What 403 owners told NHTSA about the 2024 Mazda Cx-90-phev

On 3 separate instances the car starts to buck, speed dropped from 75mph to 50mg in first instance. Then the engine malfunction light comes on. The engine looses power and will only drive at 30mph. Once pulled over and shut car off and restart, attempt to drive again with zero power from the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11605384

July 11, 2024 – Odometer – 7,604, Gas – Full, Electric – 19 Miles range - From work to Home, Receive the following errors “Engine Malfunction, Have Vehicle Inspected” and “Hybrid System Malfunction, Have Vehicle Inspected” warning lights come on. Cars behavior – Air conditioning motor running but not cooling air, Loss of power and car very sluggish (have to be careful at intersections), seems to maintain speed even when taking foot of gas and requires extra breaking, seems to be clunky when transmission upshifts/downshifts at times. When leaving work, did not seem to like being in EV mode even though fully charged (Chargers at work) and would switch itself out of that move and say unavailable. Outside air temperature 90 degree (Air Conditioning not working, very uncomfortable). This defect is dangerous and I serious concerns driving this car such as unpredictable loss of power when entering traffic and hesitation / unpredictability when hitting the accelerator. In addition, with the car maintain speed while not touching the gas pedal and requiring extra breaking is a scary. June 13 – Issue cleared and wanting lights were gone before I was able to take it in for service. July 25th – Recurrence of the same issue - Odometer – 8,162, Gas – Full, Electric – 14 Miles range - From work to Home, Receive the following errors “Engine Malfunction, Have Vehicle Inspected” and “Hybrid System Malfunction, Have Vehicle Inspected” warning lights come on. Cars behavior – Air conditioning motor running but not cooling air, Loss of power and car very sluggish (have to be careful at intersections), seems to maintain speed even when taking foot of gas and requires extra breaking, seems to be clunky when transmission upshifts/downshifts at times. When leaving work, did not seem to like being in EV mode even though fully charged (Chargers at work) and would switch itself out of that move and say unavailable. Outside air temperature 87 degree (Air Conditioning not workin

NHTSA ODI 11604822

On July 15, 2024 this vehicle at 50 mph on cruise control suddenly flashed white warning words indicating problems with the cruise control and immediately thereafter started flashing “hybrid malfunction” and to return to service dealer. At the time of the hybrid malfunction warning which was right after the quick cruise control warning, the engine operation, specifically the gas pedal no longer delivered power to vehicle, either electric or gas. Additional warning was to pull off to the side and stop and turn off vehicle. This occurred and vehicle was pulled to the side put into park and turned off. Waited approximately 3 to 5 minutes and restarted the engine which started in gas with no electric although there was electrical charge on the battery. Was able to continue to our final destination approximately 15 minutes later and no more than 10 miles driven. Hybrid malfunction was still visible on the dash to include the warning stating that vehicle needed to go to the service department. Approximately an hour later, vehicle was turned on again with the same warning about the hybrid malfunction, however, engine started in electric. Drove vehicle to dealership and stated what happened. Dealership the next day stated that this was a phantom code known by Mazda, but no problems associated with the code. Vehicle picked up per service advisors request two days later. Mazda dealership stated that headquarters had eyes on this particular vehicle. A day later after the pick up Mazda dealership requested vehicle be brought back for a “DC box” repair. Dealership stated this process would take a week or thereabouts to replace this component. Vehicle currently in dealership service.

NHTSA ODI 11603677

I was driving 65 mph and the hybrid system malfunction warning came up. Car dropped to 25mph - pressing the gas pedal would not increase the speed. Continued to coast with no acceleration until it came to a stop and shut off

NHTSA ODI 11594863

4 weeks ago my wife was driving on a busy highway and lost propulsion. Hybrid System malfunction message. She was able to pull over before causing an accident and put the car in gas only mode. She never shut the car off and drove on to her destination. I met her and picked up the car and took it to the dealer. Car is new and has 5000 miles on it. Car has been at dealer for 4 weeks with no answers and several unanswered phone calls to customer service at Mazda Corporate. Been told that is is a software problem with no fix and no time frame of when there will be a fix. I do have a case number with Mazda. Today after threatening calls to invoke "Lemon Law" in my state Mazda has suddenly said that the car has a faulty inverter and that the part is available and will be replaced. My feeling is that they are just throwing parts at a problem. This car is unsafe and NHSTA should put pressure on Mazda to either resolve issue or buy back cars. The majority of the complaints listed here are the same. Please take action!!

NHTSA ODI 11594049

On April 3rd, around 5:20 PM, while driving with my daughter on a suburban street, my Mazda hybrid experienced sudden brake failure as I approached a stop sign. Attempts to engage the brakes failed, but they unexpectedly resumed, allowing the car to stop safely. This incident triggered multiple dashboard warnings including "Engine Malfunction," "Hybrid System Malfunction," and "i-Activesense System Malfunction." The hybrid battery’s range indicator also fluctuated erratically between 1 and 4 miles. The primary malfunction involved the vehicle’s braking system, with concurrent issues in the engine and hybrid systems as indicated by the alerts. The vehicle and all related components, along with the computer fault codes, are available for inspection and further testing at the Mazda dealership. The brake failure significantly endangered the safety of both myself and my daughter, as we nearly entered an active intersection uncontrollably, which could have led to a severe collision, posing a grave risk to both occupants and pedestrians. Despite extensive diagnostics and approximately 33 miles of test driving under various conditions, the dealership was unable to replicate the brake failure, raising serious concerns about the braking system’s reliability and predictability. The dealership's technicians, in cooperation with Mazda corporate engineers, have inspected the vehicle and analyzed the diagnostic data and fault codes. As of April 19th, the car remains with the dealership for further analysis. No additional inspections by police, insurance, or independent service centers have been reported. The inability to reproduce the brake failure and the spontaneous nature of the dashboard warnings underscore the necessity for continuous investigation by Mazda. Without a clear resolution, my trust in the vehicle’s safety is deeply shaken, especially for driving in high-speed or heavily trafficked areas.

NHTSA ODI 11584033

There has been two dangerous failures both occurring in an intersection. First instance was in December of 2023 whey the fuel pump failed while turning in an intersection. The second incident was a hybrid battery malfunction, rendering my vehicle unusable in the middle of an intersection again. This was 03/2023

NHTSA ODI 11577123

On [XXX], San Diego, CA. (car is new purchase of 1 month 1 week old, 1250 miles, outside temp of 60 degrees, 3/4 battery charge, full tank of gas) Slowed to a stop at a red light in morning rush hour traffic. Engine sputters and multiple warnings appear on dash, including "Hybrid System Malfunction" "I ActiveSense Malfunction" "check engine" etc etc. CAR DIES IN LANE OF TRAFFIC AND LOCKS IN PARK. Attempted to restart 5-6 times, car would start and die immediately with same warnings. 7th restart and engine starts but had to finish drive in sport due to "Hybrid System Malfunction". Per NHTSA and dealer, all previous recalls had been performed/addressed prior to purchase date of [XXX]. Left car with dealer on [XXX] to address and repair issue. Completely unsafe for vehicle to suddenly die in traffic, with no way to move to the side of the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11576900

Car has 5000 miles on it. Numerous issues with car. Unsafe steering. Dealer not able to repair steering until Mazda provides parts for recall. Now on the highway with a medium depressed foot pedal the car speeds up on its own. Happened 2 times so far. Brakes had to be applied to slow car down. It was very brief because I immediately stepped on the brake, but it was definitely an uncommanded acceleration. Both times I did NOT have cruise control on. Definitely not safe.

NHTSA ODI 11575074

On [XXX], I was driving on [XXX] near Pasadena at normal speed of traffic when suddenly an error message “Hybrid System Malfunction” appeared on the dash board along with check engine light, and the car began to stall slowing down to nearly full stop almost immediately. When I pressed gas pedal, it would not accelerate. Because I was in the far right lane, I had just about enough time to pull over onto the shoulder before the car stopped completely. The car was in EV mode (using all electric power) when this incident occurred with 20 miles of electric range still left. I was lucky that no cars were right behind me as the traffic was moving about 60 mph or my car could have been rear-ended when it came to such an abrupt stop. I put the car in park and turned off the engine, then turned it back on after a couple of minutes. The dashboard was flashing “Hybrid System Malfunction” and “check engine” light was on but I was able to drive it because it had switched to gas power mode. I immediately drove the car to New Century Mazda in Alhambra where I purchased it on [XXX]. The Mazda app on my phone captured two Vehicle Issues Detected at the same time: Hybrid System Malfunction: There is a possibility of restricted power output” and “i-ACTIVSENSE malfunction.” The Hybrid System Malfunction was the most serious and frightening of a series of malfunctions that my car experienced since it was purchased two months ago. On [XXX] (4 days after purchase) the car displayed “Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVIS) Malfunction,” on [XXX], a “Brake!”light came on when we started the car after it had been parked, which disabled the steering wheel and the gear shift preventing us from driving (problem resolved by turning the car on and off several times). On [XXX], another vehicle issue was detected: “Air bag system and seatbelt pre-tensioner system malfunction.” Car was fully inspected by Mazda dealer in mid-January. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11573765

The major issue that happened to our newly purchased CX 90 last February 3 with more than 500 miles on it started around 5:30 pm of February 8, while my wife is driving this vehicle with my daughter, all of a sudden the car stopped at the middle of the road with warning signs popping up in the dash screen like I-active sense malfunction, hybrid battery malfunction, engine malfunction light on, and on top of these, critical vehicle malfunction. The car won't start and disabled. Also, the vehicle cannot switch to neutral gear to push/pull the vehicle to the side that made the vehicle blocking the roadway until the tow truck came in. My wife and daughter's life was put in danger when this vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road with cars passing by on both ways. I also found out based on the NHTSA vehicle safety, Mazda recall website, carfax and Kelly blue book, that this particular vehicle with its VIN has a SAFETY RECALL due to its steering issue that may increase risk for crash. This was not disclosed to us when we are on the process purchasing this vehicle and they did state inspection and passed it that made we doubt how did it happened.. The vehicle is now with the dealership repair shop and the last update I receive was the technician is still checking on it.

NHTSA ODI 11571146

While driving CX90 PHEV vehicle, a "HAZARD" error displayed on the dashboard and the vehicle stopped driving/accelerating completely. Displayed error reported a Hybrid System Malfunction and instructed driver to switch from hybrid to normal setting. Vehicle would not accelerate despite switch to normal setting and power remaining. Driver powered off vehicle and error remained on display. Driver again powered off vehicle after short wait and error was no longer displayed. Vehicle could then be driven in normal setting. Dealership and manufacturer have been notified with a request for immediate assistance. Vehicle is new and has only been driven for approx. 6 months. No advance warning signs appeared. Internet search reflects a Mazda owners' forum page [XXX] suggests that error has been known for several months with no resolution or recall. A vehicle that shuts down while driving in traffic is a hazard to us all. Responses are requested from both Mazda and NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11569956

Vehicle is in normal mode with EV mode engaged, car is going 70mph and suddenly accelerator stops working and decelerates to ~60mph until vehicle suddenly aggressively switches to gas mode and accelerates again.

NHTSA ODI 11568848

CX90 PHEV Premium Plus new purchase 12/2023. 1/24/2024: "Hybrid System Malfunction, Have the vehicle Inspected " On a busy freeway with big rigs and other cars during rush hour traffic (5:25pm), going about 70 MPH. Only 1700miles on car so far. 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit outside. 2mi left on charge, full tank of gas. Car completely unable to accelerate all of the sudden on busy highway once this light came on. Was able to pull off to shoulder, albeit challenging as unable to accelerate and navigate through fast cars in right 2 lanes. Was able to restart car, and go at limp speed but unable to get fast enough to merge back. Called tow truck. Car towed to Mazda dealership. Then unable to get off flatbed of the tow truck as would not go into reverse. Tow guy called me and the staff at Mazda called their Service Manager, had to reset that code. (Something glitch kicked in and locked the car from being able to shift gears). Mazda Service was responsive, worked on and got diagnostics the next day. Stated that it was a computer system glitch. So they restarted the whole system. light is gone and car drives during their testing. They can't explain it. So computer and electronic glitch and system misread leads to a MECHANICAL malfunction that stops the car to be able to be accelerated on freeway. I am a mom of 3 young kids, and lucky I am alive.

NHTSA ODI 11568058

The car has an "Engine Malfunction" emergency light that goes on. I brought the car into the dealer right away - the car had $1k miles and is brand new, so it's quite scary to get this message. They cleared the error and told me not to worry about it, but were unable to provide a solution. It recurred immediately (within 1-2 days). I reached out to the service department and they told me to ignore it (that there is no fix in progress). My car is unable to change the Mi Drive mode (so it can only stay in Hybrid mode). This is unsafe and goes against the intended use of the car. For example, on a very cold day like today, I wish to warm the car in sport mode (aka not hybrid or electric) and I was unable to change the mode.

NHTSA ODI 11567487

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? "Hybrid System Malfunction. Stop Vehicle in a Safe Location." Car completely inoperable. Had to tow to dealership as would not start or go out of park. Hybrid and High Voltage battery issues reported by multiple owners. This happened less than a month into owning the vehicle and with less than 1200 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car deceleration on highway specific to this error reported by multiple owners. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Uknown. Currently being serviced by dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Currently being inspected by the Mazda dealership I leased the vehicle through. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? "Yes, just a week into having the vehicle (at 300 miles) a "Hybrid System Malfunction" error message appeared to "Have the Vehicle Inspected." Dealership had it in their Service shop for over 2.5 weeks and said nothing was wrong with it.

NHTSA ODI 11567596

Vehicle engine suddenly loses significant power, the car violently shakes and the engine starts knocking. When attempting to bring the car to a safe location, the vehicles brakes wouldn’t work. Then the car displayed a bunch of errors, like “Engine Malfunction” and “Hybrid System Malfunction”. The car has been in service twice for this issue and they haven’t found a fix. This malfunction has happened twice during our commute with our children in the car.

NHTSA ODI 11567129

Driving to work the dash lit up with warming signs stating electrical leak detected, Malfunction to hybrid system stop car immediately and contact dealership. Once stopped the car locked up. It would not start would not engage in to gear. There is no neutral gear bypass. We were stranded. Called Mazda roadside assistance and it took 9 hours for a tow truck to arrive. Tow truck had to drag the car up onto flatbed since there was no way to put it into gear. We we're in the city limits not out in the middle of nowhere. The car is currently at the dealership awaiting parts.

NHTSA ODI 11566650

Turning left at intersection at green light , the oncoming traffic sped up and I needed to floor it to not get hit. The my car switch to hybrid and went into a crawl pace. I had to floor it again to wake it up and get the heck out of the way. I don't think the computer is doing a good job talking to the hybrid system and the powertrain during emergency maneuvering. This can be dangerous. I know it scared the hell out me.

NHTSA ODI 11563143

First took the vehicle for unscheduled service around 2,000 miles relating to engine noises, primarily rattling while driving. It's sporadic, but it sounds as if something was rattling underneath the car, primarily when accelerating, most noticeable when ramping up from slower speeds/lower gears. Also, when switching from drive into park, the engine makes unusual rumbling/rattling noises before settling into the regular engine idle rhythm. Finally, at 2,532 miles, the check-engine light came on, along with the message "Engine Malfunction. Have the Vehicle Inspected".

NHTSA ODI 11559401

On 12/5/2023, upon turn after intersection, loss of power to the engine. Pushing gas provided no response from the engine. Engine power cut to about 10 miles an hour. Felt as the car was driving on battery - as no engine was heard. Was able to pull over to the side. Turned off and on engine 2-3 times but the power wasn't restored. Received warning on dashboard that there is malfunction with engine. Also received errors on Mazda application I had on phone. Engine light was on the dashboard. Photos attached. While obtaining assistance for tow service I was accidentally disconnected. I tried turning the car on again, and engine turned on normally. Total time between last unsuccessful turning on/off engine was about 10-15 minutes. First time experience such issue with loss of power and engine cutting off/ not working. Informed the car dealership and car repair/ check was scheduled to be brought to dealership for 12/8/2023. Estimated repairs taking 4 to 5 days before I can get the car back. Distance to dealership about 150 miles. Confidence in this car severely shaken - considering the price and the fact it is brand new.

NHTSA ODI 11558847

These are two major problem i want to highlight, which need immediate attention One of them is related to steering wheel, which is a major safety concern for this vehicle to be on road. 1) Major safety concern- steering wheel Steering wheel is catchy when you are driving vehicle on high speed, which make this vehicle so difficult to control/ maneuver and struggling to keep this in a lane Steering wheel catchy means- it becomes hard when you steer and then skid before finally engaged. This makes driver nervous and can lead to an accident due to wavy drive 2) Engine malfunction light alert in instrumental cluster get on. This give you no choice whether to continue with vehicle. On Nov 23rd 2023, i was travelling with my family on [XXX] from ann arbor Michigan to columbus ohio and get stuck in highway due to this suddenly popped up Currently, vehicle is with germain mazda columbus and getting diagnosed. However, they confirmed some steering wheel motor problem and they are engaged with mazda corporate. But at the time of this reporting, they have this part backlog of 5 month and will be available by April 2024 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11557553

Vehicle low fuel indicators remained lighted up even after fulling up the vehicle tank. it appears is a faulty gas sensor, which if is not replaced can lead to false gasoline levels.

NHTSA ODI 11552119

I was driving on the freeway on the fast lane and the vehicle slowed from 65mph to zero in about 30 seconds and came to a complete stop. It happened so fast I couldn’t change lanes to get to a safe spot. I was left stranded on the fast lane of the freeway with traffic coming right at me. Vehicle displayed a Hybrid system malfunction message.

NHTSA ODI 11549583

Vehicle was parked in garage overnight in our house. At approximately 630AM, carbon monoxide detector alarmed indicating high CO levels inside the house. Source likely appeared to the vehicle- distinct odor of burned electrical wiring/insulation; vehicle felt warm to the touch. Vehicle was dead and would not start. Mazda app indicated critical warnings for ACTIVESENSE, hydrid battery, hydrid system malfunction, high voltage battery depletion, and charging system malfunction starting abruptly at 0210 hours and terminating at 0340 hours. Vehicle had simply been parked in garage and was not plugged in or charging. Last use of vehicle~930PM the night prior. There have been no prior warnings or indications of problems , vehicle has~1k mileage. Vehicle was purchased 7/5/23 and event occurred 7/30/23. Vehicle was towed and is in dealership currently. Mazada USA has been notified by us. Main concerns: 1. Spontaneous carbon monoxide emission of a brand new hybrid EV vehicle model that was parked in a residential home; not plugged in or charging. House full of adults and children overnight. 2. Possible electrical issue with EV/hybrid system leading to spontaneous incomplete combustion of some electrical/battery component.

NHTSA ODI 11536250