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Mazda · Compact SUV · 2022–2025 Custom Search

Mazda CX-50 JM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants · How we rate

The Mazda CX-50 JM (since 2022) is a North American compact SUV with a rugged, outdoor-focused stance — wider and more trail-capable than the CX-5, exclusive to the US market.

Engine choice: PY-VPTS (2.5 SkyActiv-G Turbo, 191 kW/256 hp) — the strong turbo with plenty of torque, carrying the known turbo issues (logged as an engine weakness). The US range also includes a 2.5 naturally-aspirated.

Weak points: infotainment freezes or reboots, the panoramic-roof cross-brace rattles, wind noise from the roof rails and door seals, very thin clearcoat that chips easily, premature brake-rotor wear, and a tightly limited ABS module recall (only a handful of cars).

Test-drive checklist: Test the infotainment for freezing and reboots, listen for sunroof rattle and wind noise at highway speed, check the paint for chips, the rotors for wear.

Market 2026: a 2.5 turbo at 50,000 km runs $24,000–30,000 (US market). Insider pick: the PY-VPTS (2.5 turbo) with a paint protection film up front — a rugged, trail-capable compact SUV with Mazda handling; the thirsty turbo wants good oil.

Most Fun Engine

260 PS

CX-50 · Benzin

Turbo Punch in a Crossover Format

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

120–165 PS

2.0L SkyActiv-G Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

150–184 PS

2.2L SkyActiv-D Diesel

9 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Mazda CX-50 JM is available with one engine variant at 120 hp.

2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbo · Petrol· 260 PS
2022 2025

The 2.5 SkyActiv-G Turbo is the range’s strong forced-induction unit — torque-rich, but with a serious design topic: the cylinder head can crack at the rear on the turbo/manifold side and lose coolant. If coolant gets into the oil, the whole engine is usually due. Mazda issued a warranty extension for it (CSP11, up to 10 years/120,000 miles). Add oil consumption from faulty valve stem seals (two batches, code P250F), intake-valve carbon from the direct injection, and a fuel-pump recall. Loss of cabin heat, a coolant smell and overheating are the warning signs — check thoroughly before buying.

  • !! Cylinder Head Crack — Coolant Enters Combustion Chamber from 80,000 km

    The SkyActiv-G 2.5T is prone to cylinder head cracks at the exhaust manifold stud bolt holes on vehicles built before June 2020 (VIN cutoff). Coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and mixes with oil — in severe cases engine replacement is required. Mazda extended warranty voluntarily (CSP11) but never issued a formal recall.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, white exhaust smoke, milky oil on the filler cap, overheating
    2,500–8,000 $
    Ad cylinder head Mazda 2.5T PY-VPTS CX-9 TChead gasket Mazda 6 GJ Turboexhaust manifold gasket 2.5T SkyActiv
  • !! Recall: Fuel Pump Impeller Deformation (21V875 / 5321K)

    NHTSA recall 21V875 (campaign 5321K): The fuel pump impeller can deform and cause pump failure. Affects 2018–2019 CX-9 TC models. Mazda replaces the fuel pump free of charge.

    Symptoms: Rough running, hard starting or sudden stall, check engine light, fuel smell
    0–0 $
    Ad fuel pump Mazda CX-9 TC 2.5Tfuel pump impeller Mazda 2488cc Turbo
  • !! Valve stem seals — high oil consumption from 60,000 km

    Two batches are affected (2016–2017 intake side; build Oct 2020–Sep 2021 exhaust side, code P250F). Faulty valve stem seals let oil into the combustion chamber — blue smoke on cold start, dropping oil level. The repair is a valvetrain teardown; sometimes warranty-extended.

    Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, oil-level warning between changes, code P250F.
    1,500–2,500 $
    Ad Mazda 2.5 Turbo valve stem sealsCX-9 2.5T valvetrain seal kit

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Infotainment Freezes or Reboots

The MZD Connect system in the CX-50 freezes when paired with certain iPhones or during cold starts and reboots every few minutes. Dealers resolved the issue by de-enrolling the phone and applying a firmware update. Root cause is in the Connected Vehicle enrollment process.

Symptoms: Infotainment shuts off and restarts, navigation display goes black, CarPlay connection unavailable
from 10,000 km
Ad MZD Connect software update CX-50 JMinfotainment firmware CX-50 Alabama
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
49 complaints · 2022–2025 · 2 recalls
  1. 01 Brakes
    9 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Other
    6
  3. 03 Electrics
    5

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Brakes (9 complaints)
⚠ Other (6 complaints)
⚠ Electrics (5 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda CX-50 JM (2022–2025) — 25 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G), SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D), PY-VPTS (2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbo). Typical issues affect Interior, Body, Other, Brakes. Considered reliable: PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G).

CX-50 (PY-VPTS, 2022–2025) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Head Crack — Coolant Enters Combustion Chamber, Recall: Fuel Pump Impeller Deformation (21V875 / 5321K), Valve stem seals — high oil consumption. Power: 260 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mazda CX-50? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda CX-50 JM have? +
The Mazda CX-50 JM has 25 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda CX-50 JM? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G). The most reliable engine is the PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the PY-VPTS (2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbo). Problem engine: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D) — stay away!
Which Mazda CX-50 JM engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda CX-50 JM. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mazda CX-50 JM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda CX-50 JM — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} With 191 kW of turbo power and standard AWD, the CX-50 is the sharpest tool in Mazda's crossover lineup. Direct steering feel, capable handling, and brisk acceleration — unusually engaging for a US-market crossover.
Is the Mazda CX-50 JM worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Mazda CX-50 JM — 3 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda CX-50 JM? +
The Mazda CX-50 JM is available with engine variants from 120 to 260 hp. Petrol: PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G), PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G), PY-VPTS (2.5L SkyActiv-G Turbo). Diesel: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee