Mazda's first rear-wheel-drive-based SUV with an all-new inline-six diesel, 48V mild hybrid, and 8-speed automatic. Positioned as a premium alternative to BMW X3 and Audi Q5, with a distinctive driving feel. Advance orders opened in 2022, but customer deliveries in most European markets started in January 2023. Early cars suffered from numerous software, suspension, and transmission calibration issues that Mazda has been addressing through bulletins and recalls, and the documented chassis revision arrived with model year 2025, delivered from February 2025.· more· less
Efficient inline-6 diesel engineStrong residual values for Mazda
First-gen teething problems12V battery drain on early cars
Buy if: You want a premium diesel SUV with good fuel economy and can find a model year 2025 car with the revised chassis, or an earlier one with every bulletin and recall documented as completed.
Avoid if: You need trouble-free ownership from day one or are looking at an early 2022-2023 car without full dealer service history.
Severe clunk or bang when engine starts, caused by hydraulic clutch pressure loss overnight · more· less
The CX-60 uses an unconventional 8-speed automatic with hydraulic clutches instead of a torque converter. After the car sits overnight, clutch hydraulic pressure bleeds off. When the engine starts, the clutches re-engage abruptly, causing a loud bang that can rock the car. This is widespread on the 3.3 diesel and Mazda has stated it is considered normal behavior. Mazda has issued transmission software updates for this platform. Note that the two bulletins most often quoted alongside this noise actually address delayed cranking and failure to restart after i-stop, so a completed bulletin is not proof that the start-up clunk was addressed. In some cases the noise is purely cosmetic, but persistent harsh engagement could indicate wear on clutch components. If a full transmission rebuild or replacement is ever needed, costs would be in the range of €3,000-3,500 at a specialist.
12V battery drain
up to €5002 of 7
12V battery drains within hours of parking on early cars, triggering warnings · more· less
Early CX-60s struggle to keep the 12V battery charged. The battery itself is an ordinary starter unit of roughly 65-75 Ah for this diesel, and the separate 48V mild hybrid pack holds about 0.3 kWh, so the fault is in charge management rather than in an undersized battery. The 48V mild hybrid system does not adequately recharge the 12V battery during short trips. Symptoms include low battery warnings, failure to start after sitting for a few hours, and various electrical warning lights. Mazda issued KBA recall AP014A with the associated AP016A service programme, covering firmware updates for the BCM, ESU and B-ECM modules on cars built between September 2022 and March 2023. Results vary — some owners report the problem persists even after the update. A replacement 12V battery costs around €150-200, but the underlying issue may return. A trickle charger is recommended for cars not driven daily.
Suspension noise and harsh ride
up to €1,2003 of 7
Front and rear suspension bushes squeak and creak, especially at low speeds over bumps · more· less
Multiple owners report suspension squeaking and creaking that develops within the first few thousand kilometers. The issue is traced to front lower control arm dust covers and rear anti-roll bar bushes that lack adequate lubrication. Mazda dealers have addressed this under warranty by installing updated dust cover kits and regreasing bushes (TSB available). The ride quality itself was criticized as overly firm on early cars, and Mazda revised the shock absorber and anti-roll bar specifications for 2023+ production. Out of warranty, lower arm bush replacement costs approximately €300-500 per side, while a complete suspension bush refresh runs around €800-1,200.
AdBlue system sensor/dosing faults
up to €1,5004 of 7
SCR warning light and AdBlue fault messages caused by crystallized urea in injector or sensor errors · more· less
Two dedicated TSBs (R021/24 and R022/24) address AdBlue-related issues on the 3.3 diesel. The first covers crystallized urea blocking the urea injector, causing an SCR warning light and 'AdBlue dosing fault' message. The second addresses incorrect calculation of remaining AdBlue fluid level. Additionally, overfilling the AdBlue tank above 100% can cause the sensor to give out-of-range readings. The urea injector replacement costs approximately €400-600, while the level sensor is around €200-300. A full SCR catalyst replacement, if ever needed, can reach €1,500. Most cases are resolved with software updates and injector cleaning.
Software and infotainment bugs
up to €5005 of 7
Multiple software-related warnings, gauge blackouts, and infotainment freezes on early cars · more· less
Early CX-60 production suffered from numerous software issues including instrument cluster going black, false warning lights, infotainment system freezing, and 'Vehicle System Malfunction' messages on startup (addressed by TSB). Mazda has released multiple firmware updates. Some reach the car over the air through Mazda’s CX-60 software update service, but many still require a dealer visit, so ask which route was used for the car in front of you. The Mazda Connect infotainment system can be reset by holding the Mute, Nav, and Back buttons for 10 seconds. Most software issues are resolved at no cost under warranty or goodwill, but out-of-warranty dealer diagnostic and reprogramming sessions cost around €100-500 depending on the scope.
48V mild hybrid battery degradation
up to €3,0006 of 7
48V lithium-ion battery may degrade over time, affecting mild hybrid function and start-stop · more· less
The 48V mild hybrid battery warranty is set per country: six years in several markets, and eight years or 160,000 km at Mazda Belgium. While no widespread failures have been reported yet (the engine is still relatively new), replacement cost outside warranty is estimated at €2,500-3,000 based on comparable systems. Early signs of degradation would include reduced i-stop functionality and increased 12V battery strain. The 48V system assists with engine starting, low-speed electric boost, and regenerative braking. Given the car's age, this is a future risk rather than a current widespread problem.
Paint stone chip vulnerability
up to €1,0007 of 7
Notoriously thin Mazda paint chips easily, especially on the front bumper and bonnet · more· less
Mazda paint is measured at approximately 75-80 microns, nearly half the thickness of some competitors. The CX-60's upright front end is particularly susceptible to stone chips, with some owners reporting significant bumper damage within months. The premium Soul Red Crystal and Machine Grey colors are especially difficult and expensive to repair due to their multi-layer application. Touch-up paint costs around €30-50 but is difficult to match. Professional bumper respray costs €400-600. Paint protection film (PPF) on the front end is strongly recommended for highway use and costs approximately €500-1,000 to apply.
Promising but still maturing — early cars need careful checking
The CX-60 3.3 diesel is Mazda's most ambitious car in years, featuring an all-new inline-six engine, new platform, and new transmission. The engine itself shows good fundamental reliability, but the surrounding systems — transmission calibration, 12V battery management, software, and suspension — had significant teething problems on 2022-2023 cars. Mazda has been responsive with bulletins and recalls, but software campaigns still cover production into March and July 2024, and the chassis revision only arrived for model year 2025, so do not assume a 2024 car is trouble-free. Budget for potential sensor and software fixes, and strongly prefer a car with documented TSB completion.
Service history
Complete Mazda dealer records essential. Check all TSBs and software updates have been applied.
Tires
Check tread depth and age. 235/50 R20 tires are expensive to replace. Look for uneven wear indicating alignment issues.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen for the transmission clunk — a brief thud is common, but violent rocking may indicate excessive wear.
Test drive
Drive for at least 30 minutes including urban and highway. Monitor for warning messages on the dashboard.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for 12V battery warnings after short stop
Turn engine off, wait 5 minutes, restart. Watch for 'Low Battery Risk' warnings. This is common on pre-recall cars.
Verify all TSBs have been completed
Request a dealer printout of every campaign and service bulletin applied to the VIN, and check it against the recall list above. Ask separately about transmission, AdBlue, 12V battery and i-stop restart work, because those are the four areas with the most published activity.
Listen for suspension squeaks at low speed
Drive slowly over speed bumps and listen for creaking from front or rear suspension. Check if dust cover kit has been replaced.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Check AdBlue level and warning history
Look for any stored AdBlue fault codes. Check if the SCR system has had the software update applied.
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Check all screens, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity. Verify firmware version is current (14018 or later for EU models).
Inspect front bumper and bonnet for stone chips
Mazda paint is thin. Look closely at the front end for chips and check if paint protection film has been applied.
Check build date on the B-pillar sticker
Post-December 2023 builds have most software issues resolved from the factory. Earlier cars need all TSBs verified.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
No-start, not-ready state and camera failures, KBA recall AP049A (e-Skyactiv D registered 28 September 2022 - 21 June 2023)Critical - verify completed
12V battery drain, KBA recall AP014A with the associated AP016A service programme (September 2022 - March 2023 production)Verify completed
Accessory alloy wheel assembly, potential wheel loss, AP012A of March 2023 (only the specified accessory wheels)Critical - verify completed
Software campaigns AR043A and AR056A (production through March and July 2024 respectively)Verify completed
The CX-60 has had an unusually busy campaign history for a Mazda, which is what an all-new platform looks like. Contact a Mazda dealer with the VIN to verify which campaigns apply and have been completed. The no-start recall is the one to confirm first on a diesel registered in the first year. Several other campaigns that appear in searches for the CX-60 are for the plug-in hybrid or for the 2.5 petrol, and some widely quoted references are service bulletins rather than recalls, so ask which category each entry falls into.
Warranty Status
Factory warrantyCountry-specific: 3 years / 100,000 km in several markets, 6 years / 150,000 km at Mazda France
Hybrid batteryCountry-specific: 6 years in several markets, 8 years / 160,000 km at Mazda Belgium
Rust perforation warranty12 years
Paint warranty3 years
Warranty terms are set nationally, so check the country and the registration date rather than a single European figure: several markets used three years or 100,000 km, while Mazda France gives six years or 150,000 km on newer cars, and Mazda Belgium lists eight years or 160,000 km for CX-60 lithium-ion batteries against six years elsewhere. The rust perforation warranty extends to 12 years. Given the number of TSBs, confirm with Mazda whether any goodwill extensions apply to known issues on your specific car.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
