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Steering & Suspension Critical Fasteners Missing or Loose — Loss of Vehicle Control (Recall 23V429000)
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
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The 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 has 11 recalls. Learn about phantom braking, transmission shudder, and your California lemon-law rights — free case review.
You paid $45,000 to $60,000 for a Mazda CX-90 — Mazda's flagship three-row SUV, its boldest engineering leap in two decades. The promise: a rear-biased, all-wheel-drive platform built around an all-new 3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six, a fresh eight-speed automatic, and a 48V mild-hybrid system that would finally match the refinement and driving dynamics of European premium brands. Instead, many 2024 and 2025 CX-90 owners have found themselves back at the dealer — multiple times — chasing problems that Mazda's own engineers are still working to solve.
In its first two model years, the CX-90 accumulated 11 separate NHTSA safety recalls and 365 documented technical service bulletins. Consumer Reports rated the 2024 model 'much less reliable than other cars from the same model year.' Owners have reported the automatic emergency braking system slamming on the brakes for no reason — on the freeway, at railroad crossings, three times a week. The new eight-speed automatic transmission has drawn complaints of shuddering, lurching below 20 mph, and stumbling in stop-and-go traffic. The mild-hybrid idle-stop system has left drivers stranded in active traffic when the engine refused to restart. And Mazda Connect 3 infotainment drops Apple CarPlay one to two times per week across both model years.
The CX-90 is not a fundamentally flawed vehicle — Mazda's direction is sound. But early adopters of a brand-new platform bear a disproportionate quality burden. If your CX-90 has been back to the dealer for the same issue more than twice, or if you've been without your vehicle for thirty or more total days for warranty repairs, California's lemon law may give you options you should know about.
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.
See every published case, with the settlement math shown →
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome; results depend on the facts of each case.
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 covers missing or improperly tightened steering and suspension bolts that can cause the steering intermediate shaft, ABS wheel speed sensor harnesses, or front upper control arms to detach — resulting in loss of vehicle control. Because the remedy (dealer inspection and fastener tightening or replacement) is a physical repair rather than a software update, incomplete or improperly performed recall repairs that allow recurrence may establish a non-conforming repair history under Song-Beverly. Owners should confirm via NHTSA VIN lookup that the recall was completed and retain the recall completion repair order.
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 involves a missing software component in the AVAS Information Sound Box amplifier, causing inaccurate external pedestrian warning sounds and FMVSS 141 non-compliance. While primarily a pedestrian-safety (not driver-safety) defect, FMVSS non-compliance is an absolute recall obligation. Under Song-Beverly, if the dealer cannot complete the software update — or if the warning tone recurs after the update — that dealer visit counts as a failed repair attempt. Owners should verify the recall was completed before the vehicle's warranty period expires.
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 addresses a Mazda Connect software error that prevents rearview, front, and/or side camera images from appearing on the display — violating FMVSS 111 (Rear Visibility). A vehicle that cannot display its backup camera is a documented safety defect. If a 2025 model owner (outside the recall's 2024 scope) experiences the same black-camera symptom, that constitutes an unremedied defect. For 2024 vehicles: if the camera failure recurs after the recall software update, the recurrence is a new repair attempt. NHTSA ODI 11729548 documents a 2025 CX-90 with backup camera failure at 8,500 miles not covered by the recall.
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 covers 2024 CX-90 PHEV vehicles where a software error in the PCM/ECM causes the engine and electric motor to shut down unexpectedly, resulting in loss of drive power — a crash risk. PHEV owners who experienced unexpected shutdown should confirm recall completion. Under Song-Beverly, a drive-power-loss event that prompted a dealer visit before the recall was performed counts as a prior repair attempt; subsequent failure after the recall repair adds to the repair-attempt total. Document all drive power loss events with date, mileage, and dealer repair order before and after recall 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.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 24V022000 covers a worm gear assembly defect that causes sudden, complete loss of power steering assist — a direct crash-risk safety defect. The remedy is physical: dealers replace the spring engaging the worm gear and reapply grease. A steering defect that cannot be fully remedied by the recall repair (e.g., if power steering assist loss recurs after the worm gear replacement) is strong evidence of non-conformity under Song-Beverly. Owners should retain both the pre-recall service visit and the recall completion repair order, and immediately return to the dealer if any reduction in steering assist recurs.
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 confirms Mazda's awareness that the CX-90's AEB system falsely detects phantom objects, causing sudden unexpected braking — a rear-end collision risk. The recall remedy is a VCM software reprogram. If phantom braking recurs after the recall repair, each additional dealer visit is a non-conforming repair attempt under Song-Beverly. NHTSA complaints for 2025 CX-90 (outside the recall scope) show the same pattern persisting — suggesting the underlying sensor calibration issue is broader than the recall population. Owners with post-recall phantom-braking events should document them immediately.
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 covers a Dash ESU software defect that disables the defroster (visibility impairment), seatbelt warning chime (occupant safety alert), 360° view monitor (backup safety), and PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system (thermal safety) during vehicle startup — four distinct safety system failures from a single software bug. Under Song-Beverly, a vehicle that presents multiple covered safety defects simultaneously on a single dealer visit may count that visit toward multiple repair-attempt categories. Owners should ensure the recall repair order specifically lists all four affected systems, and verify each is restored post-repair.
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 confirms that PCM and ECM software in the Large Architecture platform caused malfunction indicator lights to illuminate and loss of drive power — a crash risk. The remedy is PCM and ECM software reprogramming. Any drive power loss event — even a momentary hesitation that the driver attributes to a 'software glitch' — should be documented on a dealer repair order before and after this recall is performed. Under Song-Beverly, loss of drive power at speed or in traffic is a safety defect; repeated occurrences after the recall repair establish a pattern of non-conformity.
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 covers a BECM/PCM software error that prevents the engine from restarting after the i-stop idle-stop feature engages — a stall risk in active traffic. For vehicles that experienced an i-stop restart failure before the recall was performed: that dealer visit was a pre-recall repair attempt. If the restart failure recurs after the recall reprogram, Song-Beverly treats the recurrence as a separate failed repair attempt. Owners should disable i-stop temporarily if the failure recurs, and document the 'engine fails to restart' symptom precisely on the repair order — not just 'hybrid system warning.'
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 covers a software error in the PHEV inverter that causes loss of drive power in electric vehicle mode — a crash risk when the power loss occurs mid-intersection or during a lane merge. NHTSA ODI 11737974 (2025 CX-90) documents a hybrid battery recall replacement that failed again within one month, causing complete vehicle failure in a remote area. For PHEV owners: any EV-mode power loss event should be immediately documented with dealer. Repeat failures after the inverter software update establish a non-conforming repair pattern.
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 a BCM software error that causes the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate reading on 2024-2025 CX-90 MHEV vehicles, risking unexpected fuel runout and stall. NHTSA's recall filing notes that Mazda may have been aware of the defect more than five business days before notifying NHTSA — a potential federal reporting violation and evidence that the manufacturer had actual knowledge of the defect. Owners who ran out of fuel or experienced unexpected stalling from inaccurate gauge readings before the recall may have additional claims for consequential damages under Song-Beverly.
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
transmission shudders or vibrates during highway cruising; harsh, abrupt downshift when decelerating or coasting; vehicle lurches or jerks when accelerating from a stop below 20 mph; stumbling or hesitation during downshift in stop-and-go traffic; transmission hunts or searches for a gear at highway speeds; abrupt jolt when engine re-engages after mild-hybrid ISG idle-stop; delayed throttle response then sudden surge when pressing the accelerator; unusual clunk or thud sound from drivetrain during low-speed gear changes
Consumer Reports' 'much less reliable' rating and 365 documented TSBs establish OEM awareness of systemic calibration defects on this new platform. Under Song-Beverly (Cal. Civ. Code §1793.2), if a dealer applies the TCM software recalibration and the shudder or harsh-shift symptom returns within a reasonable period, the repair is non-conforming and that visit counts toward the repair-attempt threshold. Three or more unsuccessful repair attempts for the same drivability defect — or 30+ cumulative out-of-service days — may qualify the vehicle for a repurchase or replacement. Owners should capture repair order descriptions carefully, ensuring 'transmission shudder' or 'harsh shifts' is documented on each RO.
TCM and PCM software recalibration (per OEM service bulletin; confirm specific bulletin number via Mazda TechInfo). If shudder persists after recalibration, valve body inspection and transmission fluid exchange with OEM-specified ATF. Some owners report partial improvement after software update; others report recurrence under the same conditions.
car slams on the brakes with no obstacle or vehicle ahead; automatic emergency braking activates on freeway on-ramps or highway without cause; vehicle jerks to a sudden stop at railroad crossings or bridge approaches; forward collision warning sounds and hard braking occurs in clear parking lots; lane-keeping intervention steers aggressively mid-lane-change, nearly causing collision; dashboard warning: rear side radar obscured — all i-Activsense safety features disabled; adaptive cruise control disengages or decelerates sharply without approaching vehicle; AEB false-activates approximately three times per week on the same road segments
Phantom braking is a safety defect — sudden, unintended deceleration at speed creates serious rear-end collision risk and can cause the driver to lose control. ODI 11724641 describes a vehicle striking a parked car after unexpected acceleration combined with loss of steering/braking control. If a dealer applies the 24V349000 software update and the phantom-braking symptom recurs, that recurrence is a new non-conforming repair attempt. Under Song-Beverly, a safety defect that cannot be repaired after two attempts may trigger expedited repurchase or replacement rights. Owners should document every phantom-braking incident: date, speed, road conditions, and whether the vehicle was in the recall-completed population.
VCM/forward-camera software update (recall 24V349000 for 2024 in-scope vehicles). For 2025 and post-recall recurrences: dealer sensor recalibration and firmware update if Mazda releases a supplemental calibration. No permanent fix confirmed for persistent post-recall occurrences; Mazda has not issued a supplemental recall for 2025 model year as of Jun 30, 2026.
infotainment screen freezes and requires a vehicle restart to recover; wireless Apple CarPlay disconnects 1-2 times per week and will not auto-reconnect; screen reverts from CarPlay to Mazda Connect during active navigation; radio or navigation app becomes unresponsive; Bluetooth audio cuts out or phone fails to reconnect after a call; head-up display (HUD) fails or shows incorrect information; display goes black during startup requiring hard reset; Android Auto connection drops or does not initialize
Infotainment failures that disable the backup camera display create a safety-adjacent defect, as the CX-90 relies on Mazda Connect to render the rear camera required under FMVSS 111. A screen freeze that blacks out the camera view is legally analogous to the recall condition addressed by 23V718000. Multiple dealer visits for the same CarPlay drop or screen-freeze symptom count toward Song-Beverly's repair-attempt threshold. If infotainment failures coincide with other safety-defect repair visits — such as phantom braking or steering issues — the combined out-of-service days strengthen the overall lemon-law record.
Head unit software/firmware update via dealer (OTA updates not consistently deployed). Switching to wired CarPlay as a workaround for wireless drop issues. Hard infotainment reset via settings menu. In persistent cases, head unit replacement. Dealer may cite 'cannot duplicate' when the intermittent freeze does not reproduce on demand.
engine does not restart when taking foot off the brake after an idle-stop event; vehicle remains stopped with engine off and no response to throttle; warning lights illuminate after failed restart: i-stop Malfunction, Hybrid System Malfunction; charging system malfunction warning appears simultaneously with engine restart failure; Critical Systems Failure message displayed on startup; i-ACTIVSENSE Partially Disabled warning during idle-stop recovery; vehicle stalls or loses momentum during low-speed deceleration approaching a stop; multiple dashboard warnings appear at once on ignition-on with no prior symptom
An engine that fails to restart from idle-stop in traffic is a safety defect — stranding a vehicle mid-intersection or in a merge lane. Recall 24V816000 confirms Mazda's awareness of the i-stop restart failure on the MHEV platform. If a vehicle received the recall repair and the i-stop restart failure reoccurs, each additional dealer visit for the same symptom counts as a repair attempt under Song-Beverly. Owners experiencing multi-system failure events (simultaneous Critical Systems Failure, Hybrid System Malfunction) should request each warning be individually documented on the repair order, as each represents a potential covered defect.
PCM and BECM software reprogramming per recall 24V816000 (in-scope 2024 vehicles). For post-recall or 2025-model recurrences: dealer diagnostic of BECM/ISG integration fault codes; potential ISG harness inspection; escalation to Mazda field engineering for vehicles exhibiting multi-system failure events.
power liftgate refuses to open via button, key fob, or foot gesture; liftgate begins opening then reverses and closes for no apparent reason; liftgate opens only partially and stops, requiring manual assist; emergency liftgate button required to open; liftgate makes grinding or motor-straining sound during operation; liftgate opens very slowly or inconsistently in cold weather; interior handle does not trigger liftgate; door-open warning chimes when liftgate is fully closed
A power liftgate that fails intermittently and cannot be reproduced on dealer demand is a classic 'cannot duplicate' scenario. Owners should document every occurrence — date, temperature, whether it was triggered by button/fob/gesture, and any error messages shown — and request the liftgate malfunction be logged on the repair order even when the dealer cannot replicate it. Under Song-Beverly, intermittent defects that the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts still count toward lemon-law eligibility.
Liftgate control module software update if Mazda has issued a calibration bulletin. Strut replacement if pressure is inadequate for cold-weather operation. Liftgate motor or actuator replacement in severe cases. Dealer may recalibrate the obstruction-detection threshold as a first step.
extremely loud brake squeal or squeaking at low speeds; brakes squeal when stopping in reverse; brake noise sounds like 'no brakes at all'; dealer oiled or lubricated brakes but squealing returned within days; squeaking occurs in cold weather and warm weather alike; noise present since first week of ownership; brake pedal feel is normal but sound is alarming
Brake squealing alone — when braking performance is unaffected — is typically characterized as a cosmetic/annoyance defect and may not independently trigger Song-Beverly eligibility. However, if the same brake system visits (for squeal complaints) are combined with other safety-defect repair visits (e.g., phantom braking, steering), the cumulative out-of-service days and dealer visits strengthen the overall lemon-law record. Owners should ensure each brake squeal visit is logged with the repair order even if no mechanical defect is found.
Dealer brake pad and rotor inspection; application of anti-squeal lubricant to pad backing plates (noted as ineffective in multiple complaints). An OEM brake pad compound revision or TSB addressing pad specification may be available — FC should confirm via Mazda TechInfo. In severe cases, pad and rotor replacement with aftermarket noise-reduction compound.
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 et seq.) provides some of the strongest new-vehicle protections in the United States. As of 2026 the law has not materially changed. This is general educational information — not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Under Song-Beverly, a manufacturer must repair a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety within a reasonable number of attempts. If it cannot, the consumer may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full repurchase — including down payment, monthly payments, and incidental costs — reduced by a mileage offset.
The law creates a rebuttable presumption that a reasonable number of attempts has been exceeded when: (a) the same defect has been subject to repair four or more times; (b) a safety defect has been subject to repair two or more times; or (c) the vehicle was out of service for 30 or more cumulative calendar days for warranty repairs.
For the CX-90, phantom braking and i-stop restart failure are safety defects (two-attempt rule); transmission shudder is a drivability defect (four-attempt rule). The two separate steering recalls (23V429000, 24V022000) may be treated as distinct defects. Song-Beverly covers purchases and leases, and attorney fees are recoverable if your claim succeeds — meaning you generally pay nothing if you do not prevail.
“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's most serious defects — phantom braking, transmission shudder, i-stop restart failure, CarPlay drops — are intermittent. Dealers routinely close tickets as 'unable to duplicate.' Here is how to build a record that protects your Song-Beverly rights:
1. Log every incident immediately. For phantom braking: date, time, speed, road name, weather, and whether the AEB warning chimed. For transmission shudder: speed, gear, throttle input. For i-stop failures: how long the engine had been off and every dashboard warning code displayed.
2. Before the dealer clears fault codes, ask them to document all stored DTCs on the repair order. Hybrid system and AEB faults leave trace codes the dealer may clear without noting them. Request the raw DTC list be attached to or cited in your repair order every visit.
3. If the dealer writes 'unable to duplicate,' insist the specific symptom you described is written in the complaint section. Under Song-Beverly, an unduplicated complaint still counts as a repair attempt — but only if your symptom is on the RO. 'No faults found' alone does not preserve the attempt.
4. For phantom braking on a 2024 CX-90: check whether your VIN received the recall 24V349000 VCM reprogram at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If not, request it. If braking recurs post-recall, that visit is a separate failed attempt on the same safety defect.
5. Count cumulative days out of service. California's lemon law presumes eligibility after 30 cumulative calendar days out of service for warranty repairs — including brake squeal, infotainment, and safety issues. Every day counts.
Eleven recalls in two years, a Consumer Reports 'much less reliable' rating, and 365 TSBs tell the story of a new platform delivered before its systems were fully sorted. The phantom-braking problem is particularly concerning: NHTSA has received complaints of false AEB activation on both 2024 and 2025 models, including a crash involving property damage. The 8-speed transmission and 48V mild-hybrid integration issues reflect the genuine complexity of combining a new RWD-biased chassis with a hybrid system Mazda had not previously produced at scale. Mazda is actively addressing these through recalls and TSBs, but the burden of repeated dealer visits has landed disproportionately on early buyers. If you are experiencing repeated issues, your repair history deserves a close review against California's lemon-law thresholds.
— The Margarian Law team
If your Mazda CX-90 has been to the dealer two or more times for phantom braking or engine restart failure, or three or more times for transmission shudder — or if it has been out of service for 30 or more total days — you may have options under California law. Margarian Law offers a free case review with no cost unless your case succeeds.
The CX-90's i-Activsense automatic emergency braking (AEB) system has been documented false-activating without any actual obstacle present — a condition NHTSA addressed with recall 24V349000 for 2024 models (VCM software reprogram). However, 2025 owners continue to report phantom braking on freeway entrances and at railroad crossings multiple times per week (NHTSA ODI 11688747, 11698538). If phantom braking persists after the recall repair, or if you own a 2025 model, document every incident with date, speed, and road conditions, and request a dealer repair order for each occurrence. Repeated unsuccessful fixes may support a California lemon-law claim.
Yes — there are two separate steering recalls. Recall 23V429000 (July 2023) covers missing or improperly tightened steering and suspension bolts that could allow steering components to detach, causing loss of vehicle control. Recall 24V022000 (March 2024) covers a worm gear assembly defect that causes sudden, complete loss of power steering assist. Both remedies are physical dealer repairs, not software updates. Owners can verify their VIN is covered and remedy-complete at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If steering assist loss recurs after either recall repair, that recurrence is a separate dealer visit and may count toward Song-Beverly lemon-law thresholds.
The all-new SkyActiv-Drive 8-speed automatic in the CX-90's Large Architecture platform launched with a factory calibration that produces lurching below 20 mph, shudder during highway cruising, and stumbling on downshift in traffic. Consumer Reports rates the 2024 CX-90 'much less reliable than average' with Transmission flagged as a problem area; cars.com owner reviews describe the gearbox as 'horrible in bumper-to-bumper traffic.' Mazda's remedy is typically a PCM/TCM software recalibration. If shudder returns after recalibration, that visit is a non-conforming repair attempt. Three or more unsuccessful attempts for the same drivability defect may qualify your vehicle for replacement or repurchase under California's Song-Beverly Act.
As of mid-2026, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 has 11 NHTSA safety recalls — an unusually high count for a vehicle in its second model year. These cover two separate steering defects (23V429000, 24V022000), phantom braking (24V349000), rearview camera failure (23V718000), AVAS pedestrian alert (23V553000), Dash ESU software (24V814000), powertrain control module software (23V719000, 24V815000), i-stop restart failure (24V816000), PHEV inverter software (24V817000), and an inaccurate fuel gauge (25V568000). Consumer Reports called the 2024 CX-90 'much less reliable than other cars from the same model year.' Owners can look up their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to verify all recalls are completed.
Whether any specific vehicle qualifies as a 'lemon' under California's Song-Beverly Act depends on your repair history — not just the number of recalls. The 2024 CX-90's record (11 NHTSA recalls, Consumer Reports 'much less reliable' rating, 365 TSBs) is significantly above average for a first-generation model. If your CX-90 has been to the dealer two or more times for the same safety defect (such as phantom braking or steering failure), four or more times for the same drivability defect (such as transmission shudder), or has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative calendar days for warranty repairs, you may qualify for a replacement or repurchase. California law covers both purchased and leased vehicles, and attorney fees are recoverable if your claim succeeds.
An engine that fails to restart from i-stop idle-stop in traffic is a documented safety defect addressed by NHTSA recall 24V816000 (PCM and BECM software reprogramming for 2024 MHEV models). Check whether your VIN is covered at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If the recall has been completed and i-stop restart failure recurs, return to the dealer immediately and request the failure be documented on a repair order — not just as 'hybrid system concern.' Note the exact dashboard warnings shown: 'i-stop Malfunction,' 'Hybrid System Malfunction,' or 'Critical Systems Failure' are specific documented symptoms. If the same failure recurs after the recall repair, that is a second failed attempt at a safety defect, which may meet California's two-attempt threshold under Song-Beverly for expedited lemon-law relief.
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