoon the system activated while I was at speed on the Suncoast parkway approaching an automatic toll arch. Fortunately there were no other vehicles nearby. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off and on again to attempt to clear whatever glitch had happened. The incident was so dramatic I've actually forgotten what the prior incident was. I remember one reason that was mentioned in the manual was a dirty windshield, and that was not the case at that time. I have *never* experienced a justified engagement of the system despite driving in heavy traffic for more than half an hour twice each weekday. I was put in mind of the incident by a recent recall of Genesis G90 sedans painted silver, like my car. Apparently the paint reflected radar and set off the emergency braking system. I surmise there may have been some radar-emitting device in use temporarily on or around the toll arch.

While driving a short distance, my engine overheated and there was a strong burning smell. The cylinder head was cracked, causing a significant oil leak. The car is currently at the dealership but is available for inspection upon request. The defective cylinder head is leaking engine oil directly onto hot exhaust components. This creates an immediate risk of engine fire and causes smoke to enter the vehicle cabin, impairing visibility and driver health. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership. They confirmed the cylinder head is cracked and requires replacement. My mechanic advised this type of leak could lead to engine overheating, sudden power loss, or potential fire risk and should not be driven. Mazda has issued prior Technical Service Bulletins and warranty extensions for similar cylinder head/manifold cracking issues on the 2.5L turbo engine, but no program exists for the non-turbo engine, despite identical problems. Mazda should be held responsible for this safety issue. Mazda is aware of this manufacturing defect but has not recalled these engines to be repaired or replaced if they are outside of their warranty period, placing costly repairs and potentially life-threatening situations on their customers. The repair is replacement of the cylinder head/sleeve or replacement of the engine block, which has since been modified by Mazda to resolve this issue. Mazda’s refusal to extend reimbursement to non-turbo owners is unfair and leaves affected customers with no support for a known manufacturing flaw. I urge NHTSA to investigate this recurring engine defect in non-turbo 2019–2020 Mazda CX-5 models and encourage Mazda to offer equal reimbursement.