Steering harder to move; suddenly harder to turn steering wheel.
NHTSA ODI 11725082
Home · 2024 Mazda Cx-90-mhev · Complaints
These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.
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Steering harder to move; suddenly harder to turn steering wheel.
NHTSA ODI 11725082
Symptom Description: The vehicle is experiencing "sticky" and "notchy" steering, characterized by a sudden increase in physical resistance (friction) when making small steering corrections at highway speeds. The steering feels like it "binds" or "catches" before releasing, making smooth lane centering difficult.
NHTSA ODI 11724518
The problem is with my tailgate. The mazda cx-90 has an automatic trunk open/close function. My wife and I use teh trunk as directed. The other day we go to open the trunk (with the button) and there was a "pop" as if the door was trying to open under force or tension. Ever since then the trunk will not shut properly, if at all. The entire trunk is now misaligned and cannot close properly. There was no accident or damage to the trunk (other than the misalignment). The Mazda dealership I took it to even confirmed no damage othat than the trunk misalignment. I'm not sure how or why this is happening. There are dozens of reports of this same issue happening on multiple threads on the internet. The trunk gets misaligned towards the passenger side of the vehicle. Please see the following internet forums outlining this issue. [XXX] [XXX] The trunk is misaligned that the driver side of the trunk is not completely shut. The seal is not closed, allowing air, weather, etc. into the car while in operation. There is no light or warning indication that anything is wrong. The vehicle was taken to the mazda dealership and they did everything they could to not solve or address the problem. They advised me to take it to a body shop and stated that "we can confirm the trunk is misaligned, but no part appears to be malfunctioning or broken so we are unable to warranty this." I spent an entire day without my car for them to "confirm that the trunk is misaligned." My hunch is Mazda knows they have a problem and they just want to avoid it and sweep it under the rug. Dealership video will be uploaded. Link to Dealership video of problem: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11724810
Several times over the past year I have had a weird steering wheel issue. A couple of times it occurred on on and off highway ramps. As I was turning I was not able to immediately (1/2 to 1 sec) correct the steering to continue straight. Finally the steering became unstuck and everything was fine. At first I thought it was just me until I have noticed others reporting a sticky steering on my 2024 CX-90. I plan to approach my dealership this week, but my VIN is not in the range mentioned on the NHTSA 6524A/24V-022.
NHTSA ODI 11724370
steering bind, notchy steering, off-center steering
NHTSA ODI 11723544
What failed and is it available? The factory-equipped Yokohama Geolandar tires (specifically the X-CV model, 265/55R19) have experienced extreme, premature wear. They are currently on the vehicle but are in a failed state. How was safety put at risk? As of March 11, 2026 (22,567 miles), tread depth has reached 1/32" and 2/32". This renders the vehicle legally unroadworthy in Pennsylvania and creates a severe safety risk for hydroplaning and increased braking distances. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer/manufacturer? Yes. Dealer records from July 2025 (12,402 miles) show the tires were already at 4/32", meaning they were 70% worn after only 10 months of use. The dealer contacted the tire manufacturer, who denied a defect claim. Mazda North American Operations (Case #00423913 as filed with Mazda Customer Experience Center) also formally denied assistance on March 10, 2026. Were there symptoms or warning signs? No dashboard lights appeared. The issue was discovered during routine maintenance. Based on the extremely rapid and uniform wear documented so early in the vehicle's life (at 12k miles), I believe this is either a defect in the factory-supplied tire materials or a systemic issue with the vehicle’s factory alignment/suspension geometry. As the consumer, I am left with an unsafe vehicle that the manufacturer refuses to rectify.
NHTSA ODI 11723676
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA ODI 11723328
Steering - Since early in February, while driving, usually at higher speeds, the vehicle intermittently pulls to the left and the steering wheel feels stuck requiring a strong motion to pull it back to the right. Overall steering feels harder than normal. I'm concerned that a failure in the steering components of this vehicle may cause an accident. I have an appointment with the dealer for inspection. No warnings or lights appeared to indicate there was an issue. Mileage is under 18,000
NHTSA ODI 11722879
When I am driving in a curve situation the steering wheel gets in an almost locked position and has a stick to it where I have to use force to break the position to correct the steering as I drive through the curve. I took vehicle to Mazda dealership located 2512 Laurens Rd Greenville, SC 29607 and they advised they could not find an issue. This is absurd! This is a safety issue!!
NHTSA ODI 11722881
Our CX90 continues to have a very sticky steering issue which causing significant oversteer when attempting to “unstick” the wheel. This has lead to numerous incidents of potential accidents.
NHTSA ODI 11723097
The steering sticks and becomes hard to correct when turning or curving to the left. It can also be jerky. It’s becoming worse and having to pull it back to the right causes some over correcting.
NHTSA ODI 11722804
Steering recall does not appear to fix the sticky steering recall. recall (24V022) The initial problem involves a, faulty, high-friction worm gear in the electric power steering assembly. While driving car and turning … the feedback thru the steering wheel is jerky/sticky/unusual.
NHTSA ODI 11722831
good morning, i'm [XXX]. i have taken untold number of caps off of windshield washer fluid reservoirs so i could put in fluid. this is the first time i've ever had issues with the little flange on the underside of the cap breaking. this is the second time it has happened and this time i was extra extra gentle with removing it and attempting to put it back on since they cost over $20, which in itself is abhorrent price for such a cheap piece of junk, but one of the little cheap plastic flanges broke again. this is plain and simple highway robbery. this is a $50k suv and this is what we get? this is horrible and should not be allowed to stand. i know these companies MO is to cut their cost and make their parts as cheap as possible and sell it for more and more. please please please look into this and make mazda make a quality cap that customers can depend on instead of being outraged at. mazda is making millions off the people who trust them to make quality parts. i called a mechanic at our local mazda dealer when i was trying to put the cap back on cause i didn't want to force anything. he knew exactly what the problem was. he said these caps are pieces of junk and most people just go without it. this is unacceptable to me and i'm sure everyone who's had this unfortunate experience. we are supposed to go without a cap on a $50k vehicle???? Again please please please make mazda make a quality cap for their customers. thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11722423
NOTES FROM SERVICE TO MY CX90 MAZDA FROM HILEY MAZDA OF HUNTSVILLE 256-578-1915 During my last oil change with Maza on Nov. 12, 1pm the dealership noticed my windshield wiper fluid leaking into the radiator. They had to order a new radiator and repair this problem. They gave me a loaner CX90 for a week until a new radiator and parts arrived. On Dec 03 new radiator came in and my Mazda dealership and they replaced the radiator and windshield wiper mechanisms. Now on [XXX] I noticed my coolant reservior was empty while I was filling my windshield washer reservior. I drove my vehicle to the nearest Kelley Car Parts store and they filled the reservior for me and suggested I get the vehicle to Hiley Mazda asap. I called Mazda on Monday March 2 and they said to bring the vehicle in on March 3 at 1pm. They are now keeping my vehicle to find out what the problem is. I believe they never replaced the new radiator properly. I now have been give a CX50 as a loaner while they again try to fix my car. I am [XXX] and should not have to deal with this. A Mazda 2024 CX90 with only 20, 202 miles on it should not be having these issues. I researched and have found out the Mazda CX90s are having major problems with the radiators leaking from the sides and customers have to have their radiators replaced. This problem should not be happening to a vehicle I purchased brand new [XXX]. I believe Mazda should replace my vehicle with a new vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11722324
My car is giving me various problems with a gear box(a) and accelerations(b). a. It shift from one gear to another on its own. The gear can be put in Reverse, but the light would indicate Park, and the car would not move. Sometime I put the car into Drive and the Parking Break would come up and wont let me release it until I put the car back into Park mode. I've already had multiple"glitches" like this. Couple of weeks ago, when coming out of a stop sign, the gear shifted from Drive into Neutral in the middle of intersection with 2 minors in the car. b. The car experiences acceleration problems every time it come from a stop. It moves very slow and "jerks" as if it is about to shut down. This problem has gotten getting worse in the last couple of weeks. I brought the car to Mazda dealer last summer, as the gear box would take forever to unlock for driving. They said it is normal and thats just like the car is. I have my 3 children [XXX] and [XXX] ) with me 95% of my driving. I have big concerns about this vehicle and its safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11721941
The authorized dealer, Cochran Mazda, previously bypassed the vehicle’s hybrid system and returned the vehicle to us stating it was safe to operate and that we could disregard warning messages until a replacement hybrid battery became available. Prior to this, we had reported repeated drivability concerns, including jerking during operation. We were advised that this behavior was normal for hybrid vehicles. While awaiting a follow-up service appointment, the vehicle displayed a “Critical Engine Malfunction” warning and experienced a significant loss of power while traveling across the Liberty Bridge in Pittsburgh, PA. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 15 mph and then stalled out on the bridge. We activated hazard lights and were able to proceed slowly to a nearby parking lot, where the vehicle required towing. This incident created a hazardous traffic condition and raised significant safety concerns.
NHTSA ODI 11720818
I was driving the car on a highway. About 2 hours into my trip the steering became very difficult when banking to the left. Felt like there was no power steering and I had to muscle the car through banking turns.
NHTSA ODI 11719952
Component Involved: Front suspension – Lower control arms Braking system (ongoing unresolved brake noise) Description of the Safety Issue: The front lower control arms on my 2024 Mazda CX-90 show visible erosion/corrosion and looseness. The condition was identified during inspection by a national tire service center and documented on video. The component remains on the vehicle and is available for inspection. The dealership has been notified of persistent brake noise during the last five oil change visits, but the concern has not been resolved. Safety Risk: The loose and eroded lower control arms create a significant risk of: •Loss of steering control •Suspension instability •Increased likelihood of component failure •Potential crash risk at highway speeds There were no warning lights related to suspension failure prior to discovery. The defect was identified during independent inspection rather than through vehicle alerts. Confirmation: The condition was observed and documented by an independent service center. The manufacturer has not yet conducted a formal inspection beyond routine service appointments. No crash has occurred to date, but the condition poses a clear safety risk. Additional safety information will be provided once the inspection is complete.
NHTSA ODI 11720028
While turning, the resistance = how heavy is steering, suddenly drop for few millisecond which causes unpredictable understeering , i almost hit the other car on opposite side it happens not every turn but randomly
NHTSA ODI 11719621
My vehicle was subject to a 2024 recall for what has been described as "sticky steering." The recall repair was completed by Mazda in April, 2024, however the problem persists. The repair was completed before I purchased the vehicle. When I turn my vehicle to the left or right my steering feels heavy and the steering wheel feels like it is sticky when turning. This does not happen every time I turn my car but it does occur frequently. Speed does not seem to make a difference; I have the problem turning in a parking lot at low speeds or on a highway or road at higher speeds. The date that I provided is the date of the most recent event.
NHTSA ODI 11719160
I have a 24 CX-90 that is experiencing the steering issue (Recall 24V022) where the steering effort feels like it binds up and locks during slow to medium speed turns, primarily when turning left. No warnings, no codes thrown.
NHTSA ODI 11718090
The vehicle was leaking coolant. The Mazda dealership Technician concluded it was a cracked radiator. There was no warning sign. Took vehicle in for an oil change and that's when the problem was discovered. Mazda completed service with replacing a new radiator on 2/12/26. On 2/15/26 the coolant is burning in/on engine. Reservoir is completely empty after being capped off during service. I believe the new radiator has cracked again. The vehicle didn't show a rise in temperature which would allow a driver to continue driving with this issue until they have a major engine failure due to lack of coolant in the system.
NHTSA ODI 11718134
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report serious and ongoing safety concerns regarding my Mazda CX-90. I believe this vehicle presents a significant safety risk to occupants and other drivers on the road. Since the date of purchase, this vehicle has been subject to numerous recalls, repeated software updates, and multiple mechanical issues. The number of recalls alone raises concern about the safety and reliability of this model. In addition, the vehicle has been in service many times, and I have frequently been provided a loaner vehicle due to unresolved problems. On the day of purchase, the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure and had to be towed. While driving in my neighborhood with my children inside, the vehicle suddenly stopped moving and became stuck in reverse. A brand-new vehicle should not experience this type of failure. More recently, I experienced a dangerous steering event on the highway. While traveling in the left lane, the vehicle suddenly swerved into the right lane, then back to the left, and continued oscillating between lanes. The steering felt momentarily out of my control. If surrounding traffic had been heavier, this could have resulted in a serious collision. After inspection, the service department stated that no issue was found and offered no corrective action. Additional safety-related concerns include: The vehicle has unexpectedly stopped driving while in motion on multiple occasions. The steering system behaves unpredictably at times. The hybrid system has malfunctioned repeatedly, the vehicle has overheated and emitted a strong smoke odor. These repeated failures involving steering, powertrain, and hybrid systems raise serious safety concerns.Given the pattern of recalls, ongoing mechanical failures, and the inability of the service to diagnose or correct these issues, I believe this vehicle poses an ongoing safety hazard I respectfully request that NHTSA formally investigate these issues Kim
NHTSA ODI 11718158
All of a sudden I have experienced sticky steering every time I turn the wheel it does not come back by itself, so need some effort to push it back. Mazda dealership service inspected the car and informed that they already put the order for the part, but it will take around 3 months to get it from mazda. I am not thinking to wait 3 months to get the car repaired. It is basically a new car with 25k miles and costed around $ 60K. I don't understand why they don't have available parts if they know about the issue since the beginning.
NHTSA ODI 11717244
The steering wheel has been sticking when turned even in the slightest. It is so dangerous because I have to over correct which causes the car to jerk. I took it to the dealership and was informed that this is a known problem but there is no recall from Mazda. They said it’s going to cost me $4500 to replace the steering rack and gear motor. It’s a 2 year old car I shouldn’t be having these kind of major repairs. I get regular maintenance and always take it in for any recalls.
NHTSA ODI 11716976
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