VehicleVerdict

2019 Mazda CX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 353 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median CX-5 year — the 2019 model ranks #4 of 15 CX-5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 127 reports (36% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

353

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other CX-5 years?

CX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Mazda CX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine12736%
Electrical System4914%
Other4814%
Transmission298%
Driver Assistance257%
Fuel System206%
Speed Control123%
Visibility & Wipers103%
Airbags82%
Body & Structure72%
Brakes62%
Steering31%
Seats31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Lighting31%

Does the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V875000Fuel SystemNovember 12, 2021 · 121,038 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

19V497000EngineJune 27, 2019 · 262,220 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence

An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHOM ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 15, 2020 · fire

“On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 4, 2024 · crash

“My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 14, 2025 · fire

“On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 4, 2024 · crash

“heading south doing 70 mph on 95 in the far left lane on a rainy day ....came over a hill and started to hydraplayne.....seems like the automatic pilot took the car over ,,,,,i lost the fight with the steering wheel and did two 360s all away across 4 lanes of traffic to the grass inbankment on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 30, 2021

2019 Mazda CX-5 — common questions

Is the 2019 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 353 complaints put the 2019 model at #4 of 15 CX-5 years. It is one of the CX-5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 CX-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (127 complaints), electrical system (49 complaints), other (48 complaints).

Does the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 Mazda CX-5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 earned an overall rating of 5 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.