Mazda has been aiming to climb the ranks in the luxury car market, relying on two of its latest models, the three-row CX-90 and the two-row CX-70. These models were designed with upscale interiors and powerful engines to impress buyers looking for more luxury. However, despite the positive first impressions, recent recalls have brought some unexpected challenges for Mazda.
The most extensive recall involves over 80,000 vehicles from the 2024 and 2025 model years, covering both the CX-90 and CX-70. In these vehicles, a software glitch can cause multiple warning messages to appear on the dashboard right when the car is started. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; in some cases, it can interfere with important systems, such as the defroster, the seat belt warning alert, the 360-degree camera, and, for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, even the cooling system for the high-voltage battery. Mazda has found a solution, however—a simple software update to the dashboard electronic supply unit, which can be done at any Mazda dealership.
There’s also a second recall affecting approximately 26,000 CX-90s and nearly 5,000 CX-70s. This recall is due to a problem where a series of warning lights may suddenly light up on the dashboard while driving. This could cause the car to enter what’s known as “limp mode,” a state where the car’s power and speed are limited to prevent potential damage. When this issue happens, a specific trouble code, P061B, is triggered, which can help technicians identify and resolve the issue. To fix this, Mazda plans to update the software in both the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine control module (ECM).
The third recall affects about 39,000 CX-90s from the 2024 model year. In these vehicles, there is an issue where the car may fail to restart after it has gone into an automatic stop, which is common in hybrid models to conserve fuel when idling. When this happens, a “Hybrid System Malfunction” warning light will appear on the dashboard. Just like in the other recalls, Mazda intends to fix this by reprogramming the powertrain control module (PCM) and the battery energy control module (BECM).
To address these issues, Mazda dealerships will reprogram several electronic control units. Depending on the recall, this could involve updating the PCM, the engine control module (ECM), the battery energy control module (BECM), and the dashboard electronic supply unit (ESU). While it’s not entirely clear if any vehicles are impacted by more than one of these issues, Mazda is encouraging owners of the affected vehicles to reach out to their local dealership or check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if their car is part of any of the recalls.
Although these recalls may initially affect the strong reception of the CX-90 and CX-70, Mazda’s response shows a commitment to quickly resolving these problems. Recalls are not uncommon with new models, and Mazda is working to make the necessary repairs to ensure that its vehicles remain safe and reliable. Owners of these cars should stay updated on any recall announcements and promptly take their vehicles to Mazda dealerships for any required service. Regular maintenance, including responding to recalls, is essential for keeping these cars in top shape, ensuring that owners can continue to enjoy the features that initially drew them to Mazda’s new luxury lineup.