Mazda is facing fresh legal pressure in the United States, as a class action lawsuit filed in Virginia targets its flagship three-row SUV, the CX-90. The case, brought by plaintiff James R. Burnell, alleges persistent brake noise and erratic Lane-Keep Assist behavior, with claims that the same issues could affect 2024 to 2026 model-year CX-90 SUVs. And this isn’t the first time Mazda has faced scrutiny over its CX-90’s brakes, either.
Persistent Brake Squeal Points to Deeper Fault
James Riswick
One of the major claims in the lawsuit is that the CX-90 suffers from premature brake deterioration, resulting in constant squealing under normal driving conditions. According to the filing, what began as a minor irritation developed into a recurring issue. Burnell initially purchased a dealer-driven 2024 CX-90 but returned it shortly after due to its Lane-Keep Assist system staying active unexpectedly. After switching to another 2024 CX-90, he alleges the problems persisted, this time accompanied by squealing brakes. Over two years, the vehicle was taken to dealerships numerous times, yet technicians repeatedly classified the behavior as normal. After taking his car in for a recall, the dealer diagnosed his CX-90 as suffering from “scuffed brake rotors and pads.” Eventually, in September 2024, the original dealer applied an anti-squealing lubricant. After that, the dealer had to replace the entire brake system.
Despite this, the noise returned almost immediately. The lawsuit argues that such repeated failures point to a design or manufacturing defect rather than routine wear. It further alleges Mazda had prior knowledge of similar brake-related concerns on other models, but not explicitly the CX-90.
Lane-Keep Assist Raises Safety Concerns
Zac Palmer
Alongside the braking concerns, the lawsuit places significant focus on the CX-90’s Lane-Keep Assist system. The complaint alleges that the system can deliver overly forceful steering inputs that conflict with the driver’s intended direction, rather than subtly guiding the vehicle within its lane. In fact, 43,000 Mazda CX-90s are reportedly under investigation following a prior steering-related recall, with the fix itself linked to two crashes. Some owners have stated that the corrective measures did not fully resolve the issue, prompting the NHTSA to step in. In Burnell’s case, the system is said to remain active at inappropriate times. As with the braking complaints, dealerships were unable to diagnose the concern, leaving the issue unresolved despite repeated visits.
Allegations Go Beyond One Vehicle
Daniel Green, a CX-90 lessee from New York, sued Mazda last year regarding his SUV’s brake judder. This new lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide group of CX-90 owners and lessees, arguing that the alleged defects extend beyond a single vehicle. It claims Mazda continued selling affected models despite awareness of ongoing issues tied to both braking performance and steering behavior. References to previous recalls and active investigations suggest a broader pattern, rather than isolated incidents. With both safety-critical systems and core mechanical components under scrutiny, the case could carry significant implications for Mazda’s newest flagship offering. Filed as Burnell, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Mazda Motor Corporation, the lawsuit will now proceed through the courts, where its claims will be tested and potential remedies for affected owners will be determined.
