Mazda CX-5 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,511 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the Mazda CX-5 (2013–2026). The 2018 CX-5 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
1,511
Recalls
8
Model years
14
Worst year
2018

Complaints by model year

402013782014382015204201611820173032018260201910720201482021642022642023442024282025152026
NHTSA complaints per Mazda CX-5 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Mazda CX-5 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2018 Mazda CX-5 — 303 complaints, 10 crashes; top problem: Engine
  2. 2019 Mazda CX-5 — 260 complaints, 5 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2016 Mazda CX-5 — 204 complaints, 8 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Lighting
  4. 2021 Mazda CX-5 — 148 complaints, 10 crashes; top problem: Engine
  5. 2020 Mazda CX-5 — 107 complaints, 10 crashes; top problem: Electrical System

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2013 (40 complaints).

Every Mazda CX-5 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 CX-5151000Electrical System
2025 CX-5284040Brakes
2024 CX-5444120Brakes
2023 CX-5648050Engine
2022 CX-5645210Lighting
2021 CX-514810080Engine
2020 CX-510710060Electrical System
2019 CX-52605242Engine
2018 CX-530310053Engine
2017 CX-51183021Electrical System
2016 CX-52048644Lighting
2015 CX-5385043Transmission & Drivetrain
2014 CX-5781003Electrical System
2013 CX-5400011Electrical System

Most common Mazda CX-5 problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    517 complaints
  • Electrical System
    279 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    143 complaints
  • Brakes
    125 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    122 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    116 complaints
  • Lighting
    103 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    75 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    59 complaints
  • Airbags
    46 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Mazda CX-5 received by NHTSA each month.

Mazda CX-5 recalls

  • Recall 21V875000Nov 12, 2021121,038 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V063000Feb 6, 202036,761 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V497000Jun 27, 2019262,220 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V426000Jun 25, 2018682 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 17V744000Nov 21, 20171,076 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V644000Sep 6, 2016580,455 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016

    Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V203000Apr 11, 2016578 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V064000Feb 3, 2016268,799 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Other Mazda models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology