Mazda CX-90
1st Generation (2024–present)
The CX-90 is Mazda’s three-row flagship with excellent crash scores — but the 2024 launch year stacked recalls and sticky-steering complaints. This hub consolidates reliability, tires, and ownership context.
- ReliabilityImproving2025–26
- Ownership cost$$$Premium SUV
- Insurance$$$Higher
- Repair difficultyModerate+I6 / PHEV
- Typical lifespan150k+ miExpected
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2024
- Best years
- 2025, 2026
- Best powertrain
- 2025–2026 I6 / updated PHEV software
- Avoid risk
- 2024 sticky steering / unrepaired 24V-022
- Recommended tire
- Michelin CrossClimate 2
- Typical lifespan
- 150,000+ miles
Years to avoid
2024 is the launch year to avoid — 11 recalls and the highest complaint volume, led by sticky steering. Prefer 2025–2026 after confirming software and steering campaigns are closed.
- SeatingUp to 8
- Towing capacityUp to ~5,000 lb
Engines
Which powertrains hold up — and which to walk away from.
- Mixed
3.3L turbo I6
2024–present
Strong powertrain story, but 2024 electrical/software and steering issues dominate ownership risk more than the engine itself.
- Avoid (early software)
CX-90 PHEV
2024–present
Early inverter/software logic could cut drive power in EV mode. Only buy with every related software recall closed by VIN.
Transmissions
- Mixed
8-speed dual wet-clutch
2024–present
Can feel rough in low-speed creep and from a stop — software updates help, but test carefully before buying.
Ownership metrics
- Crash safety
- Top-tierStrong IIHS / NHTSA ratings in the guide.
- 2024 complaint load
- 259 NHTSASteering leads the categories.
- Steering recall
- 24V-022Confirm completed; some owners reported repeats.
- Average lifespan
- 150,000+ miExpected once launch bugs settle.
- Insurance cost
- Higher ($$$)Three-row premium SUV rates.
- PHEV risk
- Software / inverterVerify all EV-mode campaigns closed.
Factory tire sizes
| Size | Years / trims | Best all-season | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 265/55R19 Confirm load/speed rating on the door placard. | Common OE Many mid trims |  All-weather pick for CX-90 family hauling. | Live prices |
| 275/45R21 | Higher trims Premium / large-wheel packages | Michelin Defender 2 Long-wear touring pick for 21-in CX-90 wheels. | Live prices |
Recommended tires
Recalls
Steering gear sticky feel (24V-022 / Mazda 6524A)
2024
Worm-gear spring/grease remedy — confirm closed and re-test steering feel.
Check recallsPHEV inverter / loss-of-drive software
2024–2025 PHEV
Can lose drive power in EV mode — verify all related software campaigns closed.
Check recallsSoftware suite (24V-814 / 815 / 816 and related)
2024 (esp.)
Multiple free software updates address electrical and ADAS complaints.
Check recalls
Maintenance
| Interval | Service |
|---|---|
| Every 5,000–7,500 mi | Engine oil and filter |
| Pre-purchase | Confirm steering recall 24V-022 Hard requirement on 2024. |
| Pre-purchase | Low-speed transmission creep test Feel for dual-clutch roughness. |
| Pre-purchase (PHEV) | Confirm inverter/software recalls closed |
Should you buy one?
Buy 2025–2026. Treat 2024 as a skip unless every recall is closed and steering/transmission feel check out on a long test drive.