Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 90 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda CX 90 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda CX 90 vs Toyota Camry: The CX-90 averages 267 complaints per year over 3 years, while the Camry averages 214 per year over 10 years. The CX-90 has 13 recalls and 26 injuries; the Camry has 31 recalls and 163 injuries. Both have serious reported issues, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 90 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 90
The Mazda CX-90 is a newer three-row SUV with a high complaint rate for its short time on the road: about 267 complaints per year over three years. The most common trouble spots are steering, engine, and electrical problems, with many owners reporting sudden loss of steering assist or power reduction. Recalls cover software, steering fasteners, and driver-assist warnings, so it's a vehicle that demands careful recall checks and a thorough test drive.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-running midsize sedan with a lower annual complaint rate—about 214 per year over ten years—but a much larger total complaint count because it has been on sale so long. Power train, engine, and brake issues dominate owner reports, including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration. With 31 recalls and one death reported, it still has a strong reputation but needs a careful used-car inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 802 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 267.3 | 214.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda CX 90
- 01STEERING359
- 02ENGINE134
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER95
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE92
Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or locked while driving or at start-up, often with dashboard warnings and an inability to shift out of Park. This can make the vehicle hard to control at low speeds and is tied to a recall for critical steering fasteners.
Many complaints describe warnings like 'Acceleration Limited Due to Low Fuel and/or Battery Condition' and 'Hybrid System Malfunction,' leading to reduced acceleration or loss of power. These drivability issues can leave a driver vulnerable in traffic.
Owners report hybrid battery failures, sometimes after a recall repair, causing complete power loss and burning other systems. Others see 'Acceleration Limited Due to Battery Condition' warnings that significantly reduce speed.
There are 92 complaints about forward collision avoidance, and a recall covers external pedestrian alert warnings. Buyers should verify that the latest software updates have been applied to avoid false warnings or missed alerts.
“I am filing this complaint regarding a serious steering safety issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90, which I purchased on March 24, 2026, with approximately 40,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent Mazda Safety Recall 6524A involving the steering system and i…”
“On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners describe grinding noises from the front during acceleration that dealers trace to the transmission, sometimes requiring replacement. Some report sudden acceleration while braking or parking, which can lead to crashes.
Complaints include uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant bypass valve failures that trigger engine maintenance lights. These issues can cause loss of power or unintended speed increases.
Drivers report the brake pedal going to the floor with no response, especially on hills or when trying to stop gently. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
Some owners report air conditioning malfunctions, including condenser damage from road debris and persistent mildew odors. While not always safety-critical, these problems can be costly and unpleasant.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda CX 90 — 13 recalls
The defect: 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 fun…
The risk: An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7…
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this r…
The defect: 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 arm…
The risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the steering and suspension bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda'…
The defect: 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 wi…
The risk: Inaccurate external warning sounds may confuse pedestrians about the direction of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the AVAS ISB amplifier software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 6123H.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 90 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Toyota Camry has fewer complaints per year (about 214 vs. 267 for the Mazda CX-90), but it has been on the road much longer and has more total complaints and recalls. In practice, the Camry's issues are more likely to be known and repairable, while the CX-90's newer design means some problems may still be emerging.
Key differences
- The Mazda CX-90 has a much higher complaint rate per year (267 vs. 214) despite being on the market for only 3 years, while the Camry's complaints are spread over 10 years.
- Steering problems dominate CX-90 complaints (359), with reports of stiff or locked steering, while Camry complaints center on power train (395) and brakes (290).
- The CX-90 has 13 recalls in 3 years, including steering fasteners and electrical software, while the Camry has 31 recalls over 10 years, covering air bags, seats, and wheels.
- Camry owners report sudden acceleration and brake failure, while CX-90 owners report power loss and hybrid system failures—both serious but different in nature.
- Check for any open recalls, especially the steering fastener recall (6524A) and electrical software updates; ask for proof of completion.
- Test drive at low speeds and during start-up to feel for steering stiffness or locking, and watch for warning lights related to hybrid or engine systems.
- Listen for grinding noises from the front during acceleration, which could indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a hill or during gentle stops to ensure the pedal responds normally and doesn't go to the floor.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been repaired by a dealer.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway, city, and parking-lot maneuvers, paying attention to steering, braking, and acceleration.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the steering system for the CX-90 and the transmission and brakes for the Camry.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or hybrid battery work.
- Check for the latest software updates and ensure driver-assist features like forward collision warning and backup cameras work properly.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mazda CX 90 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 119 |
| 2025 | 27 | 153 |
| 2024 | 761 | 48 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda CX 90 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 90 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 90 total complaints
- 802
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mazda CX 90 total recalls
- 13
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda CX 90 avg complaints/year
- 267.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 90 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN