2021 Mazda CX-5 engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Filed Jul 27, 2026AZEngine

   The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. The leak also increases the risk of low engine oil levels, which could lead to engine damage or sudden engine failure if not detected in time. This issue required an expensive repair despite the vehicle being properly…

   NHTSA complaint #11753162 · source
5. Filed May 30, 2026WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   2021 Mazda CX‑5 (VIN: [XXX] ). First low‑oil warning at 17,800 miles. ([XXX]) Mazda dealership in La Crosse, WI performed an oil change and fully refilled the oil. Second low‑oil warning at 18,700 miles — only 900 miles later. ([XXX]) This indicates rapid, abnormal oil loss consistent with the known valve‑stem‑seal defect for this model year. Sudden low‑oil conditions pose a safety risk due to potential engine damage or failure. Requesting NHTSA document this issue.…

   NHTSA complaint #11740997 · source
6. Filed May 11, 2026WIEngine

   My 2021 Mazda CX‑5 is experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning oil between regular oil changes, and the oil level drops noticeably before the recommended service interval. I have noticed a burning smell and/or signs of oil loss without visible leaks. This raises concerns about potential engine damage, stalling, or fire risk while driving. The issue has occurred repeatedly and does not seem normal for a vehicle of this age and mileage. I am filing this…

   NHTSA complaint #11737194 · source
7. Filed Apr 3, 2026GAEngine

   Due to oil consumption issues & oil leak on 2021 Mazda cx 5 AWD I was told the timing cover and gasket needs replacement due to oil leakage. This appears to be a very common issue with this vehicle. The engine is at risk of catastrophic failure due to low oil levels

   NHTSA complaint #11729087 · source
8. Filed Mar 27, 2026114,000 miTXDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Brakes activated unintendedly, and the vehicle jerked to the left and independently accelerated and moved back in the lane intended lane. The vehicle then jerked to the right, unintendedly accelerated, and then went back into the intended lane. Then the vehicle resumed normal operation. While driving approximately 60-65 MPH a…

   NHTSA complaint #11727507 · source
9. Filed Mar 4, 202646,465 miNYEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer to continue adding oil to the engine as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,465.

   NHTSA complaint #11722089 · source
10. Filed Nov 20, 2025MNEngineOther / Unknown

    LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on about 1000 miles from last oil changed. Dealer fixed the Mazda recall code: P250F on July 30, 2025. Now is same issue of LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on again on November 19, 2025.

    NHTSA complaint #11700495 · source
11. Filed Oct 31, 202581,000 miNJBrakesEngineSteering

    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the Front Brake System Malfunction, Forward Brake Malfunction, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating as if the wheels would lock up. The steering wheel vibrated while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to retrieve a diagnostic code; however, the DTC number…

    NHTSA complaint #11696729 · source
12. Filed Jul 28, 2025PACrash1 injuredTowedBody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine

    ..... On at least 5 seperate occasions our 2021 mazda cx5 suv accelerated to a high rate of speed (on it's own). It has done it to my wife and i both. I contacted two different mazda service centers and was advised they have no knowledge of this and that there are no open recalls or tsb's and as intermittent as it is it would be almost impossible to duplicate. On july 18th the car accelerated (on its own) again but this time it drove my wife into a tree at aprox. 35/40 mph…

    NHTSA complaint #11676813 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology