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
- 146
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
None on file
None on file
54% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 146 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 194 |
| 2014 | 377 |
| 2015 | 133 |
| 2016 | 512 |
| 2017 | 150 |
| 2018 | 352 |
| 2019 | 271 |
| 2020 | 108 |
| 2021 | 146 |
| 2022 | 64 |
| 2023 | 67 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
54% · 79 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. Car is undrivable. This. Defect has a…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-19
The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-27
Power train
12% · 17 reportsForward collision avoidance
11% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
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, 2024-09-03
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, 2024-08-23
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, 2026-07-30
Electrical system
8% · 12 reportsService brakes
8% · 11 reportsShow 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, 2022-04-27
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Mazda CX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 79 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 16 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 54% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.