When a Recall Doesn't Actually Fix the Problem

Mazda recalled the 2024 CX-90 in early 2024 to address a "sticky steering" defect—a sudden, unexpected increase in steering effort that could catch drivers off guard, especially at highway speeds . Nearly two years later, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new investigation after 26 drivers reported the same problem in vehicles that had already been repaired . Two crashes have been linked to the issue . Here's everything you need to know.

43,752
Vehicles Under Investigation
26
Post-Recall Complaints
2
Crashes Linked

The Original Recall: What Mazda Tried to Fix

In January 2024, Mazda issued Recall 24V022 affecting approximately 44,000 2024 CX-90 SUVs . The problem: excessive friction in the worm gear inside the electric power steering system .

How it works: The worm gear distributes power assistance from the steering motor. When friction builds up, the steering wheel can suddenly become harder to turn—a phenomenon NHTSA describes as "sticky steering" . The defect was traced to a faulty spring inside the gear, supplied by Hitachi .

Mazda's fix: Dealers replaced the spring with an upgraded unit, applied fresh lubricant, and installed a software update designed to detect the problem before it occurred . On paper, it seemed like a permanent solution.

The Investigation: Why Regulators Are Looking Again

The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) launched Recall Query RQ26002 on January 26, 2026 . The investigation covers 43,752 model-year 2024 CX-90s sold in the U.S. .

What triggered this: The ODI received 26 consumer complaints and multiple Early Warning Reporting (EWR) field reports from owners who had the recall remedy performed—but still experience intermittent, sudden increases in steering effort during normal driving .

"After receiving the recall 24V022 remedy, consumers report sudden increases of steering effort while driving," NHTSA wrote in its announcement . "Sudden and unexpected change of steering effort while driving may increase the risk of a crash."

Notably, Mazda previously stated that CX-90 owners would receive no warning before experiencing this issue .

Two Crashes, No Injuries

The investigation documents confirm two crashes possibly linked to the steering defect . However, regulators have no record of injuries or deaths resulting from the problem .

The crashes occurred after the recall repairs had been performed, raising serious questions about whether Mazda's fix actually addressed the root cause .

Timeline of Events

Jan 2024
Mazda issues Recall 24V022 for CX-90 "sticky steering" defect, affecting 44,000 vehicles
2024-2025
NHTSA receives 26 complaints from owners who had recall work done but still experience steering issues
Jan 26, 2026
ODI opens Recall Query RQ26002 to investigate effectiveness of Mazda's recall remedy
Jan 29, 2026
NHTSA confirms two crashes linked to post-recall steering failures; no injuries reported
Feb 2026
Investigation ongoing; Mazda has not issued public statement

Investigation Scope and Key Questions

NHTSA Investigation ID RQ26002
Vehicles Covered 2024 Mazda CX-90 (43,752 units)
Original Recall 24V022 (Jan 2024)
Investigation Focus Whether recall remedy effectively addressed steering defect
Secondary Focus Root cause of continued failures after repair

The Technical Issue: Worm Gear Failure

The defective component is a worm gear within the electric power steering system, supplied to Mazda by Hitachi . These gears are essential for distributing power assistance from the steering motor, providing the smooth, effortless steering drivers expect from modern vehicles .

In the CX-90, excessive friction in the worm gear—caused by a faulty spring—translates significant force back to the driver, making the steering wheel suddenly harder to turn . The problem can occur intermittently and without warning.

Safety risk: Any unexpected change in steering effort while driving can increase crash risk, especially at highway speeds or during evasive maneuvers .

What Happens Next for CX-90 Owners

Current Status

At this point, owners don't need to take any immediate action . The NHTSA hasn't issued a new recall, and Mazda hasn't provided additional guidance .

Possible outcomes :

  • The ODI determines the original recall was adequate → investigation closed
  • The ODI finds the remedy insufficient → Mazda must issue a revised repair in a new recall

Regulators are evaluating both whether the 24V022 fix was effective and why steering abnormalities continue to occur after repair .

What Owners Should Do Now

NHTSA Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236
Check your VIN: NHTSA.gov/recalls
  • Monitor your steering: If you experience any sudden increase in steering effort—even briefly—document it .
  • Report problems: File a complaint with NHTSA if you experience sticky steering after recall repairs .
  • Stay informed: The investigation is ongoing; check for updates on NHTSA.gov or your Mazda owner portal.
  • Safety first: If steering becomes difficult while driving, reduce speed gradually and find a safe place to stop .
"Modern cars are so full of technology that they have introduced new potential issues in the process. Mazda and its customers know this firsthand after a recall in early 2024. It was supposed to address an issue described as 'sticky steering' in the CX-90 of that model year. Now, nearly two years on, the issue may not be entirely resolved." — Carscoops
"For owners, if your steering feels off, even for a second, make a note and report it. That kind of feedback is what gets these investigations moving in the first place." — Sun Herald

Mazda's Response (So Far)

As of February 2026, Mazda North America has not issued a public statement regarding the new investigation . The company is expected to cooperate fully with NHTSA to determine the root cause and appropriate next steps .

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Mazda CX-90s are under investigation?
The investigation covers 43,752 model-year 2024 CX-90 vehicles sold in the U.S. .
What is "sticky steering"?
A condition where the steering wheel suddenly becomes harder to turn due to excessive friction in the worm gear of the power steering system . It can occur intermittently and without warning.
Wasn't this already recalled?
Yes, Mazda issued Recall 24V022 in January 2024. The current investigation is examining whether that recall remedy actually fixed the problem, since 26 owners reported the same issue after repairs .
Has anyone been hurt?
Two crashes have been linked to the issue, but no injuries or deaths have been reported .
Do I need to take my CX-90 back to the dealer?
Not yet. This is an investigation, not a new recall. Owners should wait for official guidance from Mazda or NHTSA .
What caused the problem?
Excessive friction in a worm gear supplied by Hitachi, related to a faulty spring inside the gear assembly .