MODEL
Mazda CX-50
NHTSA safety across every Mazda CX-50 model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Mazda CX-50 we cover (2023 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 96 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 89. 7 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV pitched squarely at buyers who want a more driver-focused, outdoor-capable alternative to mainstream rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Launched for the 2023 model year, it sits above the CX-5 in Mazda's lineup and targets active adults who expect both style and substance from their daily driver.
The Mazda CX-50 puts together one of the stronger safety profiles in the compact SUV segment, and the federal data backs that up. The best NHTSA Safety Index we have recorded for this model is a 92 out of 100 for the 2024 model year, landing it firmly in the Exceptional band. Crash-test star ratings reinforce that picture: the CX-50 earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both the frontal and side-impact tests in its best year, with a solid 4 out of 5 in rollover resistance, a respectable result for a taller crossover body style. The recall count across the 2023 to 2025 model years sits at 7, which is worth monitoring for a nameplate still in its early production life. Shoppers should verify that any specific vehicle has all open recalls resolved before purchase. On the owner complaint side, NHTSA has logged 125 total complaints across covered years, including 13 alleging a crash and 12 alleging injury. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed incidents, but the numbers are not trivial and deserve attention as the model matures. Taken together, the CX-50 is a genuinely strong safety performer in its class. Its crash-test results are hard to argue with, and the 92 Safety Index is among the better scores we see at this segment level. The recall and complaint picture is something to watch, but it does not undercut the core finding: this is a well-protected crossover.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the CX-50 as a premium-feeling compact crossover that prioritizes driver engagement and interior refinement over pure practicality. They tend to praise its composed handling and upscale cabin presentation, while noting that cargo space and rear-seat room can feel tighter than some rivals. Overall sentiment leans positive, with the CX-50 viewed as a strong choice for drivers who value character alongside utility.
- The 2024 CX-50 achieved a 92 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, one of the higher scores in the compact SUV segment.
- Frontal and side crash-test ratings reach a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the best-tested year, though rollover resistance comes in at 4 out of 5, which is typical for taller crossovers but worth noting for high-center-of-gravity driving situations.
- Seven recalls have been issued across the 2023 to 2025 model years, a meaningful number for a relatively new nameplate. Buyers should check the NHTSA recall database by VIN to confirm all open recalls have been completed before taking delivery.
- NHTSA has logged 125 owner complaints across covered years, with 13 alleging a crash and 12 alleging injury. These are unverified allegations, but the pattern is worth tracking as more model years accumulate real-world data.
Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Mazda CX-50 with 4 recalls.