Mazda · Known Issues

2026 Mazda CX-90 Problems: 1 Known Issue

2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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On the 2024-2026 Mazda CX-90, cX-90 owners report that after starting the vehicle the electronic shift-by-wire selector will not come out of Park: the P indicator stays lit, the lever moves but the transmission stays in Park, and the vehicle cannot be driven. Mazda documented the condition in dealer bulletin SA-065-23 (intermittent inability to shift out of P after starting) with a companion bulletin SA-018-24 (2024 CX-90 PHEV) explaining that Neutral can only be reached with the engine running or Ready-On, so a vehicle that cannot start must be moved on wheel dollies. The CX-90 uses a monostable electronic shifter with a hydraulically operated parking lock rather than a mechanical linkage, so the release depends on the vehicle reaching a 'ready on' state and on brake-switch and shift-control module inputs — part of why the vehicle also enforces a short delay after power-up before Park will release. Owners have also been stranded when a depleted 12V battery leaves the vehicle locked in Park with no mechanical release path, which is why this failure regularly turns into a tow.

Common Symptoms

Cannot shift out of Park after starting the vehicle
P indicator remains illuminated regardless of lever movement
Shift lever moves but the transmission does not engage a gear
Vehicle immobilized in a driveway, garage or on a trailer
Condition intermittent and often clears after an ignition cycle

How to Fix

First, confirm the intended sequence: wait for the 'ready on' indication, then allow the full delay (roughly three seconds) with the brake firmly applied before selecting D or R — many complaints resolve here and no repair is needed. For genuine faults, Mazda's SA-065-23 procedure has the technician turn the ignition ON, wait 10 seconds and shift out of Park ten times; if the shifter works every time the customer is shown the 3-second delay, and if it does not, the vehicle is diagnosed per Mazda's service manual (MGSS). SA-018-24 covers moving a PHEV that cannot start or reach Ready-On, which requires wheel dollies because Neutral cannot be engaged manually. All of this is warranty-covered on a vehicle this new. Because the park lock is hydraulically operated, keep the 12V battery healthy — a weak or dead 12V battery will leave the vehicle locked in Park with no manual Neutral release, and the owner's manual towing instructions should be located before you need them. Out of warranty, expect roughly $150-$600 for diagnosis plus shift control module or park-lock actuator work.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $600

Research This Issue

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Oct 27, 2026

NHTSA Recalls11 recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not function properly.

Campaign #24V81400031/10/2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.

Campaign #25V56800002/09/2025

STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Some steering and suspension bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, which can cause the steering intermediate shaft, the front anti-lock brake system wheel speed sensor harnesses, or the front upper control arms to detach, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.

Campaign #23V42900015/06/2023

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 vehicles. Software in the Approaching Vehicle Audible System (AVAS) Information Sound Box (ISB) amplifier may be missing, which can cause inaccurate, external pedestrian warning sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid Electric Vehicles."

Campaign #23V55300004/08/2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 CX-90 and MAZDA3 vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview, front, and/or side camera images may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #23V71800026/10/2023

+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda CX-90 problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Intermittent Inability to Shift Out of Park — Shift-by-Wire Park Lock Release Fault (TSB SA-065-23 / SA-018-24). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Mazda CX-90 reliable?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda CX-90 problems?

Repair costs for known Mazda CX-90 issues range from $0 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2024-2026 Mazda CX-90 Intermittent Inability to Shift Out of Park — Shift-by-Wire Park Lock Release Fault (TSB SA-065-23 / SA-018-24)?

CX-90 owners report that after starting the vehicle the electronic shift-by-wire selector will not come out of Park: the P indicator stays lit, the lever moves but the transmission stays in Park, and the vehicle cannot be driven. Mazda documented the condition in dealer bulletin… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.