YearToAvoid

2023 Mazda CX-50 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 2nd worst out of 3 model years with data. NHTSA lists 63 complaints, 2 recalls, and Brakes as the top problem area with 16 complaints.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
50/100
#2 of 3 CX-50 years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
63
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
9
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Top issue
Brakes
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
26
23.5 city / 29.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Top 2023 Mazda CX-50 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes16 (25%)
  2. Collision Avoidance & Cameras14 (22%)
  3. Structure & Body10 (16%)
  4. Electrical System9 (14%)
  5. Other8 (13%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (11%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain6 (10%)
  8. Engine5 (8%)
  9. Steering4 (6%)
  10. Airbags3 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report ball joint failure at very low mileage, causing loss of vehicle control.
  • The forward collision avoidance system reportedly failed to activate, resulting in rear-end crashes.
  • Airbags reportedly did not deploy during a collision with a deer, and seat belts failed to secure the occupant.
  • Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration in low-speed parking situations without brake assist or warning.
  • Some drivers report an airbag system malfunction warning appearing after a crash where airbags failed to deploy.
  • Tires reportedly developed sidewall dimples shortly after purchase with very low mileage.
2023 Mazda CX-50 complaints: complaints filed per month5May 2022Feb 2023Sep 2023May 2024Nov 2024May 2025Jan 2026Aug 2026
63 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2022 to Sep 2026; peak May 2026 (5).

2023 Mazda CX-50 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V275000Apr 18, 2023Brakes2,410 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

  2. NHTSA 23V135000Mar 1, 2023Structure & Body560 vehicles

    Trailer hitches

    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.

2023 Mazda CX-50 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
23.5 MPG
Highway
29.5 MPG
Combined
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,500
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2023 compared with other CX-50 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2023No verdict5063226
2024No verdict033126
2025No verdict10038228

All Mazda CX-50 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 CX-50 has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 2nd worst among the 3 model years with data, with Brakes as the top problem area.
Does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 CX-50: one for an ABS Hydraulic Control Unit that can reduce braking ability, and one for a trailer hitch harness that may detach.
What is the most common complaint on the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
Brakes are the top problem area, with 16 complaints making up 25% of all reported issues, followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras with 14 complaints.
How does the 2023 CX-50 compare to other model years?
The 2023 CX-50 has a complaint index of 50, worse than the 2024 model's index of 0 but better than the 2025 model's index of 100.
What is the median mileage for reported failures in the 2023 CX-50?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 57,000 miles for the 2023 CX-50 overall.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.