Mazda CX-60 PHEV Mk1

Recall AS007A, affecting all CX-60 PHEVs built from March 2022 to January 2025, addresses a software defect where a temporary drop in electrical insulation resistance is mistakenly interpreted as an electrical leak. The hybrid system malfunction indicator illuminates, and the car cannot be restarted once stopped. A Mazda technician reported seeing more than 10 CX-60 PHEVs in one week with similar faults. Some instances result in the vehicle becoming undrivable and requiring towing. The recall fix involves PCM software reprogramming. If the issue occurred before the recall and the hybrid battery cooling pump was damaged, replacement costs approximately €800-1,200. In rare cases where the inverter or electric motor was affected, costs can reach €2,500. The AS007A recall should be verified as completed on any CX-60 PHEV.

The CX-60 PHEV uses an unconventional 8-speed automatic with hydraulic clutches instead of a torque converter. Owners widely report jerky, lumpy behaviour at low speeds, with the car lurching forward when decelerating in traffic and jumping when trying to accelerate gently. The shift shock is particularly noticeable during 1-2 upshifts. Mazda released TSB R049/23 with a TCM software update to address the 1-2 shift shock, which improves but does not fully eliminate the issue. In severe cases, Mazda has replaced the entire gearbox, which is an engine-out job taking approximately three weeks. A full transmission replacement costs approximately €3,000-3,500 at a specialist. Most cases are managed with software updates at no cost, but the underlying behaviour is considered a characteristic of this transmission design.

The CX-60 PHEV uses a very small 6.5Ah 12V battery that struggles to maintain charge. Voltage drops from 12.7V to 11.9V in as little as 45 minutes of parking. The PHEV system does not adequately recharge the 12V battery during short trips. Forum measurements show the 12V charging voltage only reaches mid-13 volts instead of the required 14.4V for a proper charge. Mazda issued recall AP016A with firmware updates for the BCM, ESU, and B-ECM modules on cars built between September 2022 and March 2023, plus additional TSBs R003/23 and R056/23. Results vary — some owners report the problem persists even after the updates, with the software merely suppressing the warning rather than fixing the underlying drain. A replacement 12V battery costs around €150-200, but the issue may return. A trickle charger is strongly recommended for cars not driven daily.

Mazda acknowledged that early CX-60s were produced with suboptimal shock absorber and stabiliser bar specifications. TSB R086/22 (updated April 2024) addresses ride comfort on undulating roads. For cars built up to September 2022, both front and rear shocks plus stabiliser bars are replaced. For cars built September 2022 to August 2023, only rear shocks are replaced. Additionally, front and rear suspension bushes squeak and creak, especially at low speeds over bumps. A separate TSB covers regreasing bushes and installing updated dust cover kits. Mazda has been addressing this under warranty or goodwill for most affected cars. Aftermarket suspension options from Koni are available for the PHEV variant. Out of warranty, a complete suspension refresh including shocks and anti-roll bar bushes costs approximately €1,000-1,500.

Multiple owners report the supplied home charger stopping within 5-20 minutes and displaying a premature charging complete message. Others experience reduced charging rates of 4.2 kW instead of the rated 7.2 kW. The issue is often traced to the supplied blue Mode 2 charging cable, which is described as a well-known defective item. Replacing the cable typically resolves the problem. Some owners have switched to a 10A / 2.3 kW charger which works more reliably, albeit slower. TSB R016/24 addresses a related issue where charging stops before reaching the target level on cars built before December 2022, requiring BCM reprogramming. Wallbox (Mode 3) charging is generally more reliable than the supplied cable. A replacement Mode 2 cable costs approximately €300-500, while the BCM update is free under the TSB.

Early CX-60 production suffered from numerous software issues. Recall AR058A addresses impaired functionality of the windscreen defroster, seat belt reminder, 360-degree view monitor, and automatic engine start-stop. The instrument cluster can go black, and Vehicle System Malfunction messages appear on startup. The Mazda Connect infotainment system freezes, reboots, and drops Android Auto connections (Apple CarPlay is more stable). DAB radio intermittently stops working. Mazda has released multiple firmware updates, but OTA updates are not available — all updates require a dealer visit. The 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 the recall, but out-of-warranty dealer diagnostic and reprogramming sessions cost approximately €100-500.

Multiple PHEV owners report inconsistent brake pedal feel, particularly when braking to a stop. The pedal feels spongy and then requires a sudden jolt of pressure near the end of the stopping distance. This occurs during the transition from regenerative to friction braking as vehicle speed decreases. The issue is more pronounced in EV mode than in ICE mode. Mazda dealers generally state this is normal behaviour for a PHEV system. While not a safety defect under normal conditions, it creates an unsettling feeling and can increase stopping distances if the driver is not prepared. Some owners have found that setting regenerative braking to high provides more consistent pedal feel. No recall or TSB has been issued specifically for this issue.

Mazda paint is measured at approximately 64-80 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 colours 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 on the front end is strongly recommended for highway use and costs approximately €500-1,000 to apply.