2021 Mazda CX-5
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 194 |
| 2014 | 377 |
| 2015 | 133 |
| 2016 | 507 |
| 2017 | 148 |
| 2018 | 344 |
| 2019 | 260 |
| 2020 | 105 |
| 2021 | 137 |
| 2022 | 62 |
| 2023 | 59 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
55% of complaints: engine — 76 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On April 16, 2022, around 6:45PM, I drove my new Mazda CX5 (@ 3500 miles) into our church parking lot and turned right down the first row of cars. It was light out and the weather was pleasant.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220427
8% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Will driving on the interstate, using the adaptive cruise control feature, vehicles were slowing down to a stop ahead and my car accelerated instead of slowing down.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240823
On April 16, 2022, around 6:45PM, I drove my new Mazda CX5 (@ 3500 miles) into our church parking lot and turned right down the first row of cars. It was light out and the weather was pleasant.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220427
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Mazda CX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (76 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.