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Steering Bolt Missing / Loose — Intermediate Shaft Separation Risk — Recall 23V429000 (2024)
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
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2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has 11 NHTSA recalls including hybrid shutdown, phantom braking, and steering defects. California lemon law may cover you.
You did everything right. You chose a three-row family SUV from a brand known for build quality, paid a premium for the plug-in hybrid model to save on fuel, and drove a 2024 or 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV off the lot expecting dependability. Instead, many owners have found themselves stranded — sometimes within days of purchase — watching their dashboard light up with 'Hybrid System Malfunction,' 'Electrical Leakage Detected,' and 'Charging System Malfunction' simultaneously, the car locked in Park and unmovable without a flatbed tow. One owner in the NHTSA database drove their new CX-90 PHEV 8 miles home from the dealership before it refused to start. Another had their replacement battery — installed under a Mazda recall — fail within a month, stranding them on a desolate stretch of highway far from home.
The 2024-2025 CX-90 PHEV carries an unusually concentrated recall record for a new model: eleven recalls in its first two model years, five of them directly linked to loss of hybrid drive power, and two specifically targeting the Battery Energy Control Module and inverter software that governs the 17.8 kWh traction battery. Mazda has been candid with NHTSA — the recalls are real and documented — but the remedies have not always stuck. Owners who received the 24V349000 phantom-braking software fix have reported the same sudden false-braking events returning on public roads. Owners whose 2025 CX-90 PHEVs were excluded from that recall have experienced identical crashes.
If your CX-90 PHEV has been to the dealer repeatedly for hybrid system shutdowns, phantom braking, steering concerns, or an ADAS suite that disables itself without explanation, California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act may entitle you to a full repurchase or replacement. The law does not require that Mazda admit a defect — only that the vehicle fails to conform to its warranty and that reasonable repair attempts have not fixed it.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
transmission shifts unexpectedly; hesitation; harsh shift; transmission warning
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 23V429000 involved 2024 CX-90 vehicles where missing or improperly torqued steering and suspension bolts could cause the steering intermediate shaft to separate — a direct loss-of-control hazard. Under Song-Beverly, a safety recall that requires a physical inspection-and-replacement remedy (not merely a software update) is a significant nonconformity: if the dealer cannot confirm all fasteners are correctly installed on the first visit, any repeat manifestation of steering play or effort increase after the recall service counts as a failed repair attempt. Owners should retain the recall completion service order and note mileage at repair.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 23V553000 addressed a missing AVAS (Approaching Vehicle Audible System) software module that could produce inaccurate external pedestrian warning sounds — increasing crash risk to pedestrians and cyclists. Though the consequence is primarily external to the occupant, the defect involves a federally mandated safety system (FMVSS 141). Under Song-Beverly, a recall covering a federally required safety system that requires a dealer software update supports the existence of a warranty nonconformity; if the pedestrian alert continues to malfunction after the update (e.g., emitting incorrect directional sounds), the repair is non-conforming and the visit counts toward the statutory threshold.
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.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 23V718000 involved a software error that could prevent the rearview, front, and side camera images from appearing on the display during backing — directly impairing the driver's rear field of view required by FMVSS 111. A rearview camera that fails to display constitutes a safety nonconformity under California law. If a 2024 CX-90 PHEV owner experiences camera blackout after the view monitor control module software update, that return visit is a second repair attempt for the same defect. Two or more failed camera repairs, or a combined 30 cumulative out-of-service days, may support a buyback claim.
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.
transmission shifts unexpectedly; hesitation; harsh shift; transmission warning
Recall 23V719000 is PHEV-specific: a software error caused the engine and electric motor to shut down unexpectedly, resulting in sudden loss of drive power at speed — a direct crash risk. This defect is particularly significant under Song-Beverly because it is a powertrain shutdown that could manifest while merging on a freeway or crossing an intersection. If an owner experienced the no-drive symptom before the recall was remedied, that pre-remedy event is evidence of a known nonconformity. Post-remedy recurrence (see also iss-09 and iss-10 for subsequent related recalls) strengthens a Song-Beverly claim by showing multiple repair attempts for overlapping powertrain software defects.
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.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 24V022000 addressed a worm gear assembly defect in the CX-90's electric power steering system causing sudden loss of power assist — requiring the driver to apply significantly greater force to maintain course. This is a distinct defect from the bolt torque issue in 23V429000 (iss-01), though owners may experience similar symptoms of heavy or stiff steering. Under Song-Beverly, if a 2024 CX-90 PHEV has been repaired under both 23V429000 and 24V022000 for steering-related complaints, those constitute separate repair attempts for potentially overlapping steering system nonconformities — particularly relevant if steering feel remains abnormal after both recalls.
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.
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
Recall 24V349000 involved the AEB system falsely detecting stationary objects and applying the brakes unexpectedly — a scenario that can cause rear-end collisions from following vehicles. NHTSA owner complaints for 2025 CX-90 PHEV show this phantom-braking pattern persisting after the recall remedy or affecting MY2025 vehicles outside the recall scope (see iss-15). Under Song-Beverly, if the VCM software update under 24V349000 does not permanently correct the false-braking symptom and the owner returns to the dealer, the return constitutes a failed repair attempt for a safety defect — one of the most compelling fact patterns for a California lemon-law claim.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 24V814000 found that the Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU) could fail to initialize defroster, seatbelt reminder, and other safety systems during startup. The defect affected 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles. For 2025 CX-90 PHEV owners, this recall interacts with i-ACTIVESENSE spontaneous disable complaints (see iss-14): if the Dash ESU is improperly reporting system state, ADAS features may be incorrectly shut down. Under Song-Beverly, a startup-cycle defect that disables federally mandated safety systems (defroster, seatbelt chime) is a nonconformity; multiple dealer visits for ESU-related warnings count as repair attempts toward the statutory threshold.
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.
transmission shifts unexpectedly; hesitation; harsh shift; transmission warning
Recall 24V815000 covered a PCM/ECM software defect causing malfunction indicator lights to illuminate and drive power loss on 2024 CX-90 PHEV vehicles. This is the second PCM/ECM powertrain software recall for the 2024 CX-90 PHEV (after 23V719000 / iss-04), issued approximately one year later. The pattern of two separate PCM recalls within 12 months — both involving loss of drive power — is strong evidence of a recurring nonconformity under Song-Beverly. Owners who experienced powertrain shutdown symptoms between or after these recalls should document each dealer visit as a repair attempt for the same class of powertrain software defect.
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.
EV propulsion warning; power loss; high-voltage cable recall
Recall 24V816000 is PHEV-specific: a software issue in the Battery Energy Control Module caused the engine to fail to restart after the i-stop idling system turned it off — leaving the vehicle without drive power mid-trip. For PHEV owners, this defect overlaps with the broader HV electrical leakage / hybrid shutdown pattern (iss-12): both involve the BECM losing correct state and immobilizing the vehicle. Under Song-Beverly, a failed restart at an intersection or traffic light constitutes a safety defect impairing vehicle use. If the symptom recurs after the PCM/BECM update, the return visit is a new repair attempt for the same nonconformity.
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.
EV propulsion warning; power loss; high-voltage cable recall
Recall 24V817000 — covering improper inverter software in 2024 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 PHEVs — is the fourth powertrain/electrical recall for the CX-90 PHEV in two model years, following 23V719000, 24V815000, and 24V816000. Four overlapping recalls for MIL illumination and loss of hybrid drive power is an unusually high frequency of manufacturer-acknowledged defects in a single powertrain system. Under Song-Beverly, the cumulative pattern of repeated powertrain recalls — each addressing a variation of the same hybrid drive loss consequence — substantially supports an argument that the powertrain has a chronic nonconformity that Mazda has been unable to permanently repair.
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.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 25V568000 covers an inaccurate fuel gauge in the BCM software that could cause the vehicle to run out of fuel unexpectedly — a mid-trip stall risk. While less severe than powertrain shutdown, an inaccurate fuel gauge constitutes a functional nonconformity: the vehicle does not perform as warranted (accurate fuel display). For 2024-2025 CX-90 PHEV owners who rely on the fuel gauge to manage both EV range and ICE fuel reserves, an erroneously low or high reading impairs the vehicle's usability. Under Song-Beverly, a BCM software update that does not permanently correct the fuel gauge reading gives rise to a repair attempt toward the statutory threshold.
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
dashboard lights up with 'Hybrid System Malfunction'; warning reads 'Hybrid system electrical leakage detected — stop the vehicle'; 'Charging System Malfunction' warning appears simultaneously; vehicle locks in Park and cannot be shifted into Drive; car must be flatbed-towed; failure occurs within days or weeks of delivery; hybrid battery will not charge above 80 percent; 'Engine Malfunction' or 'Service Hybrid System' warning stays on after restart; dealer cannot replicate or parts are on extended backorder
Multiple owners document hybrid system shutdowns within days of delivery and repeat failures after dealer-performed recall repairs (including one owner in ODI 11737974 whose replacement battery failed within one month of installation). Under Song-Beverly (Cal. Civ. Code §1793.2), a defect that recurs after a Mazda-authorized repair attempt counts toward the statutory threshold. Three or more failed repair attempts for the same nonconformity, or 30+ cumulative dealer-custody days within the warranty period, may establish buyback eligibility. Extended parts backorders count toward out-of-service days.
BECM and PCM software reprogramming per 24V816000 and 24V817000 (for 2024 MY). For 2025 MY and post-recall repeat failures: HV battery pack inspection; possible traction battery module replacement. Parts (battery modules, BECM) reported on months-long backorder at multiple dealers. Owners should request a loaner vehicle during extended out-of-service periods to preserve lemon-law day counts.
loud grunting or grinding noise accelerating from 1st to 2nd gear in EV or gas mode; harsh jolt or lurch during upshifts at low speeds; shudder when the e-motor and ICE transition torque delivery; delayed or abrupt downshift when pressing the accelerator; powertrain vibration felt through the floor at low RPM; dealer says noise or behavior is 'normal for a PHEV'; Mazda headquarters confirms 'normal' after multiple dealer visits
A dealer's 'normal' determination following multiple visits does not extinguish a Song-Beverly claim. Under Cal. Civ. Code §1793.2(d), a nonconformity is defined against what the vehicle should be, not what the manufacturer says it is. If the harsh shift materially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, each dealer visit for the symptom counts as a repair attempt regardless of the stated outcome. Document repair orders specifying the complaint verbatim; 'normal' findings by Mazda HQ are discoverable evidence of manufacturer awareness.
No confirmed TSB or recall as of Jun 30, 2026. Dealers are applying a 'normal' determination per Mazda HQ guidance. Owners experiencing recurring symptoms should request escalation to a Mazda district service manager and document each visit with written repair orders noting the dealer's 'normal' finding. A potential PCM/TCM software recalibration may be issued if a TSB is developed. If symptom persists: TCM adaptive reset, torque converter inspection.
dashboard shows 'i-ACTIVESENSE temporarily disabled — front radar obstructed'; adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning all shut off simultaneously; front radar obstruction message appears in clear weather with no debris on sensor; i-ACTIVESENSE disables randomly during highway driving; restarting the vehicle temporarily clears the warning; issue returns intermittently, making the warning unpredictable; radar obstruction warning appears alongside 'i-stop malfunction' and hybrid warnings
Spontaneous disablement of the collision warning, emergency braking, and lane-keep systems affects vehicle safety in a manner that is objectively unreasonable for a late-model SUV marketed on its i-ACTIVESENSE safety suite. Under Song-Beverly, if the ADAS system repeatedly fails to function as warranted — even intermittently — and the dealer cannot achieve a permanent fix, the nonconformity standard is met. Owners should retain records of every ignition cycle that produced the warning, as the intermittent nature of the defect is precisely why the 'cannot-duplicate' playbook (documenting date, mileage, conditions) is critical.
No TSB or recall specific to the 2025 CX-90 PHEV i-ACTIVESENSE spontaneous disable found as of Jun 30, 2026. Dealers typically clear codes and reset the system; the warning returns. Owners should request front radar sensor inspection and replacement if cleaning does not resolve. A VCM software update similar to the 24V349000 remedy may be applicable; FC should verify whether the 24V814000 Dash ESU update (iss-07) addresses this pattern.
car suddenly and forcefully brakes with no vehicle or obstacle in front; phantom braking occurs on highway on-ramps, roundabouts, and railroad crossings; forward collision warning activates without cause; brakes engage two or more consecutive days at the same location; vehicle brakes unexpectedly during a turn causing loss of steering control; AEB activates in a parking lot causing the vehicle to strike a curb (crash reported); dealer confirms vehicle is 'not included in recall' despite same symptom
A recall-backed safety defect (24V349000) that persists after the manufacturer's own remedy is a compelling Song-Beverly nonconformity. If a 2024 owner returns for phantom braking after the VCM update, that return visit constitutes a second (or further) repair attempt for the same defect. For 2025 owners excluded from 24V349000, Mazda's acknowledged awareness of the phantom-braking defect in the prior model year supports the argument that the 2025 defect was known and unaddressed. A crash (ODI 11724641) underscores safety-impairing impact.
For 2024 MY: confirm 24V349000 VCM software update is applied. If phantom braking recurs after the update, document as a failed recall remedy. For 2025 MY: request Mazda field engineer involvement; the 24V349000 recall scope should be checked for MY expansion. Front radar sensor replacement may be required in cases where firmware updates do not correct sensor geometry errors.
tires worn to near-replacement depth (3/32-4/32 inches) with fewer than 22,000 miles; dealer measures tread depth and confirms abnormal wear; wear is uneven across axles suggesting suspension alignment or PHEV weight distribution; all four tires affected simultaneously; OEM Falken tires wear faster than expected for a new vehicle
Premature tire wear that forces replacement before 25,000 miles on a new vehicle substantially impairs the vehicle's value — a recognized Song-Beverly defect category. If the dealer confirms the wear is abnormal (as documented in ODI 11705377) and Mazda declines goodwill replacement, the documented out-of-spec wear pattern is evidence of a warranty nonconformity. Owners should obtain written inspection results from the dealer confirming tread depth measurements and have alignment documented.
Confirm wheel alignment is within factory specification at each service interval. Rotate tires every 5,000 miles (more frequent than the standard 7,500-mile interval given PHEV weight). If alignment is correct and wear persists, escalate to Mazda for goodwill tire replacement. Consider replacement with a tire rated for higher load index if PHEV curb weight exceeds OEM Falken load rating.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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.
remedy available
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."
remedy available
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.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§1790-1795.8) gives new-vehicle buyers among the strongest protections in the country. If your 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has a recurring defect Mazda cannot fix, here is what matters:
The repurchase trigger. Mazda must buy back or replace your vehicle when a warranty nonconformity substantially impairs use, value, or safety and Mazda has had a reasonable repair opportunity. For the CX-90 PHEV: (a) four or more attempts for the same defect; (b) two or more attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury — hybrid shutdown, phantom braking causing a crash, and sudden steering assist loss all qualify; or (c) 30+ cumulative out-of-service days during the warranty period.
What counts as an attempt. Every dealer visit for the same complaint — including 'no fault found,' 'cannot duplicate,' or 'normal' outcomes. A recall repair that does not permanently fix the symptom is a failed attempt.
The remedy. Mazda refunds down payment, all payments made, registration, and finance charges — less a mileage offset. If refusal is found willful, you may recover a civil penalty up to two times actual damages (Cal. Civ. Code §1794(c)).
Attorney's fees. Song-Beverly is fee-shifting: Mazda pays your attorney's fees if you prevail. Do not wait until your warranty expires — the defect must first appear during the warranty period.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
The CX-90 PHEV's most serious defects — HV battery leakage, phantom braking, and i-ACTIVESENSE disable — are intermittent. Dealers cannot reproduce them on a short drive. Here is how to protect your claim:
1. Write it down. Before leaving the vehicle, note: exact date, mileage, conditions, and the exact warning messages (photograph the dashboard). Ask the service writer to attach your note to the repair order.
2. Insist the RO matches your complaint. If it says 'no fault found' but you reported the car locking in Park with a leakage warning, that is an inaccurate record. Ask for a corrected RO before signing.
3. Request a DTC printout before codes are cleared. The BECM, PCM, and VCM log HV events and radar errors even when the symptom is transient.
4. Phantom braking: record the exact location. The AEB false-triggers at specific road geometries. Repeat events at the same spot are evidence of a predictable defect.
5. i-ACTIVESENSE disable: photograph the warning while displayed. The system self-clears on restart — a timestamped photo is your only durable evidence.
6. Escalate to an RTSM after two 'normal' findings. Write to Mazda NA Operations requesting a regional technical service manager inspection.
7. Count dealer-custody days. HV battery parts are on months-long backorder — every day in dealer custody counts toward the 30-day out-of-service lemon-law threshold.
Eleven NHTSA recalls in two model years — four of them directly tied to loss of hybrid drive power — is a troubling density of acknowledged defects for a $50,000+ family SUV. The HV battery electrical leakage failures are especially alarming: they occur without warning, at very low mileages, and in documented cases recur after recall-authorized repairs. Mazda's powertrain software has been recalled four separate times for overlapping failure modes (PCM, ECM, BECM, inverter), pointing to a systemic calibration shortfall rather than random manufacturing variance. If you have returned to the dealer multiple times for any of these defects, document everything and consult a California lemon-law attorney before your warranty period ends.
— The Margarian Law team
If your 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has been back to the dealer multiple times for hybrid system malfunctions, phantom braking, steering issues, or ADAS failures, you may have lemon-law options. Margarian Law has handled thousands of California lemon-law cases and offers a free case review — no upfront cost, and if you qualify, Mazda pays the attorney's fees.
These warnings indicate the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) has detected — or falsely believes it detected — a fault in the 17.8 kWh traction battery, triggering a full powertrain shutdown and locking the car in Park. Mazda issued recalls 24V816000 and 24V817000 to update BECM and inverter firmware on 2024 MY vehicles. However, NHTSA complaints show 2025 CX-90 PHEV owners experiencing the same pattern after those recall dates. One 2025 owner (ODI 11737974) had a recall-replaced battery fail within a month, stranding them on a remote highway. Document each occurrence with date, mileage, and dashboard photos. Under Song-Beverly, repeated failures to permanently fix a safety defect — including post-recall recurrences — may entitle you to a full repurchase. []
Yes. Recall 24V349000 (July 2024) addressed false AEB activation on 2024 CX-90 vehicles via a VCM software update. However, 2025 CX-90 PHEV owners report the same phantom braking — one (ODI 11688747) explicitly notes their 2025 vehicle was excluded from the recall. A 2025 owner (ODI 11724641) reported a crash: sudden unexpected acceleration combined with loss of braking and steering control. If phantom braking recurs after the recall remedy, that return visit is a failed repair attempt under Song-Beverly. For 2025 owners outside the recall scope, Mazda's acknowledged awareness of this defect in 2024 vehicles supports the argument it was a known, unaddressed issue. Document the exact location and conditions of each event — the AEB has been documented to false-trigger at specific road geometries. []
This warning means the front radar sensor — which drives adaptive cruise, lane-keep, AEB, and pedestrian detection — believes it cannot see, and shuts down the entire i-ACTIVESENSE suite as a failsafe. Normally it triggers when snow or mud covers the front emblem sensor. Multiple 2025 CX-90 PHEV owners (ODI 11685422, ODI 11729657) report the warning firing in clear weather with no obstruction, then self-clearing after a restart — so dealers find no stored fault code. To protect your claim: photograph the warning the moment it appears (photo metadata timestamps the event), note the mileage, and bring the image to every dealer visit. Each visit where the dealer cannot fix it is a repair attempt under Song-Beverly. No recall or TSB addresses this pattern as of Jun 30, 2026. []
The 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has 11 NHTSA recalls in its first two model years — unusually high for a new model. Five address loss of hybrid drive power: PCM/ECM software (23V719000), a second PCM/ECM update (24V815000), BECM i-stop restart (24V816000), inverter software (24V817000), and the Dash ESU startup failure (24V814000). Two recalls cover separate steering defects. Whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon depends on your repair history: four or more attempts for the same defect, two or more for a safety defect, or 30+ cumulative dealer-custody days within the warranty period. If you have returned multiple times for hybrid shutdowns, phantom braking, steering problems, or ADAS failures, a California attorney can evaluate your repair orders — the case review is free. []
NHTSA complaint ODI 11690803 documents exactly this: a 2025 CX-90 PHEV owner visited the dealer four times for a 'loud, grunting/grinding noise accelerating from 1st to 2nd gear in EV or gas mode,' and each time Mazda headquarters confirmed 'normal.' A dealer's 'normal' finding is not the end of the road in California. Under Song-Beverly, a nonconformity is defined by failure to conform to the express warranty — not by the manufacturer's assessment of acceptable performance. If a reasonable person finds the noise substantially impairing the vehicle's use or value, the defect standard is met. Steps: (1) Require the repair order to describe your complaint verbatim. (2) Ask the dealer to escalate to a Mazda RTSM. (3) Record the noise on video — this evidence matters in arbitration. (4) Three or more visits: consult a lemon-law attorney. []
California's Song-Beverly Act sets three thresholds for the CX-90 PHEV. First: four or more repair attempts for the same defect impairing use, value, or safety — regardless of whether any attempt succeeded. Second: two or more attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury — hybrid system shutdown, phantom AEB causing a crash, or sudden steering assist loss all qualify. Third: 30 or more cumulative calendar days in dealer custody during the warranty period, even for different defects. HV battery modules have been reported on months-long backorder — those days count. You do not need to reach a threshold before consulting an attorney; an evaluation of your repair orders is free, and if you prevail, Song-Beverly requires Mazda to pay attorney's fees and costs. []
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