2024 Mazda CX-90 Problems: 12 Known Issues

On the 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90, improper software in the Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU) on 2024-2025 CX-90s can cause multiple systems to fail to initialize at startup: the front windshield defroster, the seat-belt warning, the 360-degree view monitor, and (on PHEV) the high-voltage battery cooling system may all be inoperative, with multiple cluster warning messages. An inoperable defroster reduces visibility and a non-functioning HV cooling system risks the PHEV battery, increasing crash risk. About 80,915 CX-90/CX-70 units are affected.

On the 2024 Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv PHEV 2.5L four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, on the plug-in hybrid CX-90 (2.5L four-cylinder PHEV, e-Skyactiv PHEV), improper inverter control software can set malfunction indicators and cause a loss of drive power while the vehicle is operating in EV mode. Unlike the mild-hybrid stalling campaigns, this one is specific to the PHEV's traction inverter, which converts high-voltage DC to the AC that drives the traction motor — when its control logic faults, the powertrain drops to a fail-safe with little or no propulsion, potentially in traffic. It was released as one part of Mazda's multi-module 7024J program (NHTSA split the program into 24V815, 24V816 and 24V817 by affected system and population), so a CX-90 PHEV may show more than one open 7024J campaign against its VIN. This is a distinct campaign from the PHEV charging-system faults and from the 48V mild-hybrid battery imbalance fault.

On the 2024 Mazda CX-90, a software error in the view monitor control module of launch-year CX-90s causes the rearview camera, front camera and/or side cameras to flicker, show a black screen, or fail to display at all when reverse is selected or the 360° View Monitor is requested. Because the backup image is a federally mandated function, NHTSA treated this as a non-compliance with FMVSS 111 (Rear Visibility) rather than an ordinary defect. Roughly 10,800 model-year 2024 CX-90s built by Mazda Motor Corporation were covered, alongside MAZDA3 units, for a combined recall population near 11,900. A related dealer bulletin (SA-079-23) covers 360° View Monitor image color (brightness) discrepancies, and the same monitor architecture reappears in the later Dash ESU campaign, so a CX-90 can legitimately need more than one camera-related software fix.

On the 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90, on 3.3 Turbo / Turbo S mild-hybrid (MHEV) CX-90s, one or more of the 12 cells in the 48-volt MHEV battery can become voltage-imbalanced, storing DTC P0DAB (cell voltage variation). The vehicle illuminates the engine malfunction warning, drops to an engine-only fail-safe mode, and disables M Hybrid Boost, i-stop, and regenerative braking; CX-90 forum owners report dealers calling the car unsafe to drive. Mazda's service alert states the cell-balancing issue is addressed by a software reflash included in Safety Recall 7024J (NHTSA 24V816), which is separate from the PCM/ECM and inverter loss-of-power campaigns 24V815 / 24V817.

On the 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90, the CX-90 has been subject to multiple recalls for engine stalling and loss of drive power. Under Recall 7024J (NHTSA 24V815), improper software in the powertrain control module (PCM) and engine control modules (ECM) can illuminate malfunction indicator lights and activate a fail-safe mode that limits drive power; related campaigns cover engine no-restart after i-stop (24V816), PHEV loss of power in EV mode (24V817) and fuel-gauge-related running out of fuel and stalling (25V568). Engine stalling while driving presents a serious safety risk.

On the 2024 Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv G 3.3L turbocharged inline-six (48V mild hybrid), mazda recalled roughly 38,900 model-year 2024 mild-hybrid CX-90s because improper software in the powertrain control module and battery energy control module can prevent the 3.3L inline-six from restarting after the i-stop idling-stop function has shut it off. On this vehicle the restart is performed by the 48V integrated starter-generator sandwiched between engine and transmission, not by a conventional starter, so when the hybrid-assist logic faults the engine simply does not relight at a stoplight or in a turn-across-traffic. Owners report a 'Hybrid System Malfunction' message, warning chimes, loss of power assist to steering and brakes, and having to shift to Park and re-cycle the ignition to recover. This is the specific no-restart-after-i-stop failure mode and is a separate NHTSA campaign from the other 7024J sub-recalls.

On the 2024 Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv G 3.3L turbocharged inline-six (48V mild hybrid), mazda recalled 9,914 model-year 2024 CX-90 vehicles equipped with Smart Brake Support front crossing-object detection because improper Vehicle Control Module (VCM) programming lets the system mistake a reflection, a roadside object or a crossing shadow for an imminent collision and command a hard automatic brake application with no obstacle present. Owners most often describe it at low speed (roughly 10-15 mph) in parking structures, near reflective glass storefronts, at gas stations and when passing parked cars, where the vehicle slams to a stop and the forward-collision warning chimes. Forward collision avoidance is one of the largest NHTSA complaint categories for this nameplate — roughly a quarter to a third of all 2024 CX-90 complaints — and reports include both false activations and the inverse (system warning but not braking). Affected build dates run December 27, 2022 through September 12, 2023, so early-build launch cars carry the highest exposure.

On the 2024 Mazda CX-90, 2024 CX-90 owners report a sudden, unexpected increase in steering effort, most noticeable at higher speeds or mid-corner, traced to a steering gear defect where a spring applies excessive force to the worm gear, displacing grease and raising friction. Mazda recalled 43,752 MY2024 vehicles (NHTSA 24V022 / Mazda 6524A) in January 2024, but NHTSA opened Recall Query RQ26002 in January 2026 after 26 complaints of the condition recurring AFTER the recall repair, with two crashes potentially linked.

On the 2024 Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv G 3.3L turbocharged inline-six (48V mild hybrid), distinct from the general low-speed take-up hesitation, CX-90 owners report a specific audible event on the 1-2 upshift when accelerating away from a complete stop: a bark, hoot, crunch, chirp or honk from under the floor accompanied by a vibration through the seat and pedals. Mazda documented the condition in a technical service bulletin and attributed it to improper hydraulic pressure control inside the eight-speed automatic. The mechanism matters here — this gearbox has no torque converter. Engagement is handled by a wet multi-plate clutch pack driven by an electro-hydraulic circuit, so when apply pressure is mistimed the clutch plates slip-stick audibly instead of being damped by fluid coupling, which is why the noise has no analogue in Mazda's transverse FWD automatics. Mazda's countermeasure was modified TCM control software; a separate bulletin (PF-24-01) covers a transmission part design change for replacement transmission assemblies.

On the 2024-2026 Mazda CX-90, cX-90 owners report that after starting the vehicle the electronic shift-by-wire selector will not come out of Park: the P indicator stays lit, the lever moves but the transmission stays in Park, and the vehicle cannot be driven. Mazda documented the condition in dealer bulletin SA-065-23 (intermittent inability to shift out of P after starting) with a companion bulletin SA-018-24 (2024 CX-90 PHEV) explaining that Neutral can only be reached with the engine running or Ready-On, so a vehicle that cannot start must be moved on wheel dollies. The CX-90 uses a monostable electronic shifter with a hydraulically operated parking lock rather than a mechanical linkage, so the release depends on the vehicle reaching a 'ready on' state and on brake-switch and shift-control module inputs — part of why the vehicle also enforces a short delay after power-up before Park will release. Owners have also been stranded when a depleted 12V battery leaves the vehicle locked in Park with no mechanical release path, which is why this failure regularly turns into a tow.

On the 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90, on 2024-2025 CX-90 mild-hybrid (MHEV) models, ethanol in pump fuel reacts with materials on the fuel-level sender circuit board in the sub-tank, causing the instrument-cluster fuel gauge to read inaccurately high. Drivers can run out of fuel and stall with fuel still indicated, and the engine cannot be restarted, raising crash risk. The recall covers about 104,854 MHEV CX-90/CX-70 units (88,798 MY2024-2025 CX-90 plus 16,056 MY2025 CX-70); PHEV models are not affected.

On the 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90, 2024-2025 CX-90 owners widely report the central infotainment display intermittently freezing or blanking — sometimes taking out the backup/360 camera and navigation — plus frequent dropouts of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that require re-pairing, with some owners saying it only stays connected via USB. These are software/connectivity defects reported across the owner community and in long-term press reviews, separate from any recall.