MYRModel Year Report

2021 Mazda CX-5

● Typical for this model
2021 Mazda CX-5
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:48:28.148Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Mazda CX-5 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2012: 1 complaints 2012 2013: 194 complaints 2014: 377 complaints 2014 2015: 133 complaints 2016: 510 complaints 2016 2017: 148 complaints 2018: 347 complaints 2018 2019: 268 complaints 2020: 106 complaints 2020 2021: 144 complaints 2021 2022: 63 complaints 2022 2023: 62 complaints 2024: 44 complaints 2024 2025: 27 complaints 2026: 14 complaints 2026
2021: 144 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20121
2013194
2014377
2015133
2016510
2017148
2018347
2019268
2020106
2021144
202263
202362
202444
202527
202614

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 53%

53% of complaints: engine — 77 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260727

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11%

11% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2021 Mazda CX-5. On 8/6/24, I turned right into a parking space between 2 parked vehicles at the DMV parking lot. I turned right and eased into the parking space facing a large Ford F 150 white pickup truck.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240903

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

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the brake waiting to turn left onto Lee Highway from Fairfax County Parkway. Car jerked forward TWO times in a row, both times hitting the car in front of me.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260730

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 (77 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (16 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2022

WORST YEARS

■ 2016 ■ 2014 ■ 2018

See all years ranked →

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 53% 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.