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Mazda CX-5 problems by year

Owners have filed 2,482 complaints about the Mazda CX-5 since 2012, and 8 recalls have been issued. The 2016 model year has 512 complaints, more than any other year, led by lights and brakes problems.

3 years to avoidWorst: 2016
Owner complaints
2,482
Recalls
8
Worst year
2016
Best year
2022
Warranty extensions
15
Model years
2012-2026

Mazda CX-5 years to avoid

More than twice the CX-5's typical complaint count for a model year.

Best Mazda CX-5 years

Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.

Mazda CX-5 complaints by model year

Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.

2012201520202026

How we calculate this

Year to avoidFewest complaintsOther years

Most common Mazda CX-5 problems

All model years combined.

  • Engine
    614
  • Electrical
    465
  • Transmission
    285
  • Brakes
    252
  • Lights
    226
  • Visibility
    217
  • Driver assistance
    157
  • Fuel system
    142
  • Body
    141
  • Acceleration
    120
  • Airbags
    69
  • Seats
    57

Most reported problems on the Mazda CX-5

Check engine light 154Loss of power 54Battery drain 43

Mazda CX-5 problems year by year

Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.

YearScoreComplaintsTop problemTypical mileageRecallsCrashes
2026-19Driver assistance01
2025-29Brakes04
2024-47Brakes04
2023-67Brakes08
20228565Lights37,00005Fewest complaints
202173150Engine33,900010
202077110Electrical3,200010Fewest complaints
201953273Engine23,00027
201843355Engine14,700319Avoid
201775150Electrical19,00015
201627512Lights30,939431Avoid
201573133Body27,000311Fewest complaints
201441377Electrical42,40037Avoid
201366194Electrical39,00016
2012951Acceleration00

Recalls 8

See all 8 recalls for the Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 warranty extensions

Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.

Compare the CX-5

CX-5 vs Ford EscapeCX-5 vs Honda CR-VCX-5 vs Jeep CherokeeCX-5 vs Toyota RAV4CX-5 vs Chevrolet EquinoxCX-5 vs Nissan RogueCX-5 vs Subaru ForesterCX-5 vs Hyundai TucsonCX-5 vs Kia SportageCX-5 vs Jeep CompassCX-5 vs GMC TerrainCX-5 vs Volkswagen TiguanCX-5 vs Mitsubishi Outlander

Questions about the Mazda CX-5

What years of the Mazda CX-5 should you avoid?

2014, 2016 and 2018. Each has more than twice the Mazda CX-5's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2016 alone has 512, mostly about lights and brakes.

What is the best year for a used Mazda CX-5?

2022, 2020 and 2015 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (65, 110 and 133).

What is the most common problem with the Mazda CX-5?

Engine, with 614 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (465) and transmission (285).

How many recalls does the Mazda CX-5 have?

8 recalls between 2012 and 2026. The 2016 model year has the most, with 4.

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