VehicleVerdict

2017 Mazda CX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 sits mid-pack among CX-5 years: 195 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 167, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (47), other (35), and engine (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

195

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other CX-5 years?

CX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted624 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 292 complaints2014: 492 complaints2015: 167 complaints2016: 624 complaints2017: 195 complaints2018: 469 complaints2019: 353 complaints2020: 152 complaints2021: 189 complaints2022: 83 complaints2023: 82 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 45 complaints2026: 16 complaints
CX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Mazda CX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4724%
Other3518%
Engine168%
Brakes158%
Driver Assistance147%
Fuel System147%
Visibility & Wipers137%
Body & Structure126%
Transmission116%
Speed Control63%
Airbags42%
Seats32%
Seat Belts21%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2017 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V744000Trailer HitchNovember 21, 2017 · 1,076 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.

Consequence

Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1617K.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Blind spot monitoring system warning appears on dashboard of vehicle after driving for about 50-60 miles. This occurs only when I drive >50-60 miles in one trip without shutting off my vehicle. Speed does not matter. My sensors will not work until I turn off my car and turn it back on. This started…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 30, 2021 · crash

“The infotainment center has been randomly changing settings and radio channels. When it is taken over, I cannot regain control of it until it stops. I've seen online this called "ghost" controlling. It will increase the volume so lout, that I jump sometimes. Also, the rear camera mode of the system…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 3, 2023 · crash

“On February 14, 2023 around 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (EST), I drove to the local WAWA. Upon entering the driveway of WAWA at a very low speed and depressing the brake the car failed to come to a complete stop. I pressed down on the brake as hard as I good, but the car did not come to a stop until hitting…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 14, 2023 · crash

“YESTERDAY MY WIFE TRIED TO STOP OUR CX5 IN OUR DRIVEWAY BUT IT KEPT A SLOW GLIDE FOR A FEW YARDS THUS CRASHING INTO OUR GARAGE DOOR. SHIFTING INTO PARK A 2ND TIME (1ST TIME DIDN'T WORK) AND POUNDING THE BRAKE PEDAL FINALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AFTER PUSHING IN THE GARAGE DOOR A FEW FEET. ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 26, 2018 · crash

“On February 14, 2023 around 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (EST), I drove to the local WAWA. Upon entering the driveway of WAWA at a very low speed and depressing the brake the car failed to come to a complete stop. I pressed down on the brake as hard as I good, but the car did not come to a stop until hitting…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 14, 2023 · crash

2017 Mazda CX-5 — common questions

Is the 2017 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

It is close to typical for the CX-5: 195 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 CX-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (47 complaints), other (35 complaints), engine (16 complaints).

Does the 2017 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Mazda CX-5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-5 years to avoid are 2016, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2013. The cleanest record among CX-5 years belongs to 2012.

How safe is the 2017 Mazda CX-5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.