2021 Mazda CX-5 reliability
Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 over 6 years — 29 per year. That is more complaints per year than most CX-5 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 15. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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146
29
0
6
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (79 of 146), then Powertrain (17) and Electrical system (12). Those filings include 9 that report a crash and 5 that report an injury.
The 2020 CX-5 has 106 complaints, 10 per year, and the 2022 has 63 complaints, 10 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2021 Mazda CX-5. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (146 total)
Show 13 more Show less
9
0
5
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"Differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. Car is undrivable. This. Defect has a TSB"
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"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…"
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"Twice while making left turns from a stop into faster cross traffic, the accelerator was pressed but the vehicle barely moved (coasting) for roughly 2 - 3 seconds, then suddenly accelerated normally, creating a…"
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"My CX-5 has 25,000 miles and recently the a/c failed culminating in a distinct chemical smell in the cabin. The issue was identified as a leaking/failed evaporator which apparently is located behind the dashboard and in…"
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"My 2021 Mazda CX-5 has developed a persistent rattling/vibration noise from the A-pillar and upper corner of the windshield. The noise appears to originate from the windshield/A-pillar attachment area and may be related…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-5 two-wheel drive | 2.5L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 25 | 31 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| CX-5 two-wheel drive | 2.5L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 23 | 28 | 25 MPG | $2600 |
| CX-5 four-wheel drive | 2.5L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Four-wheel drive | 24 | 30 | 26 MPG | $2500 |
| CX-5 four-wheel drive | 2.5L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Four-wheel drive | 22 | 27 | 24 MPG | $2700 |
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 over 6 years — 29 per year. That is more complaints per year than most CX-5 years here — over the median of the other years, which is 15. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (79 of 146), then Powertrain (17) and Electrical system (12). Those filings include 9 that report a crash and 5 that report an injury.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2020 CX-5 has 106 complaints, 10 per year, and the 2022 has 63 complaints, 10 per year. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has more complaints per year than the 2022.
Has the 2021 Mazda CX-5 been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
Owners have filed 146 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2021 Mazda CX-5 get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is 25.8 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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.