NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Mazda CX-90 Safety Ratings
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 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-90 PHEV AWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Its federal safety profile is robust, marked by a clean recall record and top NHTSA crash scores across all evaluated categories. The model year also earned full marks for its avoidance technology, reflecting a comprehensive approach to safety.
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV AWD received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 96/100 based on NHTSA federal safety 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-90 ranks 20 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 | 12.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
The 2026 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the CX-90 PHEV AWD in federal safety terms. The NHTSA Safety Index rose from 89/100 in the 2025 model year to 96/100 here, a seven-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band. That climb is driven by a near-perfect crash protection subscore of 66 out of 70, a full 10 out of 10 on avoidance technology reflecting standard equipment across forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and a perfect 20 out of 20 defect record score made possible by the absence of any recall campaigns. The NHTSA five-star overall rating anchors the crash protection score, with five stars in both frontal and side categories. The rollover result of four stars and a 13 percent rollover risk figure is the only area that prevents a perfect crash subscore, and the dynamic tip test returning No Tip provides useful context. The complaint volume of five unverified reports is extremely low for a current model year, and none of those allegations involve crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. Taken together, the 2026 data picture is notably cleaner than the prior year across every tracked dimension.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Mazda CX-90 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV AWD achieves an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, matching five-star scores in both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover performance, however, stands at four stars, with a 13 percent risk of rollover. The dynamic tip test showed no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21116
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-90 have any recalls?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV AWD has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall filings can be added at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Mazda CX-90?
NHTSA has received five unverified owner allegations for this model year. The top reported components are the Electrical System and Air Bags, each cited in two separate unverified reports, followed by single alleged concerns involving Visibility/Wiper, Seat Belts, and Steering. 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-90?
For a current model year vehicle, buyers should always verify the VIN through NHTSA's recall database. Confirm that no new campaigns have been filed since the data was compiled, and that any necessary remedy work has been completed and documented. Recall filings can emerge at any stage of a model year's lifecycle.
- The 2026 CX-90 PHEV AWD Safety Index of 96/100 represents a seven-point increase over the 2025 model year score of 89/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band to the Exceptional band.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for this model year, producing a perfect defect record subscore of 20/20 in the Safety Index calculation.
- The rollover category is the only NHTSA star rating below five stars, coming in at four stars with a 13 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
- Five unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with Electrical System and Air Bags each appearing in two separate alleged reports, and zero allegations of crashes, injuries, or fatalities.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Mazda CX-90 places
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Mazda CX-90 safety questions
Was the 2026 Mazda CX-90 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Mazda CX-90, 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-90 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Mazda CX-90 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 12.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Mazda CX-90 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Mazda CX-90 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-90?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Mazda CX-90. 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-90 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 21116), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-90 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 20 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.