2021 Mazda CX-5 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda CX-5, most often about engine. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
148
Recalls
0
Crashes
10
Fires
0
Injuries
8
Median mileage
26,450 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 82 of 148 complaints (55%).
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (18) and transmission & drivetrain (17) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 26,450 mi.
  • Owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries.
  • It ranks 4th of 14 Mazda CX-5 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 38% more complaints than the 2020 model year (107).

2021 Mazda CX-5 problems by category

  • Engine · 1 crash
    82 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 3 crashes
    18 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 5 crashes
    18 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    17 complaints
  • Electrical System · 2 crashes
    12 complaints
  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    11 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 5 crashes
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash
    8 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    7 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine80
Unknown or other17
Power train17
Electrical system12
Service brakes11
Vehicle speed control8
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking8
Fuel/propulsion system7

When problems happen (mileage)

9Under 10k110k–30k530k–60k360k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Mazda CX-5 complaints that list mileage.

2021 Mazda CX-5 recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2021 Mazda CX-5 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 7, 202650,000 miINCrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts
    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driving approximately 40 - 50 MPH. The contact stated that due to the crash, the driver's seat unexpectedly reclined, and the driver's head restraint detached and landed in the car seat in the rear seat. The contact also stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the crash. A Police report was filed. The contact was transported to a local…
    NHTSA complaint #11769574 · source
  2. Filed Sep 24, 2026124,000 miMIEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who…
    NHTSA complaint #11766753 · source
  3. Filed Sep 23, 2026NYEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. Car is undrivable. This. Defect has a TSB
    NHTSA complaint #11766438 · source
  4. Filed Sep 19, 2026CAEngine
    2021 Mazda CX-5 2.5L non-turbo. While driving at approximately 8 mph, I removed my foot from the accelerator, but the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. I did not press the accelerator pedal. I had to apply the brake to slow the vehicle down. This issue has occurred three separate times, on August 25, September 4, and September 18, 2026, at approximately 70,060 miles. The same unintended acceleration behavior occurred during all three incidents.
    NHTSA complaint #11765445 · source
  5. Filed Sep 10, 2026PAOther / Unknown
    Twice while making left turns from a stop into faster cross traffic, the accelerator was pressed but the vehicle barely moved (coasting) for roughly 2 - 3 seconds, then suddenly accelerated normally, creating a near-collision risk as cross traffic quickly approached. No warning lights were observed on the dash.
    NHTSA complaint #11763398 · source
  6. Filed Aug 12, 2026FLOther / Unknown
    My CX-5 has 25,000 miles and recently the a/c failed culminating in a distinct chemical smell in the cabin. The issue was identified as a leaking/failed evaporator which apparently is located behind the dashboard and in turn “dump” the leaking refrigerant into the cabin! The total cost of repair due to the location of the evaporator is between $3000-$4500 in my area, seems a high cost to be poisoned by a vehicle that only has 25,000 miles on the clock!
    NHTSA complaint #11756577 · source
  7. Filed Aug 10, 2026INAirbagsOther / Unknown
    My 2021 Mazda CX-5 has developed a persistent rattling/vibration noise from the A-pillar and upper corner of the windshield. The noise appears to originate from the windshield/A-pillar attachment area and may be related to improper adhesion, mounting, weatherstripping, or other components near the top of the windshield. I have found numerous similar owner reports involving Mazda CX-5 and other fourth-generation Mazda models describing rattling, clicking, or vibration from…
    NHTSA complaint #11755858 · source
  8. Filed Aug 5, 2026GACrashTowedDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    While driving in the Interstate, a truck swerved towards my lane; I swerved into the next lane to avoid the truck hitting me and when I began to swerve my Lane Departure warning malfunctioned and caused my car to completely shut down. I immediately put my hazard lights on to hopefully avoid being hit; but, a car behind plowed right into my rear end. The police were onsite at the accident. My vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and my insurance…
    NHTSA complaint #11755082 · source

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Other 2021 Mazda models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology