The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 16 of 64 complaints (25%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 64
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $2,300–$2,500
- Combined MPG
- 25–27
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | vs. 2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,300–2,500 | 2,300–2,500 | 1,650–2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 25–27 | 25–27 | 25–38 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 23–24 / 29–30 | 23–24 / 29–30 | 23–39 / 29–37 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 335–356 | 335–356 | 233–355 | |
| Complaints filed | 64 | 35 | 39 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 3 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 6 | 4 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
Brakes: 16 of 64 NHTSA complaints (25%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 get?
EPA rates it 25–27 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2023 Mazda CX-50?
EPA estimates $2,300–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 24 mpg (high) | 30 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | $2,300 (low) | 335 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $2,500 (high) | 356 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 16 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
TRAILER HITCHES
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.