Recall 23V135 affects 560 2023 Mazda CX-50 vehicles for a trailer hitch harness that can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
Mazda is recalling 560 2023 CX-50 vehicles equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch because the trailer hitch harness can detach and become damaged. That can leave trailer lights or brakes inoperative while towing, increasing crash risk; Mazda dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trailer hitch harness on the 2023 Mazda CX-50 is the wiring that connects the SUV to trailer lighting and brake circuits when a Mazda Genuine Accessory hitch is installed. It routes electrical signals from the vehicle to the trailer, so brake lights, turn signals, running lights, and trailer braking equipment work when the trailer is attached.
On affected CX-50 vehicles, the harness was installed with the wrong routing and attachment method. The adhesive mounting bracket can peel away, letting the harness loosen or detach. Once the wiring hangs out of place, road contact or movement can damage it, leaving trailer lights and trailer brakes inoperative.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear a noise or feel a change from the Mazda before the harness comes loose, so the first clue can be trailer lights or trailer brakes not working.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Mazda CX-50 | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 560 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023 Mazda CX-50 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Trailer lights or brakes that stop working leave drivers behind you with less information and reduce trailer braking support. That raises crash risk while towing. There is no warning sign before the defect occurs, so confirm the recall by VIN before towing and schedule the harness repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mazda dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Mazda CX-50 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the free trailer-hitch-harness repair that keeps trailer lights and brakes working.
- Bring the recall notice if Mazda mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V135 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the harness repair is complete, since damaged harness wiring can leave trailer lights or brakes inoperative.
- Call Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 with questions about recall number 23V135.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mazda technician repairs the trailer hitch harness so it stays connected and the trailer lights and brakes can operate as designed. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. Mazda is not offering a separate reimbursement program for this campaign because the subject vehicles are under new vehicle warranty coverage. If you already paid for a related trailer hitch harness repair, ask the service desk how the new vehicle warranty applies to your prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 1, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 3, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 3, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 11, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V135?
Recall 23V135 covers 560 2023 Mazda CX-50 vehicles equipped with a Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitch. The trailer hitch harness can detach and become damaged, which can leave trailer lights or brakes inoperative. Mazda dealers will repair the harness for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Mazda CX-50 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific CX-50 is included in recall 23V135. If it is, contact a franchised Mazda dealer to schedule the trailer hitch harness repair. Reference recall 23V135 and Mazda recall number 5723B when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mazda's remedy says dealers will repair the trailer hitch harness free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Mazda dealer.
Can I still tow a trailer before the repair?
Do not tow a trailer until the harness is checked and repaired. The stated safety risk is towing with trailer lights or brakes that are not working, which can increase crash risk. Ask the Mazda dealer how to handle the vehicle before your appointment.
When were Mazda CX-50 owners notified?
Mazda mailed owner notification letters on April 11, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised Mazda dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V135000 |
|---|---|
| Mazda customer service | 1-800-222-5500 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V135 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V135000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →