2025 Mazda CX-50 Powertrain & Transmission Problems

Clicking /rattling noise when turning

I am reporting a potential safety-related defect in my 2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred, which is approximately four months old. On one occasion, the vehicle moved backward while in Drive mode. This occurred twice on the same day under similar conditions on a slight incline. After starting the vehicle, I shifted into Drive and applied acceleration; however, the vehicle moved backward instead of forward. The rearward motion continued despite active acceleration input. This behavior is not consistent with normal rollback on an incline. The continued backward movement under acceleration indicates a possible issue with transmission engagement, gear recognition, or electronic control systems. I reported the issue to an authorized Mazda dealer. I was informed that shifting the gear too quickly may cause a delay in system response, resulting in the vehicle behaving as though still in Reverse. I consider this explanation unacceptable for a modern automatic vehicle and indicative of a potential defect. This condition presents a safety risk. Unintended rearward movement while in Drive could lead to collisions, especially in situations involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects behind the vehicle. Although the issue has not reoccurred since that day, the intermittent nature raises concern about reliability and the potential for recurrence without warning. I request that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect.

Driver side and passenger side axle-area damage, making loud clicking and popping sounds on turns indicating major damage to CV joint, at around 5000 miles. Primarily heard on sharply turned wheel acceleration, particularly on slightly uphill inclines.

I brought my vehicle to Modern Mazda of Thomaston, CT on Friday January 30, 2026 due to a front-end passenger clunking noise that occurs during left turns. The master tech test-drove the vehicle to duplicate the noise and video of the damage. I was informed that the front passenger axle was leaking grease in video and recommend to replace the front axle. I was told the necessary parts are on back order 6-8 weeks. I was told Mazda is aware of the manufacturer workmanship defect in the CV axle parts. The service manager did provide written documentation ordering the parts. I did file a complaint with Mazda Corporate, documenting the issue and the dealership's findings as well as I was informed the fact Mazda is seeking a new supplier of CV parts. A Mazda corporate case number was assigned. I believe this is a safety issue and a recall should be issued.

I brought my vehicle to Safford Mazda of Fredericksburg on Monday, December 15, 2025 due to a front-end clunking that occurs during left or right turns. A service representative test-drove the vehicle with me and was able to hear and duplicate the noise. Shortly afterward, I was informed that the front axle has internal damage and that the vehicle would need to be retained by the dealership for repair. I was told the necessary parts would not be available until sometime in February 2026. The dealership retained possession of the vehicle and arranged a loaner vehicle for my use. The service manager declined to provide written documentation stating that the car was unsafe to drive or describing potential consequences of continued operation. However, the vehicle was not released back to me pending the axle replacement. I have filed a complaint with Mazda Corporate, documenting the issue and the dealership's findings. A Mazda corporate case number is available if needed.

At only about 6,100 miles and during my vehicle’s first service, the technician found grease leaking from the left front CV boot. The dealer stated this was caused by an external puncture, but they were unable to provide clear evidence, detailed photos, or a written diagnosis proving that the damage was external. The mark they referenced was extremely small and not consistent with a clear impact. A CV boot should not fail at such low mileage, which raises concerns about a potential early-life component failure or material defect. A torn CV boot can lead to CV joint wear, loss of power, or loss of vehicle control if it progresses. Because the root cause is uncertain and the failure occurred unusually early in the vehicle’s life, I am reporting this to NHTSA in case this represents a broader quality or safety issue affecting other vehicles of the same model.

Vehicle: 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Mileage at first failure: ~6,000 miles Component: Front CV boot / axle assembly — loss of grease Safety Concern: Early-life component failure with unresolved uncertainty in root cause Description: At approximately 6,000 miles, the left front CV boot of my vehicle was found leaking grease. The dealership initially stated the failure was due to “external impact,” but no conclusive evidence was presented to support this determination. The photos and inspection notes did not identify a clear puncture or specific point of impact. Mazda Corporate later informed me that their engineering team concluded the issue was not related to a material or manufacturing defect, and offered a goodwill repair. However, the underlying root cause remains uncertain due to the lack of definitive evidence. Safety relevance: A CV boot failure at such low mileage is extremely unusual for a modern vehicle, and premature loss of grease from the CV joint can lead to: joint degradation, reduced steering stability, potential loss of vehicle control. If similar early-life failures occur on additional Mazda vehicles, this may indicate a broader design, material, or assembly concern. Requested Action: I am submitting this report for documentation purposes in case a pattern emerges or if the issue recurs on my vehicle or others.

After about six months of ownership, a knocking noise started happening from the front of the vehicle when turning the wheel all of the way to the right. A month or so later I brought it to a Mazda dealership in Green Brook, NJ. I was told by the service advisor that she had the same vehicle and was advised that this was normal. She explained everything exactly as I had experienced it. She told me I could wait in the dealership for 3/4 hours, but the technicians would most likely just tell me the same. Over time, the suspension deteriorated. Bumps felt more and more noticeable and a lot of noise inside the cabin. Specifically, a lot of vibrating on the right side of the vehicle: windows, front passenger seat, and the trunk window. Looking over the internet, it seems like this problem is apparent in multiple vehicle years, but never properly addressed via a recall: [XXX] . The vehicle is currently in Sansone Mazda in [XXX] . They replaced the right CV and the problem did not go away. I was told they would have to contact Mazda corporate. They did and I was then advised that they would need to replace the left CV axel, as well. Not surprisingly based on the frequency of this issue, that part was unavailable and on back order. I don't know how long I'll be without my car at this point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On three separate occasions, while in reverse backing out of my driveway, the car failed to engage the transmission when shifting into drive, acting like it was in neutral. There were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard. The only way that I found to engage the transmission was to turn off the vehicle, turn back on, and move selector to drive. This is a safety issue as I've had cars approaching in both directions with the CX-50 behing immobilized and not able to move out of the roadway.

I bought the car new from Mazda in December, 2024, and I am the original owner of the car. I backed out of a parking space. I shifted my gear to D, but the car kept sliding backward. I quickly shifted the gear back to P, pressed the parking brake, and turned off my engine. I had to restart my engine several times before the car will drive forward in D. This incident happened twice already.