Mazda CX-90
New inline-six turbo producing 280 or 340 hp, debuting in the 2023 CX-90. Smooth power delivery and strong torque. The 48V mild-hybrid integration and the new 8-speed automatic showed software maturity issues on early production units — shudder on launch is the most common complaint, usually addressable via software update.
Inline-Six With Character
The new 3.3L inline-six sounds and drives like a proper six-cylinder — smooth, eager, and strong. For a three-row SUV the CX-90 offers surprisingly responsive dynamics. Early software growing pains clouded the picture, but the fundamentals are solid.
Engine Weaknesses 1
The 8-speed automatic in the CX-90 and CX-70 shudders, especially transitioning from standstill to motion and at crawl speeds. The root cause is the interaction between the i-Stop system and transmission control logic. Software updates have partially resolved the issue.
Symptoms: Shudder and jerk when pulling away from a stop, clunking between 1st and 2nd gear, unexpected forward lurch when rolling
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
NHTSA recall 24V022 (Mazda campaign 6524A) affects 43,454 MY2024 CX-90 units: an assembly defect in the steering worm gear can cause sudden loss of power steering assist. Mazda replaces the spring engaging the worm gear and regreases the gear teeth. NHTSA opened a follow-up investigation into whether the fix was durable.
Multiple US class action lawsuits (2024–2026) document CX-90 brake pads wearing out and squealing within the first 1,000 miles. The lawsuits allege a fundamental design defect in the braking system. Mazda acknowledged the issue in a Service Alert (SA-016/24) but has offered no permanent fix. Vehicles relapse after warranty repairs.
Three simultaneous NHTSA recalls (Dec 2024) collectively cover 150,000+ vehicles: 7124J (Dash ESU — defroster/camera/cooling disabled), 7024J (PCM/ECM — drive power loss in EV mode), and a separate i-Stop recall. All remedies are free software updates at Mazda dealers.
38,926 MY2024 CX-90 units are affected: the auto start-stop system (i-Stop) can fail to restart the engine after an idle stop. Mazda reprograms the PCM and BECM with improved software.
CX-90 owners report early failures of the 48V lithium battery, sometimes at just 20,000 km. Replacement parts must be shipped from Japan, causing wait times of up to 4 months. Vehicles typically sit at the dealership for weeks.
A US class action lawsuit (2025) alleges the CX-90's Lane-Keep Assist System (LKAS) applies forceful steering corrections in the wrong direction, forcing drivers to fight against the wheel. A sudden assist cut-out can cause loss of control. Affected model years: 2024–2026.
The CX-90 is widely considered to have the thinnest paint in its segment — owners report scratching the clear coat with a fingernail. Rhodium White and some early production vehicles showed factory paint defects including dull patches and uneven base coat coverage. Mazda has not confirmed a permanent solution.
