YearToAvoid

2023 Mazda CX-50 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

50/100

#2 most-complained of 3 CX-50 years

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has 63 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 50 out of 100 — #2 highest of 3 CX-50 model years. The most reported problem area is brakes (16 complaints, 25% of the total). Complaints report 9 crashes and 3 injuries.

Complaints
63
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
26
23.5 city / 29.5 hwy

Top 2023 Mazda CX-50 problems

NHTSA owner 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%)
2023 Mazda CX-50 complaints: complaints filed per month5May 2022Feb 2023Sep 2023May 2024Nov 2024May 2025Jan 2026Aug 2026
90 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Nov 2023 (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 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 ranks #2 of 3 among CX-50 model years (Complaint Index 50/100). It has 63 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
The most reported problem areas are brakes (16 complaints), collision avoidance & cameras (14 complaints), and structure & body (10 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 57,000 miles.
Does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2023 Mazda CX-50, most recently reported 2023, covering brakes and structure & body.
What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
EPA rates the 2023 Mazda CX-50 at 26 MPG combined (23.5 city / 29.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

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.