Mazda CX-5 years to avoid
The Mazda CX-5 years to avoid are 2016, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2013 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2012 is the cleanest year on record.
3,269
Total complaints
9
Recall campaigns
2012–2026
Years covered
5
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
CX-5 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | High complaint rate | 628 | |
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 492 | |
| 2018 | High complaint rate | 475 | |
| 2019 | High complaint rate | 359 | |
| 2013 | High complaint rate | 292 |
Every CX-5 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 57 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 63 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 85 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 83 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 199 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 153 | 0 | |
| 2019avoid | 359 | 2 | |
| 2018avoid | 475 | 3 | |
| 2017 | 195 | 1 | |
| 2016avoid | 628 | 5 | |
| 2015 | 167 | 4 | |
| 2014avoid | 492 | 4 | |
| 2013avoid | 292 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mazda CX-5 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-5 years to avoid are 2016, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2013. The cleanest year on record is 2012.
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-5?
By complaint volume, 2012 has the cleanest NHTSA record among CX-5 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mazda CX-5 have?
Across all model years, the CX-5 has 9 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 3,269 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.