TireKick

Verdict

2023 Mazda CX-50: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2023 Mazda CX-50 — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.

Owners filed 59 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 63% of 2023 SUVs. Service Brakes leads the reports (15%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2023 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

59

Reports to NHTSA, 2023

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

26

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

More complaints than 63% of 2023 SUVs

The bar is this car's percentile among 2023 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Service Brakes issues lead owner complaints (15% of 59 reports), followed by electrical system (14%).

Service Brakes15% · 9 reports
Electrical System14% · 8 reports
Unknown Or Other10% · 6 reports
Power Train8% · 5 reports
Suspension8% · 5 reports
Forward Collision Avoidance7% · 4 reports
Steering7% · 4 reports
Structure7% · 4 reports

+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 59 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11711337, ODI 11706402, ODI 11659731, ODI 11645359, ODI 11632011.

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Trailer HitchesJan 2023 · 23V135000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Service Brakes · 23V275000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2023 Mazda CX-50 SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
CX-50 4WD2.5L 4-cyl4-Wheel Drive243027
CX-50 4WD2.5L 4-cyl4-Wheel Drive232925

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2023 Mazda CX-50: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2023 Mazda CX-50?

Owners filed 59 NHTSA complaints about the 2023 Mazda CX-50 — more complaints than 63% of comparable 2023 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

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

The most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (15% of complaints) and electrical system (14%).

How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2023 Mazda CX-50, covering components such as trailer hitches. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Mazda CX-50 between 25 and 27 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.