Mazda CX-5 years to avoid and best years
Newer Mazda CX-5 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2016 has the most complaints per year, at 62 (510 complaints). From 2019 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 118 complaints), 2022 at 10 (from 63 complaints), and 2020 at 10 (from 106 complaints). The Mazda CX-5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2016 Mazda CX-5, 152 of 510 complaints name Exterior lighting.
Data as of .
2018
2022
2020
2025–26
Mazda CX-5 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mazda CX-5. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 → Too early | 14 | 14 | 0 | Electrical system | 26 |
| 2025 → Too early | 14 | 27 | 0 | Forward collision avoidance | 25.7 |
| 2024 → | 15 | 44 | 0 | Exterior lighting | 25.7 |
| 2023 → | 15 | 62 | 0 | Exterior lighting | 25 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 10 | 63 | 0 | Exterior lighting | 25 |
| 2021 → | 29 | 146 | 0 | Engine | 25.8 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 10 | 106 | 0 | Electrical system | 26 |
| 2019 → | 13 | 270 | 2 | Engine | 26.7 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 0 | 118 | 3 | Engine | 27.8 |
| 2017 → | 10 | 148 | 1 | Electrical system | 26.5 |
| 2016 → Most | 62 | 510 | 5 | Exterior lighting | 28 |
| 2015 → | 25 | 133 | 4 | Structure | 27.4 |
| 2014 → | 44 | 377 | 4 | Electrical system | 27.4 |
| 2013 → | 22 | 194 | 1 | Electrical system | 28 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (gasoline SKYACTIV-G 2.5; 5W-30 where manual specifies) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/65R17
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 16V-644 (Mazda 9916H) covers certain 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles among other Mazda models: liftgate support struts may corrode, break, or let the liftgate drop unexpectedly and strike a person. Dealers replace both liftgate supports free of charge. The campaign also lists certain Mazda3, Mazdaspeed3, Mazda5, and CX-3 vehicles under the same number.
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- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (gasoline SKYACTIV-G 2.5; 5W-30 where manual specifies) · 5.1 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/55R19, 225/65R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Safety recall 19V-497 (Mazda 3719F) covers certain 2018-2019 CX-5 vehicles (and certain Mazda6 and 2019 Mazda3) whose powertrain control module software can stall the engine; dealers reprogram the PCM free of charge. Safety recall 21V-875 (Mazda 5321K) covers certain 2018-2019 CX-5 vehicles among other Mazda models whose low-pressure fuel-pump impeller may crack or deform and fail, which can stall the engine; dealers replace the fuel pumps. The published unit totals for both campaigns include other Mazda nameplates, not CX-5 alone. Safety recall 18V-426 (Mazda 2718F) covers a limited 2018 CX-5 build run whose side curtain air bags may not unfold properly in a side impact or rollover, failing FMVSS 226; dealers replace the curtain air bags.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-5 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 0 (from 118 complaints), 2022 at 10 (from 63 complaints), and 2020 at 10 (from 106 complaints).
Which Mazda CX-5 year has the most owner complaints?
2016 has the most complaints per year, at 62 (510 complaints). On the 2016 Mazda CX-5, 152 of 510 complaints name Exterior lighting.
How do Mazda CX-5 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mazda CX-5 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2019 on, complaints per year fall.
Which Mazda CX-5 years are too early to compare?
The Mazda CX-5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Mazda CX-5 use?
US CX-5 manuals specify SAE 0W-20 for SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines.
What generation is the 2018 Mazda CX-5?
2nd generation / KF (2017-on).
What tire sizes does a Mazda CX-5 use?
First-gen pages often list 225/65R17; second-gen trims also use 225/55R19 among other sizes.