Mazda CX-50: common faults & what to check

Which Mazda CX-50 are you looking at?

1 generation variant documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Engine not documented

1 variant documented

2022–nowVA2022–nowVAEngine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues0 knownSee faults & what to checkKickTyres illustration, not a photograph.

Start your free check on this Mazda CX-50

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a Mazda CX-50 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Serious issue

  Start the car and check that the ABS and brake warning lights go out after a few seconds.

  See why

  ABS hydraulic control unit may be damaged, reducing braking (Recall 23V-275)

  Mazda recalled some 2023 CX-50s, along with 2022-2023 CX-30s, because the ABS hydraulic control unit may have been damaged in production, which can reduce braking ability and lengthen stopping distances. The fix is an inspection and a new hydraulic unit where needed. This is a low-volume recall, but on a grey import it may not have been done and an ABS unit is costly to replace locally.

  What you would notice

  • ABS or brake warning light on the dash
  • Brake pedal feels soft or travels further than normal
  • ABS pulses or buzzes at low speed when it should not
  • Longer stopping distance

  Typically $1,800–$4,000 to put right.

• Serious issue

  Look at both front wheels from in front of the car: they should sit straight and evenly in the wheel arches.

  See why

  Front suspension bolts may not be tightened, risk of wheel detachment (Recall 25V-737)

  Mazda recalled a batch of 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles because front suspension fastener bolts may not have been tightened properly at the factory. A loose bolt can let a suspension part or even a wheel come away, causing loss of control. The fix is an inspection, with bolts replaced and tightened as needed. The CX-50 is built for North America and was not sold new in NZ, so a grey import may never have been inspected, and Mazda NZ is not obliged to carry out a US recall.

  What you would notice

  • Clunk or knock from the front when going over bumps or braking
  • Steering pulls or feels vague
  • Front wheel looks tilted or sits wrong in the arch
  • Uneven front tyre wear

  Typically $100–$1,200 to put right.

• Serious issue

  Ask for the US service history or a recall printout showing recall 25V-413 (airbag module software update) was completed.

  See why

  Airbag control module software may make the airbags deploy improperly (some 2025 CX-50s, recall 25V-413, check VIN)

  On some 2025 Mazda CX-50s, including hybrids, the airbag restraint control module software may be incorrectly configured, so an airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash. Mazda recalled affected cars in the US under NHTSA recall 25V-413 and dealers update the software free. The CX-50 was not sold new in NZ or Australia, so an imported car needs a check that the update was done before or after import.

  What you would notice

  • Usually no symptom before a crash
  • Airbag warning light may or may not show

  Typically $0–$400 to put right.

• Costly issue

  If the car has a tow hitch, grab the tow ball or receiver and push and pull it hard: it should not move or knock.

  See why

  Trailer hitch bolts can loosen and the hitch can come off (2024-2025 CX-50 with Mazda accessory tow hitch, recall 25V-167)

  On 2024 and 2025 Mazda CX-50s fitted with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch, the bolts holding the hitch assembly to the body may loosen. The hitch can then separate from the car while towing or even in normal driving. Mazda recalled affected cars in the US under NHTSA recall 25V-167 and dealers tighten the bolts free. Cars without a hitch are not affected.

  What you would notice

  • Clunk or rattle from the rear when towing or over bumps
  • Hitch moves when pushed by hand

  Typically $0–$300 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Start the car and watch the dash: after a few seconds no driver assist, smart brake support or lane keep warning should remain.

  See why

  Forward sensing camera fault disables auto emergency braking and lane keep (Recall 24V-649)

  A small number of 2025 CX-50s, along with some 2024 Mazda3 and CX-30s, were recalled because the forward sensing camera behind the windscreen can malfunction. When it does, automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist stop working and the automatic high beam no longer dips for oncoming traffic. The fix is an inspection and a new camera if needed. On a grey import this may not have been done, and a replacement camera plus windscreen camera calibration is expensive if paid locally.

  What you would notice

  • Warning message that the smart brake or lane keep system is unavailable
  • Driver assist warning lights stay on after start up
  • Automatic high beam does not dip for oncoming cars
  • Lane keep assist does nothing when drifting over lines

  Typically $1,500–$3,500 to put right.

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