NHTSA Recall Query: Momentary Increase in Steering Effort After Recall Remedy in Mazda CX-90 (RQ26-002)

RQ26-002 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Mazda CX-90?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

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.

What is a recall query?

Recall Query is a review of whether an earlier recall actually fixed the problem or covered all the vehicles it should have. A recall query is opened when owners keep reporting the same failure after the recall repair.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Mazda CX-90 owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 470 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 Fuel Level Float Recall (25V568)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Transmission Control Module Recall (24V816)
• 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 Dashboard Recall (24V814)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Transmission Control Module Recall (24V815)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Inverter Recall (24V817)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Automatic Emergency Braking Recall (24V349)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Steering Recall (24V022)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Backup Camera Recall (23V718)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Drivetrain Software Recall (23V719)
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 Pedestrian Alert Sound Recall (23V553)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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