YearToAvoid

2023 Mazda CX-50 Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 16 brake-related complaints for the 2023 Mazda CX-50, making up 25% of all 63 complaints filed for the year. A related recall (23V275000) covers a possible ABS Hydraulic Control Unit defect that can reduce braking ability.

Brakes complaints
16
25% of 63
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
—
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe unexpected automatic emergency braking activating with no obstruction present, sometimes causing hard deceleration or stalling in traffic.
  • Some drivers report brake fluid leaking near the front calipers with no warning light, in one case noted on a turbo model bought new.
  • Several owners report premature wear on brake pads and rotors, discovered after hearing squealing noises.
  • One owner described a loud pop from underneath the car when shifting from park into reverse or drive after releasing the brake pedal.
  • A separate complaint describes reduced brake response while going uphill, with the owner noting their VIN was not covered by the open recall despite similar symptoms.
  • One report describes a plastic interior part falling and lodging under the brake pedal, temporarily preventing braking.

When 2023 Mazda CX-50 brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 25, 2022, latest Sep 3, 2026.

2023 Mazda CX-50 brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2022Mar 2023Jan 2024Aug 2024Dec 2024May 2025Jan 2026Sep 2026
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2024 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2023 Mazda CX-50

  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.

Brakes complaints by CX-50 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 202316 (25%)
  2. 20245 (15%)
  3. 20256 (16%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have?
NHTSA lists 16 brake-related complaints for the 2023 CX-50, which is 25% of the 63 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
Yes. Recall 23V275000, reported April 18, 2023, covers certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles where the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit may be damaged and reduce braking ability.
Do the 2023 CX-50 brake complaints involve crashes?
Of the 16 brake complaints, 2 involved crashes and none involved fires or injuries, according to NHTSA data.
Is the brake complaint rate improving in later CX-50 model years?
NHTSA data shows brake complaints made up 25% of total complaints for 2023, compared with 15% for 2024 and 16% for 2025.

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.