NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Mazda CX-50 Safety Ratings
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 29 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
With a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 establishes an exceptional safety profile among its peers. This rating reflects strong performance in NHTSA crash testing, comprehensive standard crash-avoidance technology, and a minimal defect record. This combination of factors positions the CX-50 as a leading option for safety in its class for the 2024 model year.
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 and an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 ranks 24 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 | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 29 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 24 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Mazda CX-50?
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 represents a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's scoring, moving from the 2023 model year's Index of 89/100 in the Strong band to 92/100 in the Exceptional band. That 3-point gain is driven by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, which reflects the vehicle's sweep of 5-star frontal and side ratings from NHTSA. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this model year, with no buyer needing to select an optional package to access those systems. The defect record sub-score of 15.5 out of 20 is where the picture is more measured: one recall involving accessory trailer hitches and 29 owner complaints keep this year from a perfect defect score. Four of those complaints specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a notable detail given that the avoidance-tech score assumes those systems function as designed. The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent risk figure, is consistent with the SUV segment and is not a disqualifying factor, but it is the only sub-5-star crash result this model year produced.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Mazda CX-50 perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 achieved a 5 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score in both frontal and side impact crash tests. Its rollover resistance, however, presents a relative outlier in the published data. NHTSA rated the CX-50 at 4 out of 5 stars for rollover, indicating a 16 percent risk of rollover, with the dynamic tip test recording "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20024
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Mazda CX-50 have any recalls?
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 carries one NHTSA recall campaign. Mazda North American Operations recalled certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data for this campaign. Used-market shoppers should confirm remedy completion by VIN.
TRAILER HITCHES25V167000
Risk: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
Reported 2025-03-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Mazda CX-50?
NHTSA has logged 29 owner complaints for the 2024 Mazda CX-50. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Structure, Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance, Service Brakes, and Engine. Among those unverified allegations, owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
29 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Mazda CX-50?
A critical safety concern for the 2024 Mazda CX-50 is the recall concerning its trailer hitch. Prospective owners should verify through the NHTSA database whether the necessary remedy has been applied to any used vehicle they are considering. Resolving open recalls remains the responsibility of either the seller or the buyer, and confirmation of completion is essential prior to purchase.
- The 2024 model year improved from the 2023 Safety Index of 89/100 to 92/100, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, a distinction driven by near-perfect crash-protection sub-scores.
- One recall was issued specifically covering 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches; used buyers should verify VIN-level remedy completion before finalizing a purchase.
- Four of the 29 unverified owner complaints logged with NHTSA allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the same technology that earned a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score, making this a component worth scrutinizing during any pre-purchase inspection.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result is the only category in this model year's NHTSA testing that fell below a 5-star mark.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Mazda CX-50 places
The 2024 Mazda CX-50 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Mazda CX-50 safety questions
Was the 2024 Mazda CX-50 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Mazda CX-50, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Mazda CX-50 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Mazda CX-50 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2024 Mazda CX-50. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Mazda CX-50?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 29 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Mazda CX-50. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-50 years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20024), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-50 2024.
- 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 24 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.