Mazda Mazda5 years to avoid and best years

Newer Mazda Mazda5 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (37 complaints). 2012 through 2013 are in that same range. From 2014 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 1 (from 9 complaints), 2014 at 1 (from 12 complaints), and 2013 at 2 (from 24 complaints). On the 2012 Mazda Mazda5, 7 of 37 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.

Data as of .

2012 Mazda Mazda5
Photo by SsmIntrigue, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Most complaints

2012

4 per year · 37 complaints

Fewest complaints

2015

1 per year · 9 complaints

Fewest complaints

2014

1 per year · 12 complaints

Fewest complaints

2013

2 per year · 24 complaints

Mazda Mazda5 reliability by year

Most Fewest Other
42012220131201412015

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 Mazda5. How we count.

By model year

Year Per year on the road Complaints Recalls Most-filed complaint Avg. combined MPG
2015 → Fewest 1 9 1 Air bags, Seat belts, Seats —
2014 → Fewest 1 12 1 Service brakes —
2013 → Fewest 2 24 1 Structure —
2012 → Most 4 37 1 Fuel and propulsion system —

Years with a → link have a full model-year page.

What owners file about

Service brakes
10
Structure
8
Fuel and propulsion system
7
Steering
7
Tires
6
Engine
4
Seats
4
Powertrain
2
Visibility
2
Wheels
2
Air bags
1
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats
1

Generations

2nd generation (CW) 2012–2015
Body styles
Minivan
Oil
0W-20 (5W-20 or 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 5.3 qt capacity
Tire size
205/55R16, 205/50R17 (trim-dependent)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 16V-644 covers certain 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles among other Mazda models: both liftgate supports may fail, allowing the liftgate to fall. Dealers replace both liftgate supports. The campaign also lists Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 years, so published unit counts are shared across those nameplates. Separate CX-3/Mazda3 rear-camera campaign wording that also mentions Mazda5 years should be read on NHTSA's campaign page before treating it as Mazda5-specific.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mazda Mazda5 years have fewer owner complaints?

Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 1 (from 9 complaints), 2014 at 1 (from 12 complaints), and 2013 at 2 (from 24 complaints).

Which Mazda Mazda5 year has the most owner complaints?

2012 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (37 complaints). 2012 through 2013 are in that same range. On the 2012 Mazda Mazda5, 7 of 37 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.

How do Mazda Mazda5 owner complaints compare by year?

Newer Mazda Mazda5 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2014 on, complaints per year fall.

What engine oil does a US Mazda Mazda5 use?

0W-20 (5W-20 or 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) With filter, about 5.3 qt is commonly listed for this generation—confirm in the owner manual.

What tire sizes fit a US Mazda Mazda5?

Published US specs commonly list front 205/55R16, 205/50R17 (trim-dependent) and rear 205/55R16, 205/50R17 (trim-dependent); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.

What NHTSA recalls affect the US Mazda Mazda5?

Recall 16V-644 covers certain 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles among other Mazda models: both liftgate supports may fail, allowing the liftgate to fall. Dealers replace both liftgate supports. The campaign also lists Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 years, so published unit counts are shared across those nameplates. Separate CX-3/Mazda3 rear-camera campaign wording that also mentions Mazda5 years should be read on NHTSA's campaign page before treating it as Mazda5-specific.