The 2024 CX-90 is Mazda's first turbo inline-six and PHEV platform, and early adopters are seeing catastrophic engine failures and multiple software/electrical recalls. Too new to have typical mileage patterns, but failures are happening under warranty with alarming frequency.
Catastrophic Engine Failure (3.3L Turbo I6)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 5,000-25,000 mi
Symptoms: sudden loss of power, metallic knocking or grinding, oil consumption between changes, check engine light with misfire codes, complete engine seizure
Fix: Total engine replacement or rebuild — piston ring failure, bearing damage, and crankshaft issues documented. 20-30 labor hours for short block or complete long block swap. Most happening under warranty, but out-of-warranty cost would be devastating.
Estimated cost: $12,000-18,000
PHEV Inverter and Battery Management Failures
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: vehicle won't start or go into ready mode, EV mode unavailable, check hybrid system warning, loss of all propulsion, multiple electrical system warnings
Fix: Inverter replacement or battery management software reflash — 3-6 hours labor depending on component. Multiple recalls issued for inverter and BECM software. Inverter hardware failure requires full unit replacement.
Estimated cost: $2,500-8,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 10,000-30,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid on ground, low transmission fluid warning, harsh shifting when cold, pink fluid residue near cooler lines
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and lines — 3-4 hours labor. Cooler fittings and seals failing prematurely. Catch it early before transmission damage from low fluid.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Automatic Emergency Braking False Activation
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: unexpected hard braking on clear roads, forward collision warning when nothing ahead, system activating in tunnels or under overpasses, rear camera intermittent or black screen
Fix: Software calibration update and sometimes camera replacement — 1-2 hours labor. Multiple recalls for AEB and camera systems. Requires dealer-level scan tool for proper recalibration.
Estimated cost: $200-800
Body Control Module Software Glitches
Common · low severity
Symptoms: random warning lights, power liftgate not responding, interior lights staying on, infotainment system freezing, keyless entry intermittent
Fix: Software reflash of body control module — 1 hour labor. Multiple TSBs and one recall for BCM software. Usually resolves with latest updates, but some units need hardware replacement.
Estimated cost: $150-400
Transmission Mount Premature Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 15,000-35,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk when shifting from park to drive, vibration at idle, excessive driveline movement during acceleration, knocking from engine bay during launches
Fix: Replace transmission mount(s) — 2-3 hours labor. Engine torque from the turbo I6 seems to accelerate rubber degradation. Fairly straightforward job.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Check oil level every 1,000 miles religiously — early warning system for the engine failure problem
Get all recall work done immediately, especially inverter and battery management software for PHEV models
Inspect transmission cooler lines during every oil change — catch leaks before fluid gets critically low
Document any AEB false activations and push for camera/software updates — safety issue
Extended warranty is almost mandatory on this platform given the catastrophic engine risk
Absolutely not — wait at least 2-3 model years for Mazda to sort the engine reliability nightmare and electrical bugs.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM required for hybrid system; premium battery recommended for start-stop functionality
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Every control module on the 2024-2026 Mazda CX-90 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Dashboard, center console area or behind instrument cluster
🔧 Mazda MMDS + VCM II
⚠️ Security gateway for all CAN networks. Replacement requires dealer authentication and all other modules may need re-initialization. Critical security component.
⚠️ Power seat adjustment, heating, ventilation, memory. Requires memory position relearn if equipped.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 25V568000
2025-09-02
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.
Consequence: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 78251.
The information in your report suggests that Mazda may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 24V814000
2024-10-31
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not function properly.
Consequence: An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7124J.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 24V815000
2024-10-31
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles. The powertrain control module (PCM) and engine control modules (ECM) software may cause malfunction indicator lights to illuminate and a loss of drive power.
Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the PCM and ECM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7024J.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE · 24V816000
2024-10-31
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. The engine may not restart after the idling stop feature (i-stop) turns off the engine due to a software issue.
Consequence: An engine that fails to restart increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) and the battery energy control module (BECM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7024J.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Improper inverter software may cause the malfunction indicator lights to illuminate, and a loss of drive power may occur while in electric vehicle (EV) mode.
Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install improved inverter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7024J.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. The brakes may activate suddenly due to the automatic braking system falsely detecting certain objects while driving.
Consequence: Unexpected braking increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM) with updated software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6724E.
STEERING · 24V022000
2024-01-18
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. An assembly issue with the worm gear in the steering system may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist.
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spring engaging the worm gear and reapply grease to the gear teeth, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6524A.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 23V718000
2023-10-26
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the view monitor control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6223J.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 23V719000
2023-10-26
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. Due to a software error, the engine and electric motor may shut down unexpectedly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module and engine control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6323J.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Software in the Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) Information Sound Box (ISB) amplifier may be missing, which can cause inaccurate, external pedestrian warning sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid Electric Vehicles."
Consequence: Inaccurate external warning sounds may confuse pedestrians about the direction of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the AVAS ISB amplifier software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6123H.
STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS · 23V429000
2023-06-15
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Some steering and suspension bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, which can cause the steering intermediate shaft, the front anti-lock brake system wheel speed sensor harnesses, or the front upper control arms to detach, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
Consequence: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the steering and suspension bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5923F.
Performance
Horsepower
323hp
Torque
369lb-ft
0–60 mph
5.8sec
Quarter mile
14.3sec
Top speed
130mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
24mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
25mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
5,600lb
Payload
1,190lb
Curb weight
4,918lb
Seating
7seats
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Wiper blades
New model replacing CX-9, uses similar wiper configuration
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3L Turbo I6 Hybrid and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.