Mazda CX-90 Brake Squeak Raises Safety Concerns and Sparks Lawsuit Against the Company

Mazda is facing a growing issue related to loud and persistent brake squeaking in its 2024 CX-90 model, prompting one U.S. owner to file a class-action lawsuit against the automaker. This annoying noise is not just a minor inconvenience but has become a safety hazard due to its impact on brake performance.

Origin of the Problem and Owner Experiences

Daniel Green, the owner who filed the lawsuit, received his Mazda CX-90 in September 2024. After driving less than 839 miles (1,350 kilometers), he noticed a loud high-pitched squeal coming from the brakes. He took the car to the dealership where technicians were able to reproduce the noise and applied lubricant to the brake pads and calipers in an attempt to fix the issue.

However, this fix was ineffective, as the squeaking returned after fewer than 300 miles, forcing the owner to return to the dealership. This time, the technicians sanded the front and rear brake rotors and reapplied lubricant to the pads, which only temporarily reduced the noise.

Repeated Attempts to Fix the Issue

Over several visits, the dealership tried various methods to resolve the problem, including sanding the brake pads with coarse 80-grit sandpaper and applying a special compound called "Pad Disc Quiet," a multi-polymer product designed to eliminate squeaking. Despite these efforts, the noise persisted, increasing the owner’s frustration and safety concerns.

Risks Beyond the Noise

The lawsuit also claims that the problem extends beyond the annoying sound to include vibrations or "juddering" during braking. This forced Daniel to adjust his speed and braking style due to the unstable and unsafe brake performance. Such conditions make driving riskier, especially in emergency situations requiring quick and reliable braking response.

Official Mazda Service Warning

In August 2024, Mazda USA issued an official service bulletin addressing brake noise, vibration, and vehicle pull during braking across several models, including the CX-90, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-9, CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-3, MX-5, and MX-30. The bulletin outlines procedures technicians should follow when servicing vehicles with such complaints.

Possible Causes of Brake Squeal

Brake squeaking can result from several factors, including:

• Brake pad wear: Worn pads can expose surfaces that cause squealing.
  
  

• Dirt or rust buildup: Dust or rust on rotors or pads can lead to uneven friction and noise.
  
  

• Rotor surface condition: Damaged or uneven rotors may cause vibrations and squeaking.
  
  

• Lack of lubrication: Some brake components require lubrication for smooth operation; its absence leads to noise.
  
  

How to Address Brake Squeak

• Regular brake inspections: Check pad and rotor condition and replace worn parts.
  
  

• Cleaning brake components: Remove dirt and rust with appropriate cleaning agents.
  
  

• Lubricating contact points: Apply lubricant to metal parts not in contact with friction surfaces.
  
  

• Resurfacing rotors: Sand rotors if uneven wear is detected to restore smoothness.
  
  

• Consulting specialists: Visit authorized service centers for accurate diagnosis and repair.
  
  

Impact on Mazda’s Reputation

Recurring brake squeak complaints across multiple Mazda models, especially the new CX-90, place significant pressure on the company to improve brake component quality and ensure customer safety. The lawsuit filed by Daniel Green could open the door to more complaints and possibly broader legal actions, potentially affecting Mazda’s market image.

Advice for Drivers

If you own a Mazda or any other vehicle and experience brake squeaking, it is crucial not to ignore the noise, especially if accompanied by vibrations or reduced braking performance. Visit an authorized service center promptly and avoid delaying inspection or repair, as brake issues can lead to serious accidents.

The brake squeaking issue in the 2024 Mazda CX-90 highlights challenges the company faces in ensuring brake system quality, affecting driver comfort and safety. Despite multiple repair attempts, the problem persisted, prompting legal action. This situation underscores the importance of swift and effective manufacturer responses to customer concerns, particularly regarding critical safety systems like brakes.