Mazda CX-80
3.3-litre inline-six diesel with 48V mild hybrid. Mazda's first inline-six in decades, on the new longitudinal platform.
Seven-Seat SUV with Decent Driving Dynamics
The CX-80 with 187 kW diesel impresses with solid driving dynamics and precise steering for its class. Compared to the BMW X3 it lacks some agility, but it clearly beats Korean rivals. A large SUV that's enjoyable to drive — without true enthusiast qualities.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The AdBlue dosing pump can crystallise and block during short-trip use. SCR catalytic converter efficiency drops, engine power is reduced. The first Mazda with an SCR system.
Symptoms: AdBlue warning light, power reduction after 1,000 km, engine will not restart after countdown, elevated NOx emissions.
Isolated cases of injectors leaking fuel into the combustion chamber. Hydrostatic lock possible. Mazda recommended preventive injector checks on early CX-60 diesel engines.
Symptoms: Knocking noises, rough running, strong diesel smell, white smoke cloud, sudden engine failure in extreme cases.
The new 8-speed automatic (Aisin) had software problems with the shift logic during manoeuvring and at low speeds. Multiple recalls in 2022–2023.
Symptoms: Juddering during manoeuvring, delayed gear engagement, unintended downshifts, transmission warning light.
A mechanical knock on pull-away from standstill, caused by play in the torque converter clutch damper. Mazda has released revised parts.
Symptoms: Single 'clunk' on pull-away, especially in the cold, slight judder during the transition from standstill to motion.
Die 48V-Lithium-Ionen-Batterie des e-SkyActiv D fällt bei frühen Serienmodellen (2022–2023) bereits bei ca. 40.000 km mit Fehlermeldungen aus. Betroffene Fahrzeuge verlieren die 17 PS Boost-Leistung des Elektromotors und zeigen zahlreiche Warnmeldungen. Ersatzteile waren lange nicht lieferbar.
Symptoms: Mehrere gleichzeitige Warnleuchten; Leistungsverlust von ca. 17 PS; Fahrzeug bleibt fahrbereit; Fehlermeldung 48V-System.
Bei 850 deutschen CX-60-Exemplaren mit e-SkyActiv-D aus dem Produktionszeitraum September 2022 bis Februar 2023 fiel das Kombi-Instrument komplett aus. Mazda rief die betroffenen Fahrzeuge zurück und spielte ein Software-Update ein.
Symptoms: Kombi-Instrument dunkel oder ohne Anzeige; keine Tacho-, Drehzahl- oder Warnleuchtenanzeige möglich; Fahrzeug ansonsten fahrbereit.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Early CX-80s show fault messages in the high-voltage system; in one case the system engaged the parking brake while driving. PTC heater failures on the PHEV have also been reported. Multiple workshop visits without a lasting fix are known.
A software fault in the control unit can impair cooling of the high-voltage battery. Affects plug-in hybrid variants on the CX-60/CX-80 platform. Remedied by a free software update at the dealer.
Several CX-80 owners report the rear air conditioning not working from the moment of handover. Mazda replaced the AC compressor in some cases without permanently resolving the issue. The cause is likely a faulty connector in the gearbox area.
The CX-80's rear axle feels unsettled and undefined on uneven surfaces and in ruts. The issue was known from the CX-60 predecessor and only partially addressed on the CX-80. Mazda revised the rear axle design with the MY2025 update.
The driver's side exterior mirror vibrates and flutters at higher motorway speeds. Described by several owners as a quality defect. Makes accurate observation of the area behind the vehicle difficult.
The CX-80's steering feels heavier and more indirect than is typical for the class. The smooth-surfaced steering wheel amplifies the lack of road feel. Test drivers clearly criticised the steering effort required compared to rivals.
Several CX-80 owners report creaking seat frames that produce annoying noises when driving over road imperfections. The cause is contact points between the seat structure and the rails. Mazda dealers were aware of the issue from customer reports.
Reports & Tests
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2024–2025). Most reported: Other (4), Brakes (4), Engine (3).