NHTSA opens recall query into 2024–2025 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-IN Hybrid: Momentary increase in steering effort after recall remedy
On January 26, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ26002) into 2024–2025 Mazda CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-IN Hybrid, concerning the steering. A Recall Query examines an earlier recall, for example whether its repair works or whether it covers every affected vehicle. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- RQ26002 (Recall Query)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Steering: Rack and Pinion
- Listed
- 3 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | Mazda |
|---|---|
| Models | CX-90, CX-90 Plug-IN Hybrid |
| Model years | 2024–2025 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 26 complaints and several Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Field Reports alleging intermittent and brief increases in steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) during the drive cycle in model year (MY) 2024 CX-90 vehicles manufactured by Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) subject to Recall 24V2022. In each complaint, the vehicle had the recall remedy completed prior to the reported incident. Recall 24V022 addresses a sudden and unexpected change of steering effort while driving caused by excessive worm gear friction force. After receiving the recall 24V022 remedy, consumers report sudden increases of steering effort while driving. Sudden and unexpected change of steering effort while driving may increase the risk of a crash. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy of the remedy for Recall 24V022 and to identify the cause(s) of the conditions leading to the post-remedy reports. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for RQ26002, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
What owners have reported
Owners filed 481 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 16 crashes, 1 fires, 15 injuries. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.
| Vehicle | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 CX-90 | 352 | 8 | 11 | 0 |
| 2025 CX-90 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 CX-90 Plug-IN Hybrid | 95 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Timeline
- ODI opens recall query RQ26002
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search RQ26002 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.