NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Mazda CX-50 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 scores 96 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 HEV AWD shows a strong federal safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 out of 100, which places it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle achieved five-star NHTSA crash protection across most evaluated categories and scored perfectly in avoidance technology. Furthermore, its recall record remains clean, indicating a lack of manufacturer-identified safety defects.
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 HEV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 and an NHTSA five-star overall crash-test rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 ranks 18 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 | 96 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 HEV AWD marks a notable step forward from an already strong prior year. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed six points, from 90/100 in 2025 to 96/100 in 2026, both within the Exceptional band but the gap is meaningful. The improvement is anchored by a perfect 20/20 defect record score, reflecting zero recall campaigns on file, and a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech score driven by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the board. Crash protection contributes 66 of a possible 70 points, consistent with NHTSA's five-star overall, five-star frontal, and five-star side ratings. The four-star rollover result is the sole ceiling on that crash-protection sub-score. The five owner complaints reported to NHTSA are few relative to fleet size for a current model year, though the Forward Collision Avoidance system appears in two of those unverified allegations, a component worth monitoring as the vehicle accumulates more time in service.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Mazda CX-50 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 HEV AWD achieved five-star ratings across the board for overall, frontal, and side impact protection in NHTSA's safety assessments. Its performance in the rollover category was strong as well, earning four out of five stars, with NHTSA data indicating a zero percent risk of rollover.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21115
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Mazda CX-50 have any recalls?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 HEV AWD has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be issued at any time after a vehicle enters service.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
Five unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 CX-50 HEV AWD. The most frequently cited components are Forward Collision Avoidance, with two alleged reports, followed by single allegations each touching the Engine, Steering, Power Train, Electrical System, and Lane Departure system. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
The 2026 CX-50 HEV AWD shows no open recalls on the NHTSA database. As with any vehicle, prospective owners should confirm the VIN with the NHTSA recall lookup tool to ensure no new campaigns have been issued since production, and that all future notices are resolved before delivery.
- The Safety Index rose six points year over year, from 90/100 in 2025 to 96/100 in 2026, the highest recorded score for this nameplate in MotorCaliber's dataset.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, earning a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score within the Safety Index calculation.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in overall, frontal, and side crash protection; the rollover category is the only rating below five stars, coming in at four stars with a zero-percent reported rollover risk.
- Two of the five unverified NHTSA complaints specifically name the Forward Collision Avoidance system, making that component worth tracking as real-world fleet data accumulates for this hybrid variant.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Mazda CX-50 places
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Mazda CX-50 safety questions
Was the 2026 Mazda CX-50 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Mazda CX-50, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 96 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 2026 Mazda CX-50 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Mazda CX-50 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Mazda CX-50. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-50 years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21115), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-50 2026.
- 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 18 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.