MODEL
Mazda CX-50 Safety
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 2024 Mazda CX-50 earns an Exceptional Safety Index rating of 92 out of 100, one of the stronger safety profiles in the compact SUV segment. This is reinforced by a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side-impact crash tests. Rollover resistance is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, a respectable outcome for a taller crossover. The CX-50's recall record warrants close attention. Across the 2023 to 2025 model years, 7 recalls have been issued. Consumers must verify that all open recalls have been addressed on any specific vehicle before purchase. Owner complaints to NHTSA total 125 across the covered years. This includes 13 complaints alleging a crash and 12 alleging injury. While these are unverified allegations, these figures are not insignificant for a model in its early production. The CX-50 presents as a genuinely strong safety performer in its class based on federal data. Its crash-test results are difficult to dispute, and the Safety Index score places it among the top in its segment. The ongoing recall and complaint data are elements to monitor, but they do not negate the fundamental 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.