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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
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

7 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

Solid turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection producing 250 hp on premium fuel. Cylinder head cracks on early units (built before VIN cutoff June 2020) are the main concern — Mazda extended goodwill coverage (CSP11) but never issued a formal recall. Post-2020 production updates resolved the issue significantly. Regular coolant level checks are recommended.

  • !! 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

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 26 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda CX-50 JM (2022–2025) — 21 engine-related and 5 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. 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). 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 21 known engine weaknesses and 5 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