Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Early December I was driving and attempting to make a left-hand turn across traffic. I press the gas slowly in preparation to cross traffic. Once a car passed I pressed the gas to get across the traffic lanes before other cars got to me and when I pressed the gas, the car completely stopped moving. I sat there, pushing harder & pumping for what felt like forever, but was probably three to five seconds. I had to take my foot off the gas, press the brake, and put it back on the gas to get the car to move. By that point, I had cars stopping & honking at me because I was sitting in the middle of oncoming traffic, unable to move my vehicle. Then (12/15) I was sitting at a stop sign, waiting to turn right. I made my right turn advancing onto the new street and my car stopped moving entirely and started flashing two errors, both hybrid system malfunction and engine malfunction. …
I own a 2026 Mazda CX-90 hybrid with approximately 13,000 miles. The vehicle began making a grinding noise while driving, which has progressively worsened over time. It has since developed a hard knocking noise accompanied by noticeable vibration when the vehicle shifts gears. This knocking occurs during normal in-town driving. I have taken the vehicle to the selling/authorized Mazda dealership on two occasions - June 2, 2026 and July 14, 2026. On both visits, the dealer was able to reproduce and confirm the noise and knocking. The dealer stated they are aware other customers have reported the same issue, but that Mazda considers the noise/knocking acceptable and declined to perform a repair. No warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes have appeared at any point; the only symptoms are audible and physical. …
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact was informed about a previous recall associated with the steering that was repaired prior to owning the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and turning, the steering wheel jerked in the opposite direction, then became soft, and then more difficult to steer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, but the contact was informed of a steering investigation. On another occasion, the contact stated that when the vehicle was stopped and the ON/OFF feature was activated. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, and after refueling the vehicle, the messages "Engine Malfunction - Inspect Vehicle" and "Hybrid System Malfunction" was displayed. …
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V815000 (Power Train, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shuddered abnormally. The message to "Please Pull Over to a Safe Place" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-90 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2024 (54) and 2025 (7) model years. Engine complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 2024.
Is there a recall for Mazda CX-90 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Mazda CX-90 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda CX-90 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles; 80% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.