r/MazdaCX90

I genuinely love the CX-70 MHEV. I’ve been researching and lurking here for months, it checks a lot of boxes for me, and despite some of the long term reliability questions I was fully prepared to pull the trigger on it and potentially a second Mazda for a family member in the deal. But after digging into the Connected Services subscription model, I am 100% willing to walk away from the brand entirely.** **

Remote start is a must for me (Canadian winters).
I reached out to Mazda Canada for a formal explanation of why basic hardware features like remote start are being moved behind a paywall. The response I got was a canned answer in which they argued that because we pay for a mobile phone plan, we should be happy to pay them a monthly subscription for the car’s "connection” and it’s actually better because I can cancel the subscription when I don’t need the remote start.

I already don’t like the principal behind subscriptions, but here’s some additional reasons this pissed me off:

• Intentional Hardware Stripping: Mazda has intentionally removed the reliable local Radio Frequency functionality from the key fobs to force users into a cloud based paywall. This isn't "a service" in my eyes it’s putting a toll booth between me and the hardware I already paid for.

• The Burden of "Start and Pause": Suggesting that customers "start and pause" their subscription is not a benefit. It is an added administrative burden on my time and memory to manage a subscription. Not to mention I would want it year round to warm or cool when needed.

• Reliability in Canada: A cloud-based signal that requires a handshake between a phone and a car is fundamentally less dependable than a physical key fob, especially in cellular dead zones which I frequent. I’ve also seen many of you express how trash the app is at connecting most of the time

• Mobile Phone Comparison: When I buy a phone, I pick my provider. Mazdas subscription gives them control over my car's hardware. I am forced to pay their dictated price for a feature the car is already physically capable of performing locally.

• 50% Value Cut: For model years 2021.5 through 2025, Mazda offered a 2-year trial. For the 2026 models, they have slashed this to just one year. To me this is clear evidence that they are shrinking the window to prepare for future price hikes on the exact same hardware.

I want to love this car, but I cannot in good conscience reward a brand that prioritizes micro-transactions over the ownership experience. I don’t even know what the answer is, they could discount me enough to cover the subscription cost for 10 years and I’d still hate how unreliable the app is. I just want the tried and true RF key fob remote start brought back, which seems like a battle too big for one person to win.

Is anyone else at this same boat? Am I being too stubborn, or is this "subscription-as-a-service" for hardware the hill to die on?

CROSS POSTED

I'm having this issue as well. 40k miles on a '24 purchased in July '23 (super early). Has had the recall done, been in for cracking and sticky steering several times. Now out of warranty and our local dealership is keeping the car going on 4 weeks now because Mazda corporate says it has to throw a code before they can decide if they'll cover any of it (good will review). Estimate for a new steering rack is $5400. My understanding from Mazda corporate is that without a code they could just deny with no appeal. Anyone else successfully get this fixed and covered? It's clearly a manufacturer's defect. A cost share would be fine with me since it's out of warranty I guess, but a flat out denial would not.

UPDATE-

Currently in the 5th week of it being at the dealer. They say it still hasn't produced any codes so they can't submit for coverage. Anyone else had any luck lately?

Does anyone know if the Bose subwoofer would drop-in to a CX70 Preferred trim? I'm sure the dimensions would be the same so that it fits in the spare trim cutout but I'm more wondering about wiring.

I know some cars have the same harnesses in place across the entire assembly line and further down the line they determine if that specific one will get that accessory or not...

If not, has anyone added a sub to their Preferred model? How easy or hard was it?

For the ‘26 Inline 6 owners, please vote up if you are happy with the car or down if not. Thanks!

I have a 2025 mazda cx90 gas model (not hybrid), and they want to charge me $800 to clean injectors as it has reach 20k miles. Do i need to do this? And why? If i have to can i get it done by someone other than mazda.

I thought it was steep. Are they just upselling.

Would love your advice.

I’ve only found SSPD6 which addresses the rough shifting that’s only for a very small group of vehicles with a build date prior to 2024.

I can’t seem to find any other official service bulletin or campaign that addresses the 1st gear rough shifting issue for build dates 2024 later. All I’m finding loop is a generic callout for PCM and TCM recalibration.

dealer is saying there are no open technical service bulletins, or campaigns therefore, they would have to run the diagnostic.

So took the turbo preferred in to get its 15,000 mile checkup. I've had zero issues and kept the vehicle in amazing condition. I've had it since August and really love it other than probably should have bought a larger vehicle. Had them appraise it, and they offered me $22,000 for it. How insulting. The mazda dealership thinks they suck apparently. Luckily I do love mine and other than squeaky back brakes, I've had close to zero issues.

I'm looking at purchasing a used CX-90 PHEV with under 50K km for about $40K CAD.

While researching though I'm coming across so many people saying the PHEV has major issues, the vehicle being ranked low for reliability on many lists, and even lemon law claims against it.

My entire reason for buying it is because I've had 2 reliable Mazda's before and was looking to get this as my third, but now I'm not so sure. Is the unreliability overstated?

I have a2026 GS L cx90 wondering if I’m hurting the engine by putting regular as my dealer told me it was ok

Purchased a 2024 280-hp 3.3L Turbo Inline-6 Select and it has been nothing but problems over the last year.

Steering Wheel Sticking:
- This was supposed to be fixed by a recall a few years ago but holy cow it’s gotten x10 worse over the last year. There are moments where I’m not sure if the steering wheel will unstick.

Cracked Radiator:
- I guess that’s a thing now? Took it in for servicing and they stated it’s a cracked radiator. Looking online it appears to be a thing for CX90s. Of course since I’m at 38k miles my dealer is charging me ~$1500 for the repair!

Squealing Brakes
- The brakes on this thing squeal like a piggie!

Bluetooth Issues:
- Bluetooth doesn’t connect half the time and Apple CarPlay only recognizes certain phones. It’s so weird and everyone that has diagnosed the issue doesn’t know why.

I’ve had multiple Mazdas and I think they have officially lost me with the CX90. This thing is a POS.

Mazda just notified me that my Connected Services trial ends tomorrow and remote start will now cost $10/month.

Here’s why this is a terrible move and why owners should push back:

• Mazda removed key‑fob remote start on newer models
• They then locked remote start behind a subscription
• They DMCA’d an open‑source workaround, blocking owners from using the hardware they already paid for
• No other mainstream OEM is charging for remote start when the hardware is already in the vehicle
• BMW tried subscription heated seats and backed down after backlash
• Mazda is ignoring customer loyalty and damaging trust

This is a post‑purchase feature removal, not a value‑added service. Remote start is a safety and comfort feature, not a luxury add‑on.

Mazda owners need to speak up. If we don’t, this becomes the new normal.

If you’re frustrated too, comment here, contact Mazda, and make noise. They will reverse course if the backlash is loud enough — BMW did.

Should I consider buying a lemon mazda cx-90 phev? 2k miles + mazda’s 12k/12m warranty on the repaired part?

Owner of a 26’ CX 90 TSPP for about six months. This is my take aways and opinions of this car so far.

A little background. We traded in our 5 year old Mercedes SUV for the CC 90.
Our Mercedes had 56k on it when traded, and was on its second transmission and third set of heads. It got to where we felt uncomfortable taking road trips in it. The last time we did, we were stranded for a week with no dealership near us. That was the final straw.

I travel a lot for work and am no stranger to airports and rental cars. I usually rent a full size SUV because sometimes I have a lot of luggage I’m traveling with, and/or have people I need to transport during my travel.

I have rented Mazda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge SUV’s. While most of these are baseline, or a step above baseline models, they all feel so cheap compared to the baseline CX 90. The only one I actually enjoyed renting was a Durango, and I’m not a Dodge fan.

I love the luxury feel and handling of the CX 90. I feel that it is a bargain for the price compared to the driving experience, personally. I wish the CX 90 had thigh support like our Mercedes did. That is my number one knock against it. I love the center console knob. The ease of use and hands-free option this gives leaves me wanting it in every rental car I drive. The Bose system is good until you get to mid volume. It starts to fall off pretty hard after that. My Miata’s Bose system actually sounds better. The adaptive cruise imo works very well, compared to other manufacturers. The lack of storage and cup holders is not really a factor for us, as previously owning European cars we understand these are kept to a minimum. As for longevity, we will see. I have good hopes that it gives us trouble free, or at least minimum issues. Even though these things seem to tank on resale off the bat, I believe that will level out once Mazda proves that they have worked the reliability issues out. I love the power the 3.3l TS puts out. It’s in the same range as our Mercedes and pretty far ahead of a lot of the rental SUV’s I have rented. Gas mileage seems to be off compared to the EPA ratings, but I DRIVE the CX 90 with a lead foot, and it seems to answer to what I ask from it.

Do I believe it’s the perfect automobile? No. But I also understand that ALL manufacturers are having reliability issues these days. I have zero regrets with my purchase.