According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 has 24 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are PCM Software Fault Causes Check Engine Light and Loss of Engine Power on Cold Start or at High Altitude — DTC P061B:00 ($0-$200 repair), ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Internal Damage Reduces Braking — Recall 23V-275 / Mazda 5823D, Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid Failure with Metal Shavings in Oil (Naturally-Aspirated 2.5L) and Smart Brake Support (SBS) Unintended/Phantom Braking from False Obstacle Detection ($0-$250 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Excessive Wind Noise from Roof Rails with 1,500 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not automatically adjust from high beams to low beams as intended.
Campaign #24V64900003/09/2024
TRAILER HITCHES
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
Campaign #25V16700014/03/2025
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Campaign #25V413000
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,500+ owner reports, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 has 24 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: PCM Software Fault Causes Check Engine Light and Loss of Engine Power on Cold Start or at High Altitude — DTC P061B:00, ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Internal Damage Reduces Braking — Recall 23V-275 / Mazda 5823D, Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid Failure with Metal Shavings in Oil (Naturally-Aspirated 2.5L). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mazda CX-50 reliable?
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 has 24 known issues documented across 4,500+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: PCM Software Fault Causes Check Engine Light and Loss of Engine Power on Cold Start or at High Altitude — DTC P061B:00 and ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Internal Damage Reduces Braking — Recall 23V-275 / Mazda 5823D and Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid Failure with Metal Shavings in Oil (Naturally-Aspirated 2.5L) and Smart Brake Support (SBS) Unintended/Phantom Braking from False Obstacle Detection. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mazda CX-50 problems?
Repair costs for known Mazda CX-50 issues range from $0 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, PCM Software Fault Causes Check Engine Light and Loss of Engine Power on Cold Start or at High Altitude — DTC P061B:00, typically costs $0-$200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50 PCM Software Fault Causes Check Engine Light and Loss of Engine Power on Cold Start or at High Altitude — DTC P061B:00?
Owners report the check engine light illuminating after a cold start, or when driving at elevations above roughly 10,000 ft, immediately followed by a noticeable lack of engine power as the PCM drops into a reduced-torque limp strategy. Mazda traced the fault to improper PCM cont… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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On the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50, owners report the check engine light illuminating after a cold start, or when driving at elevations above roughly 10,000 ft, immediately followed by a noticeable lack of engine power as the PCM drops into a reduced-torque limp strategy. Mazda traced the fault to improper PCM control software: the internal torque-calculation monitor sets DTC P061B:00 (Internal Control Module Torque Performance) under those low-temperature or low-barometric-pressure conditions and derates the engine as a protective response. This is a control-logic defect, not a mechanical failure — no hardware is damaged — but the power loss can occur while merging or climbing a grade, which is a real drivability and safety concern. Mazda addressed it in bulletin 01-011-23 covering 2023-2024 CX-50.
Common Symptoms
Check engine light after a cold start
Check engine light at high elevation above 10,000 ft
Noticeable lack of engine power / limp mode
Reduced throttle response when merging or climbing
Light clears after restart then returns
How to Fix
The fix is a PCM reflash: the dealer reprograms the powertrain control module with the modified control software released under TSB 01-011-23, then clears P061B:00 and road-tests. There is no parts replacement and no recall — the reflash is covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. If the light returns after the reflash, the shop should look past the software and check the throttle body, MAF/MAP sensors and any intake leak before condemning the PCM. Do not let a shop replace the PCM before confirming the latest calibration is installed.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, on the non-turbo 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine, the cylinder deactivation solenoid can fail at very low mileage, throwing a P3400 check engine light. In a documented 2025 CX-50 case the dealer found metal shavings in the oil filter and oil control valves and, after the code recurred, Mazda advised replacing the cylinder head on a nearly-new vehicle. Note this is currently a low-volume report rather than a confirmed widespread defect.
Common Symptoms
Check engine light shortly after purchase (as early as 600 miles)
P3400 fault code
Metal shavings found in oil filter
Engine ticking or rough running
How to Fix
Have the dealer scan for P3400, replace the failed cylinder deactivation solenoid(s) (PYFA-12-360A), and inspect the oil filter and engine oil for metal contamination. If significant debris is present, request cylinder-head or short-block evaluation under powertrain warranty, and document all failures with the dealer to preserve coverage.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Mazda PYFA-12-360A solenoid
OEMMazda PYFA-12-360A
Replace the specifically diagnosed cylinder-deactivation solenoid only after dealer/VIN confirmation Fitment/availability: Indexed direct OEM product page identifies PYFA-12-360A, sale price and Add to Cart, but explicitly exposes no app…
On the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50, early CX-50s built before Mazda revised the engine control software set P061B:00 in two very specific situations: shortly after a cold start, and when the vehicle is operated at high elevation — Mazda's bulletin cites altitudes higher than 3,000 m / 10,000 ft. In both cases the air the engine actually ingests differs from what the PCM's torque model expects. On a cold engine the enrichment, idle-up and spark retard used for catalyst light-off change the relationship between airflow and produced torque; at altitude the reduced air density does the same thing. Mazda's shipped control logic did not compensate correctly, so the module's internal torque-plausibility comparison exceeded its threshold and latched a fault. Because this monitor is treated as a torque-safety supervisor, the PCM responds by pulling timing and clamping the throttle, and the driver gets a check engine light together with a very obvious lack of power until the code is cleared or the key is cycled. Mazda addressed the cold-start half first in bulletin 01-015/22 (November 2022, NHTSA 10226823) for early-production CX-50s, then issued 01-011/23 (December 2023, NHTSA 10248340) after the same monitor was found to trip at high elevation; that later bulletin is written against 2023-2024 CX-50. Mazda is explicit that this is a false detection caused by improper PCM control software, not an actual engine failure.
Fault appears at high elevation (above roughly 10,000 ft)
Power returns to normal after clearing the code or restarting
No misfire, no rough running, no unusual noises
How to Fix
Confirm the code is P061B:00 stored in the PCM and note the conditions the customer describes; a cold-start or mountain-driving complaint on an early CX-50 points straight at the bulletins rather than at hardware. Check the vehicle's PCM calibration level against Mazda service bulletins 01-015/22 and 01-011/23. The repair is a PCM reflash performed with the Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS) running IDS, following Mazda's standard PCM reprogramming procedure; the later 01-011/23 calibration supersedes the earlier one, so flash to the newest available file rather than only the bulletin the customer found. On a vehicle still inside the 3-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle warranty the reflash is covered at no charge, and outside of warranty a dealer typically bills roughly one hour of diagnosis plus the reprogramming. After flashing, clear the DTC and verify with a cold soak and a subsequent cold start, since the fault will not reproduce on a hot engine. If the code returns on current software, stop treating it as the bulletin condition and diagnose it as a real torque-model disagreement: inspect for post-MAF intake leaks and a loose or cracked charge-air duct, verify MAF output against calculated load, check the throttle body and accelerator pedal position sensor correlation, and confirm no aftermarket intake or tune is on the vehicle.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbo, the turbocharger wastegate actuator rattles audibly on cold start and during warm-up on the 2.5T engine. The wastegate flapper has slight play in its pivot, causing a metallic rattle until exhaust gas pressure and temperature stabilize. Mazda has acknowledged this as a characteristic of the turbo design but some cases involve excessive wear.
Metallic rattling noise on cold start lasting 30-60 seconds
Rattle may return during deceleration or low-boost conditions
Noise comes from turbocharger area (driver side of engine)
Disappears once engine reaches operating temperature
How to Fix
In most cases this is considered normal operating noise by Mazda. If rattle is excessive or persistent, the wastegate actuator arm and pivot can be inspected and tightened. Turbocharger replacement is warranted in severe cases with check engine codes.
Owner tips & cautions
TipBrief cold-start rattle is considered normal by Mazda for the 2.5T - only pursue repair if persistent
TipDocument the noise with video before dealer visit for warranty claim
TipUse high-quality 87+ octane fuel (91 octane preferred for turbo) per owner manual - MazdaCX50Forum.com
Medium ConfidenceVerified800 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Skyactiv-G naturally aspirated with cylinder deactivation, a metallic tapping or rattling from the top of the engine on start-up, most pronounced on cold starts and on new or lightly-driven cars. The 2.5L naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G in the CX-50 uses switchable hydraulic lash adjusters (SHLAs) as part of its cylinder deactivation system. When the vehicle sits, or is repeatedly started and shut down without reaching operating temperature — being loaded and unloaded from transport trucks, moved in and out of a garage to be washed, or driven only very short trips — oil drains out of the lash adjusters and they take several seconds to pump back up, producing the tap. Mazda has issued and repeatedly superseded a Service Alert on this exact noise (SA-015/18 to SA-005/19 to SA-023/22 to SA-026/23 to SA-024-24), with the current version covering 2023-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with cylinder deactivation. Mazda's position is that a brief tap that clears once the engine warms is normal SHLA behavior. It is NOT the same failure as the cylinder-deactivation solenoid failure that produces metal shavings in the oil — but a tap that persists after warm-up, or that is accompanied by a check engine light, needs the solenoid and oil path investigated rather than dismissed.
Common Symptoms
Tapping or ticking from the valve train on cold start
Rattle from the top of the engine for the first few seconds
Noise worse after the car has sat or after repeated short trips
Noise quiets once the engine warms up
How to Fix
Per the Service Alert, first reproduce the noise and determine whether it clears after the engine reaches operating temperature — if it does, no repair is authorized and the correct response is to avoid repeated cold start/shutdown cycles and to let the engine warm up. Keep the oil at the correct level and use only the specified 0W-20, and do not stretch oil change intervals, since SHLA bleed-down is oil-condition sensitive. If the tapping persists warm, if it is accompanied by a check engine light or cylinder deactivation DTCs, or if there is metal in the filter, escalate immediately — that is a different and far more serious failure and is covered by the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There is no recall for the noise itself.
On the 2023 Mazda CX-50, on early-build 2023 CX-50 units (produced Dec 3-7, 2022), the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit may have been internally damaged during assembly due to an improper manufacturing process, which can increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability, lengthening stopping distance. Mazda issued safety recall 5823D (NHTSA 23V-275) covering 2023 CX-50 and 2022-2023 CX-30 vehicles, 2,410 units total.
Free recall repair under Mazda 5823D / NHTSA 23V-275: dealers replace the ABS HCU (CX-50 part VAY0437A0A) at no charge. Owners can verify eligibility by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or by calling Mazda at 1-800-222-5500 (Option 6).
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, cX-50 owners report the electronic parking brake refusing to fully disengage: the car will not roll away cleanly, moving off produces loud banging, snapping or cracking from the rear, and in some cases the EPB begins applying itself automatically. A 'Parking Brake Malfunction' message on the cluster is often the first symptom. Two separate root causes appear on this vehicle. On early production cars the rear electric caliper actuators do not retract quickly enough and the rear pads stay in light contact, and Mazda dealers have replaced the rear calipers under warranty as the fix. Separately, Mazda published bulletins 04-003-23 and SA-011-23 on the EPB becoming stuck in maintenance (service) mode — a condition technicians can create, and owners can be left with, when the rear brakes are serviced without correctly exiting maintenance mode, which can damage the actuator's internal motor and gears. Corrosion on the caliper pivot arm from winter road salt aggravates the binding on cars in the rust belt.
Common Symptoms
Parking Brake Malfunction message on the cluster
Parking brake will not release
Loud banging, snapping or cracking from the rear when pulling away
Parking brake applies itself automatically
Rear brakes dragging, rear wheels hot
Burning smell from the rear wheels
How to Fix
Scan the EPB module with Mazda MDARS (or equivalent) and confirm whether the system is stuck in maintenance mode — if it is, the correct exit routine restores normal operation with no parts. If the actuators are genuinely slow to release, Mazda has replaced the rear brake calipers with the integrated actuators under the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty; get the noise documented at the dealer while you are still in coverage. Any independent shop touching the rear brakes MUST put the EPB into maintenance mode with a scan tool before retracting the pistons and must exit it properly afterward — forcing the pistons back mechanically destroys the actuator. Out of warranty, a rear caliper with actuator typically runs $500-$900 per side installed. There is no recall for this condition.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, cX-50 owners report the i-Activsense Smart Brake Support system applying the brakes hard with no obstacle present — most often when a lead vehicle turns off the road, when cornering past guardrails or metal roadside barriers, in stop-and-go traffic, and when passing reflective surfaces or objects near the shoulder. The forward-sensing camera/radar fusion interprets the reflection or the receding vehicle as an imminent collision target and commands a full autonomous braking event, which can produce a sudden deceleration in traffic. Mazda issued and then re-issued dedicated Service Alerts on this specific complaint (SA-077-23, superseded by SA-007-24a) directing dealers on how to respond to customer reports of SBS unintended braking. The bulletins are framed as system-behavior education rather than a hardware repair, which means many owners are told the activation is 'operating as designed.' Note that the related CX-90 automatic-braking recall (24V349) is a DIFFERENT vehicle and does NOT cover the CX-50 — no SBS recall has been issued for this nameplate.
Common Symptoms
Vehicle brakes hard by itself with nothing in front of it
Brake warning beep and red collision alert with no obstacle
Sudden deceleration when the car ahead turns off the road
Automatic braking when cornering near guardrails or metal barriers
Unexpected braking in stop-and-go traffic
Near-miss rear-end from following traffic
How to Fix
Have the dealer confirm no open campaigns apply, then verify the forward sensing camera and front radar are within calibration spec and reprogram the modules to the latest software (the CX-50 forward-camera recall 24V-649 / Mazda 6824H is a separate defect and should be closed first if open). If the false activations persist after calibration and reflash, document each event with date, location and speed and file an NHTSA complaint — a documented pattern is what drives a defect investigation. SBS can be switched off temporarily from the i-Activsense settings menu before each drive, but it does not stay off between key cycles. No free recall remedy exists for false SBS activation on the CX-50.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, cX-50 owners report the factory 12V battery going flat well inside the 3-year warranty, sometimes within the first year, often on cars that sit a few days between drives. Two contributors show up repeatedly in the community: the OEM battery itself is a marginal unit for the i-stop start/stop duty cycle, and — carried over from early US-built Mazdas — improperly seated rubber dust boots in the door jambs let water into the harness connectors, corroding them and creating a parasitic draw. The stock battery clamp also loosens, producing intermittent no-crank that mimics a dead battery.
Measure parasitic draw after a 45-60 minute sleep period before condemning the battery; anything above ~50 mA needs a fuse-pull hunt. Inspect and reseat the door-jamb wiring boots and check connectors for green corrosion. Replace a failed battery with a proper i-stop-rated AGM/EFB unit (never a standard flooded battery, and the BMS must be reset/registered after replacement so charge control relearns). Many owners also swap the thin factory terminal clamps for heavy-duty aftermarket clamps, which alone cured intermittent no-crank.
What you need to diagnose it
The fix here starts with a test, not a part — which repair you need depends on what the test finds.
UNI-T UT210E Low-Current DC Clamp Meter
1 mA resolution on the 2 A range — a 0.1 A meter reads a 50 mA drain as zero
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Testing and isolating the fault is DIY work. Replacing or reprogramming a control module is not — most are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Duralast Platinum H6-EFB Group 48/LN3 enhanced flooded battery
OEMDuralast H6-EFB / SKU 1070711
Replace a failed 12V battery on a gasoline CX-50 whose label/manual confirms LN3 EFB for i-stop Fitment/availability: Live direct product page identifies part H6-EFB as Enhanced Flooded Battery, EN group LN3/BCI 48/DIN H6, 12V, 74Ah and …
On the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50, the instrument cluster displays a 'Telematics Malfunction' or 'In Vehicle Network Malfunction' message, frequently together with the master warning light, and the vehicle stores DTC U3000:04 against the TCU (telematics communication unit internal malfunction). While the message is up, the emergency call (SOS) function, remote start, remote lock/unlock and the MyMazda app connection can all be inoperative — the safety-relevant part being that automatic collision notification silently stops working. Mazda traced it to improper control software in the telematics communication unit and issued a series of bulletins on it (09-001-23a and successors, plus 09-045-23 covering the telematics malfunction message with the TCU fault code and SA-027-23c covering the in-vehicle network malfunction with DTC U3000:04). Owners commonly see it appear after a connected-services subscription lapses or after a network transition, which is a software-handling defect rather than a hardware failure. Core driving functions — engine, transmission, brakes — are unaffected.
Common Symptoms
'Telematics Malfunction' message in the instrument cluster
'In Vehicle Network Malfunction' warning
Master warning light illuminated
SOS / emergency call function inoperative
Remote start and remote lock/unlock stop working
MyMazda app cannot connect to the vehicle
How to Fix
Have the dealer connect MDARS, read the TCU software version, and reprogram the telematics communication unit with the latest calibration per the bulletin; this clears U3000:04 in the large majority of cases and is covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Ask the dealer to confirm the connected-services enrollment is active in the Mazda system afterward, because a stale enrollment record can re-trigger the message. TCU replacement should only follow a failed reflash, and a replaced TCU requires a separate activation procedure. There is no recall.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, the Mazda Connect infotainment system in the CX-50 suffers from slow response to commander control inputs, delayed map rendering, and laggy menu transitions. The system processor struggles with modern navigation demands and simultaneous Bluetooth/CarPlay tasks. Firmware updates have provided incremental improvements.
Common Symptoms
Slow response to commander knob/button inputs
Map rendering and scrolling is sluggish
Menu transitions have visible lag
System briefly freezes when switching between CarPlay and native apps
How to Fix
Update to the latest Mazda Connect firmware at the dealer. Clear navigation cache periodically. Reducing simultaneous Bluetooth connections (phone + separate audio device) can help. For persistent lag, CMU module replacement may be warranted under warranty.
Owner tips & cautions
TipKeep firmware updated - each version improves performance incrementally
TipOnly pair one Bluetooth device at a time to reduce system load
TipWired CarPlay is faster than wireless CarPlay on this system - MazdaCX50Forum.com
High ConfidenceVerified1,000 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, the Mazda Connect wireless charging pad in the CX-50 center console is a 15W fast charger mounted in an unventilated pocket under the climate controls. Running CarPlay/Android Auto while charging stacks phone SoC heat on top of coil heat with nowhere to dissipate; after roughly 10-15 minutes the phone hits thermal limit, charging stops, and the pad's LED flashes red while the pad itself is hot to the touch. Also very position-sensitive — off the coil "sweet spot" it heats without charging at all.
Common Symptoms
Charging pad LED flashes red / amber
Phone stops charging after 10-15 minutes
Phone and pad noticeably hot
Intermittent charge when phone shifts position
How to Fix
No dealer fix — it is a packaging design limitation. Working solutions from owners: set the vehicle's charging pad to slow/normal charge mode in the infotainment settings, disable fast wireless charging on the phone side, keep the phone centered with foam spacers so it cannot slide off the coil, or abandon the pad and use a USB-C cable (which also gives a more reliable CarPlay connection). Some owners add a small blower/vent mod behind the pad.
On the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50, early-build CX-50s shipped with Mazda Connect (CMU) firmware that could not reliably establish a wireless CarPlay or Android Auto session. Owners report the head unit never handshaking with the phone, the phone connecting for Bluetooth audio but the CarPlay interface never appearing, and — most commonly — the phone dropping out mid-drive and refusing to re-pair without a full head-unit reboot. On the very earliest cars CarPlay did not function at all. Mazda handled it as a dealer software campaign (dealer campaign DRW46) to reflash the CMU, with firmware version 11022 or later being the threshold owners report as fixing wireless connectivity; the telematics unit firmware is a separate module and also has to be current for remote functions to work correctly. This is distinct from the general infotainment lag complaint — it is a specific connectivity handshake failure resolved by a specific firmware level.
Common Symptoms
Wireless CarPlay will not connect at all
CarPlay drops out mid-drive and will not reconnect
Phone pairs for Bluetooth audio but CarPlay screen never loads
Head unit must be rebooted to restore CarPlay
Android Auto disconnects repeatedly
How to Fix
Check the installed CMU firmware version in Settings > System > Version Information; if it is below 11022, have the dealer perform the Mazda Connect software update (the reflash is free under warranty and was covered by dealer campaign DRW46 on affected VINs). Ask them to update the telematics unit firmware in the same visit. As an interim workaround, toggling Wi-Fi off and back on in the Mazda Connect menu and manually reselecting the device restores the connection in most cases; some owners have found removing the navigation SD card also stops the dropouts. Use a known-good USB-C cable for wired CarPlay to rule out the cable before blaming the head unit.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, owners of power-liftgate CX-50s report the tailgate refusing to open from the key fob, the exterior switch, or the in-cabin button, answering instead with three beeps — the module's way of saying it detected an obstruction or an out-of-range motion signal. It is usually intermittent first, in cold weather or after the vehicle sits, then becomes permanent. Failing electric struts (which double as the position sensor) and the liftgate control module are the two components dealers end up replacing; a weak 12V battery also triggers the same three-beep refusal, which is why some cars get a battery first and come back unfixed.
Common Symptoms
Liftgate beeps three times and does not open
Power liftgate works intermittently, worse when cold
Liftgate opens partway then reverses
Manual open still works
How to Fix
Confirm 12V battery health first — low system voltage alone causes the three-beep lockout. Then have the dealer scan the body network for liftgate module codes; documented repairs under warranty include replacing the liftgate control module and one or both power struts (pistons). Mazda bulletin SA-060/22 addresses power liftgate concerns. Manual operation still works, so the vehicle remains drivable. Before replacing parts, have the dealer try a liftgate control module reset/reprogram and a 12V battery health check - owners frequently report a reset clearing the three-beep fault with no hardware replaced.
On the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50, the CX-50 hides the mechanical key cylinder behind the driver's outer door handle, and it is the only way into the vehicle when the key fob battery or the 12V battery is dead. Owners report that the auxiliary key blade will not turn the cylinder, or turns without releasing the latch, leaving them locked out of a car they cannot otherwise open. The situation is made worse by the small exposed portion of the emergency key blade, which gives almost nothing to grip — owners on cx50forums report needing pliers to get enough leverage, and several found the cylinder simply would not release. Mazda issued a Special Program on this condition (MSP60, updated as MSP60c) covering a driver's door that may be hard to unlock using the auxiliary key. Because the CX-50's 12V battery is also a documented weak point on early builds, this failure tends to surface at exactly the moment it matters most.
Common Symptoms
Auxiliary key will not turn in the driver's door lock
Key turns but the door does not unlock
Cannot enter the vehicle when the fob or 12V battery is dead
Emergency key blade too small to grip / bends under force
How to Fix
Do not force the blade — twisting hard on the thin emergency key can snap it off in the cylinder. Have the dealer check the VIN against Mazda Special Program MSP60/MSP60c, which covers the hard-to-unlock driver's door lock cylinder; the remedy is performed at no charge on covered vehicles. The correct technique is to pull the driver's door handle out and hold it while inserting and turning the key — the cylinder is partly obstructed if the handle is at rest. Before you ever need it, test the auxiliary key once in the driveway and keep a spare fob battery in the glovebox. Out of program, a door lock cylinder replacement runs roughly $250-$500.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, the factory roof rails on the CX-50 generate excessive wind noise at highway speeds (60+ mph). The fixed rail design creates turbulence that produces a prominent whistling or howling noise. Noise is speed-dependent and more noticeable without radio playing. Multiple NHTSA complaints and forum reports document this issue.
Common Symptoms
Whistling or howling noise at highway speeds (60+ mph)
Noise increases with speed
More noticeable from driver or passenger side depending on wind direction
Noise disappears when roof rails are removed or covered
How to Fix
Install crossbar-compatible rail covers or aftermarket wind deflectors. Some owners wrap rails with adhesive foam tape to reduce turbulence. Mazda has not issued an official fix. Removing the roof rails entirely eliminates the noise.
High ConfidenceVerified1,500 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, the outside air temperature sensor mounted behind the front bumper fascia can drift or fail low, displaying a cluster temperature as much as 50°F below actual. Because the full-auto climate control uses that same input to decide blend-door position and compressor demand, a sensor that thinks it is 40°F on a 90°F day commands little or no cooling — owners describe strong airflow that simply is not cold, with the system refusing to pull down even at LO. It is routinely misdiagnosed as low refrigerant or a failing compressor, and systems get needlessly evacuated and recharged.
Common Symptoms
Cluster outside temperature reads far below actual
A/C blows cool but never cold on auto
Cooling improves when set fully manual to LO / max fan
No refrigerant leak found
How to Fix
Check the cluster's outside-temp readout against actual ambient before touching the refrigerant circuit. Mazda bulletins 07-002-23 and 07-003-24 cover the condition; the repair is replacing the ambient temperature sensor behind the front bumper (and updating climate control software where specified). Typically covered under the 3yr/36k basic warranty; out of warranty the sensor is inexpensive but requires partial fascia removal.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Mazda G518-61-764A ambient temperature sensor
OEMMazda G518-61-764A
Replace a bulletin-qualified pre-countermeasure ambient sensor Fitment/availability: Live direct OEM page identifies G518-61-764A as the ambient sensor, shows the superseded G518-61-764 number, ships in 1-2 business days and Add to Cart.…
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, owners report a strong musty or mildew odor from the vents, fogging that will not clear, and — when the cabin filter is pulled — a filter that is visibly wet or waterlogged. Mazda addressed the condition in Service Alert SA-012-23, which covers reports of odor or water in the HVAC system with a wet cabin air filter. Two mechanisms are documented. Debris (leaves, pine needles, road grit) restricts the cowl drains and the A/C evaporator drain, so condensate and rainwater back up inside the HVAC case instead of draining to the ground, saturating the filter that sits directly downstream. Separately, running a high-pressure car wash with the climate control on fresh-air mode forces water directly into the HVAC fresh-air intake. Left alone the standing water grows mould on the evaporator core, which is what produces the odor, and prolonged wetness can migrate onto the passenger-side carpet.
Common Symptoms
Musty or mildew smell from the vents
Cabin air filter soaked with water
Water sloshing sound behind the dash
Windows fog and will not clear
Damp passenger-side carpet
Odor worst when A/C is first switched on
How to Fix
Pull the cabin air filter and inspect it — if it is wet, replace it, but do not stop there. Pour water onto the cowl and confirm it drains freely; clear any debris from the cowl drains and confirm the evaporator drain hose is open and still attached at the case. If mould has already established on the evaporator, an evaporator core cleaner/disinfectant applied through the drain and intake usually resolves the smell without opening the dash. As a preventive measure, switch the climate control to recirculate before running the vehicle through a high-pressure wash. Expect roughly $30 for a filter DIY, $150-$350 for a dealer drain-clearing and evaporator treatment. Covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty if a detached or misrouted drain hose is found.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, cX-50s with the panoramic moonroof develop a hard plastic rattle from the roof opening that appears after a few thousand miles. Mazda's own bulletins identify two distinct sources: the cross-brace cover, whose retaining clips relax with road vibration so the cover taps the brace, and the side covers, which vibrate against the sunroof assembly because the cover clips have poor retention from new. The noise is worst on coarse pavement and often disappears when the headliner is pressed by hand — which is how techs confirm it.
Common Symptoms
Plastic tick or rattle from the roof over rough roads
Noise stops when pressing on the headliner near the roof opening
Rattle returns after temperature swings
How to Fix
Covered by Mazda service bulletins SA-014-23b and SA-001-24a. The repair is not a parts job: the tech drops the trim and bends/re-tensions the retention clips on the cross-brace cover and side covers so they clamp tightly, sometimes adding felt tape. You must be able to demonstrate the noise to the dealer. DIY owners get the same result with felt/flock tape at the clip contact points.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, cloth-trimmed CX-50s (base/Select/Preferred) shed threads and then split along the outer driver's-seat bolster where the upholstery is pulled over the hard plastic side trim panel. Owners report visible fraying within weeks to a few months and a few thousand miles — the seat cushion compresses against the sharp upper edge of the trim panel every time you get in or out, and the loose weave abrades. Replacement seat covers use the same material, so repaired seats commonly re-fray within a year.
Common Symptoms
Loose threads along driver's seat side bolster
Fabric pilling or splitting at the plastic trim edge
Recurrence after warranty seat replacement
How to Fix
Warranty claim under basic 3yr/36k coverage. Dealers first shave the frayed nap and tuck the loose stitching; when that fails they replace the seat cover or the whole cushion assembly. Several owners had claims initially denied as "wear and tear" and got them approved by escalating to Mazda corporate customer experience. Aftermarket seat covers or leatherette upgrade are the durable long-term fixes.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, cX-50 owners get to the pump and the fuel door will not release: the release button does nothing, and the door cannot be pried open by hand. On the CX-50 the filler door is interlocked with the evaporative/fuel tank plumbing, and a fuel tank shut-off valve that sticks closed keeps the door latched — so it is not simply a broken latch actuator. Documented on the 2025 Hybrid as well as earlier cars, and Mazda issued a bulletin (SA-020/23) on fuel doors stuck closed.
Common Symptoms
Fuel door will not pop open when the release is pressed
No click from the latch actuator
Cannot refuel the vehicle
Door releases inconsistently in cold or after a full tank
How to Fix
Do not force the door — that breaks the hinge and latch. Dealer diagnosis distinguishes a failed door lock actuator from a stuck fuel tank shut-off valve; the fix that stuck for owners was replacing the fuel tank shut-off valve with the upgraded revised part, after which the door releases normally. Both repairs fall under the 3yr/36k basic warranty. If stranded, the emergency release is reached from inside the right rear cargo trim.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, cX-50 owners report windshields that crack with little or no impact, with cracks often originating at the driver-side A-pillar or progressing rapidly from a minor pebble star into a full-length crack — a pattern attributed to stress fracturing rather than impact damage. Warranty assistance is frequently denied. This mirrors a broader Mazda-wide windshield trend, so it is not strictly unique to the CX-50, but it is documented for this model.
Common Symptoms
Crack originating at the driver-side A-pillar
Rapid spread from a small chip or star
Cracking with little or no apparent impact
Warranty claim denied without windshield inspection
How to Fix
There is no recall; document the crack pattern (origin at the A-pillar, minimal impact) and escalate a warranty/goodwill claim with Mazda. When replacing, use quality glass with proper urethane bonding to avoid induced stress, and recalibrate the forward-sensing camera afterward.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, aWD CX-50 owners report a distinct clicking from the rear of the vehicle that starts from a standstill, speeds up in proportion to road speed, and fades out somewhere between 10 and 20 mph — plus, on other cars, a humming or whine that comes in at 20-50 mph. Multiple owners across cx50forums and Mazdas247 have had the rear differential and/or propeller shaft joint replaced under warranty, several of them at extremely low mileage (one 2025 2.5 Turbo Premium AWD under 5,000 miles). Mazda's own alert SA-006-22 covers growling and bearing whine originating in differentials and transfer units on this platform, and a separate early bulletin flags rear differential breather caps missing from assembly, which lets moisture into the housing. The pattern points to a rear-drive-unit build-quality problem in early production rather than a wear-out failure — the noise is present essentially from delivery.
Common Symptoms
Clicking from the rear that speeds up with road speed
Clicking disappears above 10-20 mph
Humming or whine from the rear at 20-50 mph
Growling noise from the rear differential
Noise present from very low mileage
AWD warning message / FWD-only mode
How to Fix
Have the dealer isolate the noise before parts are thrown at it: drive the car with the rear driveshaft disconnected, or listen with a chassis ear at the rear differential and at each propshaft joint, because the click is frequently the propshaft/u-joint rather than the ring and pinion. Confirm the rear differential breather cap is present and the housing is not water-contaminated, and check that the differential oil is the correct grade and level. Replacement of the rear differential assembly and/or propeller shaft is covered under the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There is no recall. Out of warranty, expect roughly $1,400-$3,000 for a rear differential assembly and $600-$1,200 for a propshaft.
On the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50, the 6-speed automatic transmission in the CX-50 exhibits hesitation and delayed shifts when accelerating from a stop or during passing maneuvers. The torque converter lockup strategy and shift programming prioritize fuel economy over responsiveness, causing a noticeable lag. Some owners report improvement after TCM recalibration.
Delayed response when pressing accelerator from a stop
Hunting between gears during moderate acceleration
Hesitation during passing maneuvers at highway speed
Noticeable RPM flare before upshift engages
How to Fix
TCM (Transmission Control Module) recalibration at dealer may improve shift timing. Sport mode provides more responsive shifts. Mazda has released updated transmission programming for some model years. A transmission fluid change with Mazda FW ATF may also help.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Mazda Genuine ATF FZ, one quart, 0000-FZ-113E-01
OEMMazda 0000-FZ-113E-01
Refill/service only a transmission explicitly marked and specified for ATF FZ Fitment/availability: Indexed direct genuine-product page identifies Mazda ATF FZ part 0000-FZ-113E-01 with product purchase controls. Browser navigation redir…
Refill/service only a transmission explicitly marked and specified for ATF A7 Fitment/availability: Live direct genuine-product page identifies Mazda ATF A7 with Add to Cart; Mazda service information identifies U.S. part 0000-A7-115-QT.
High ConfidenceVerified1,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2025Reviewed Feb 2026
18/06/2025
SUSPENSION:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The front suspension fastener bolts may not be tightened properly, which can result in suspension component and/or wheel detachment.
Campaign #25V73700029/10/2025
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.
What is the 2023 Mazda CX-50 ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Internal Damage Reduces Braking — Recall 23V-275 / Mazda 5823D?
On early-build 2023 CX-50 units (produced Dec 3-7, 2022), the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit may have been internally damaged during assembly due to an improper manufacturing process, which can increase brake pedal travel and reduce braking ability, lengthening stopping distance. Maz… Severity: high.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Cylinder Deactivation Solenoid Failure with Metal Shavings in Oil (Naturally-Aspirated 2.5L)?
On the non-turbo 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine, the cylinder deactivation solenoid can fail at very low mileage, throwing a P3400 check engine light. In a documented 2025 CX-50 case the dealer found metal shavings in the oil filter and oil control valves and, after the code recurred, Ma… Severity: high.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Smart Brake Support (SBS) Unintended/Phantom Braking from False Obstacle Detection?
CX-50 owners report the i-Activsense Smart Brake Support system applying the brakes hard with no obstacle present — most often when a lead vehicle turns off the road, when cornering past guardrails or metal roadside barriers, in stop-and-go traffic, and when passing reflective su… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: high.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Fuel Filler Door Locked Shut — Fuel Tank Shut-Off Valve Sticking Closed?
CX-50 owners get to the pump and the fuel door will not release: the release button does nothing, and the door cannot be pried open by hand. On the CX-50 the filler door is interlocked with the evaporative/fuel tank plumbing, and a fuel tank shut-off valve that sticks closed keep… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Power Liftgate Inoperative with Three-Beep Fault (Control Module / Gas Strut Failure)?
Owners of power-liftgate CX-50s report the tailgate refusing to open from the key fob, the exterior switch, or the in-cabin button, answering instead with three beeps — the module's way of saying it detected an obstruction or an out-of-range motion signal. It is usually intermitt… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50 Cold-Start and High-Altitude Power Loss from Over-Sensitive PCM Torque Monitor?
Early CX-50s built before Mazda revised the engine control software set P061B:00 in two very specific situations: shortly after a cold start, and when the vehicle is operated at high elevation — Mazda's bulletin cites altitudes higher than 3,000 m / 10,000 ft. In both cases the a… Repairs typically run $0-$180. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Premature 12V Battery Failure and Parasitic Drain (i-stop AGM/EFB, Door-Jamb Connector Corrosion)?
CX-50 owners report the factory 12V battery going flat well inside the 3-year warranty, sometimes within the first year, often on cars that sit a few days between drives. Two contributors show up repeatedly in the community: the OEM battery itself is a marginal unit for the i-sto… Repairs typically run $220-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Windshield Cracking Radiating from Driver-Side A-Pillar with Little/No Impact?
CX-50 owners report windshields that crack with little or no impact, with cracks often originating at the driver-side A-pillar or progressing rapidly from a minor pebble star into a full-length crack — a pattern attributed to stress fracturing rather than impact damage. Warranty… Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Reads Up to 50°F Low, Crippling Automatic Climate Control Cooling?
The outside air temperature sensor mounted behind the front bumper fascia can drift or fail low, displaying a cluster temperature as much as 50°F below actual. Because the full-auto climate control uses that same input to decide blend-door position and compressor demand, a sensor… Repairs typically run $120-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Rear Differential Clicking, Humming and Whine on AWD Models — Differential/Propshaft Joint Replaced Under Warranty?
AWD CX-50 owners report a distinct clicking from the rear of the vehicle that starts from a standstill, speeds up in proportion to road speed, and fades out somewhere between 10 and 20 mph — plus, on other cars, a humming or whine that comes in at 20-50 mph. Multiple owners acros… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50 Driver's Door Lock Cylinder Hard or Impossible to Unlock with the Auxiliary Key?
The CX-50 hides the mechanical key cylinder behind the driver's outer door handle, and it is the only way into the vehicle when the key fob battery or the 12V battery is dead. Owners report that the auxiliary key blade will not turn the cylinder, or turns without releasing the la… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Water in the HVAC Case and Soaked Cabin Air Filter from Blocked Cowl and Evaporator Drains?
Owners report a strong musty or mildew odor from the vents, fogging that will not clear, and — when the cabin filter is pulled — a filter that is visibly wet or waterlogged. Mazda addressed the condition in Service Alert SA-012-23, which covers reports of odor or water in the HVA… Repairs typically run $30-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2024 Mazda CX-50 Telematics Control Unit Software Fault — 'In Vehicle Network Malfunction' Warning and Loss of SOS/Connected Services (DTC U3000:04)?
The instrument cluster displays a 'Telematics Malfunction' or 'In Vehicle Network Malfunction' message, frequently together with the master warning light, and the vehicle stores DTC U3000:04 against the TCU (telematics communication unit internal malfunction). While the message i… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Electronic Parking Brake Fails to Release — Rear Calipers Bind and EPB Sticks in Maintenance Mode?
CX-50 owners report the electronic parking brake refusing to fully disengage: the car will not roll away cleanly, moving off produces loud banging, snapping or cracking from the rear, and in some cases the EPB begins applying itself automatically. A 'Parking Brake Malfunction' me… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Excessive Wind Noise from Roof Rails?
The factory roof rails on the CX-50 generate excessive wind noise at highway speeds (60+ mph). The fixed rail design creates turbulence that produces a prominent whistling or howling noise. Noise is speed-dependent and more noticeable without radio playing. Multiple NHTSA complai… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: low.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Transmission Hesitation on Acceleration?
The 6-speed automatic transmission in the CX-50 exhibits hesitation and delayed shifts when accelerating from a stop or during passing maneuvers. The torque converter lockup strategy and shift programming prioritize fuel economy over responsiveness, causing a noticeable lag. Some… Repairs typically run $0-$300. Severity: low.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Infotainment System Lag and Slow Response?
The Mazda Connect infotainment system in the CX-50 suffers from slow response to commander control inputs, delayed map rendering, and laggy menu transitions. The system processor struggles with modern navigation demands and simultaneous Bluetooth/CarPlay tasks. Firmware updates h… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: low.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Wastegate Rattle on Cold Start?
The turbocharger wastegate actuator rattles audibly on cold start and during warm-up on the 2.5T engine. The wastegate flapper has slight play in its pivot, causing a metallic rattle until exhaust gas pressure and temperature stabilize. Mazda has acknowledged this as a characteri… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: low.
What is the 2023-2025 Mazda CX-50 Panoramic Sunroof Rattle from Loose Cross-Brace and Side-Cover Retention Clips?
CX-50s with the panoramic moonroof develop a hard plastic rattle from the roof opening that appears after a few thousand miles. Mazda's own bulletins identify two distinct sources: the cross-brace cover, whose retaining clips relax with road vibration so the cover taps the brace,… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: low.
