NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Mazda CX-50 Safety Ratings
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 57 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 achieved full marks in crash avoidance technology from NHTSA. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 places the vehicle in the Strong band, signaling robust safety performance. This assessment is, however, informed by a modest sub-score in defect records and the presence of two active recall campaigns.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 ranks 46 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 57 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 46 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earns a "Strong" Safety Index score of 89 out of 100, an important debut for this new nameplate. Crash protection is a significant factor in this rating, with a sub-score of 66 out of 70. This reflects a clean sweep of stars in the overall, frontal, and side crash categories published by NHTSA. The avoidance technology sub-score reached its maximum 10 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all trims. The defect record sub-score, 12.75 out of 20, is the model's primary area of concern. Two recalls contributed to this lower mark: one affecting the ABS control module and another concerning an accessory trailer hitch. A total of 57 owner complaints, while not verified by NHTSA, show a concentration around the service brakes and forward collision avoidance systems. This pattern suggests a potential connection between the complaints and the ABS control module recall. The Safety Index's defect record component will remain a live figure, subject to improvement as recall remedies are implemented.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Mazda CX-50 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 achieved the agency's highest overall safety rating from NHTSA, including its highest ratings in both frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover performance was comparatively weaker, earning a strong rating with a 16 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17241
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the anti-lock brake system control module, shared with 2022-2023 CX-30 vehicles. The second affects 2023 CX-50 units equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive or park-outside action, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN before purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE23V275000
Risk: Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
Reported 2023-04-18
TRAILER HITCHES23V135000
Risk: Towing a trailer with inoperative lights or brakes can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the trailer hitch harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5723B.
Reported 2023-03-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
Owners have filed 57 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported incidents involving 9 crashes and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes (14 reports) and Forward Collision Avoidance (13 reports), followed by the Electrical System and Structure. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
57 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
Two recalls for the 2023 CX-50 warrant close attention from prospective buyers. Both the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module and trailer hitch campaigns should be confirmed as remedied through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Completing these safety actions falls to the owner and is critical to verify before acquisition.
- The 2023 CX-50 is the nameplate's first model year, so the 89/100 Strong Safety Index has no prior-year benchmark and represents a launch-year baseline rather than an improvement or decline.
- The ABS control module recall is shared with 2022-2023 CX-30 vehicles and directly overlaps with the highest complaint category, Service Brakes, making VIN-level remedy verification especially important for this model year.
- The rollover sub-rating of four out of five stars, paired with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only crash-test category where the 2023 CX-50 falls short of a perfect score.
- The defect-record sub-score of 12.75 out of 20 is the primary drag on the overall Safety Index and is directly tied to the two 2023-model-year recall campaigns, meaning that score reflects a specific, documented defect history rather than a general performance gap.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Mazda CX-50 places
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Mazda CX-50 safety questions
Was the 2023 Mazda CX-50 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Mazda CX-50, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Mazda CX-50 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda CX-50 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Mazda CX-50. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Mazda CX-50?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 57 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Mazda CX-50. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-50 years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17241), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-50 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 46 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.