2020 Mazda CX-5 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 sits mid-pack among CX-5 years: 152 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 167, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (31), driver assistance (24), and other (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
152
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
16
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2020 compare to other CX-5 years?
What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-5 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 31 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Other | 24 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 24 | 16% | — flat |
| Engine | 18 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 14 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 4% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PURCHASED BRAND NEW 2020 MAZDA CX-5 ON SEPT 25, 2020. ON SEPT. 29, 2020 WITH < 500MI: WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON COUNTY ROAD, PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL DID NOT MOVE. SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS FLASHED INCLUDING "POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION", "SMART CITY BRAKE SUPPORT…”
“The vehicle accelerated on its own, while I was parking. My foot was on the brake when the vehicle just took off. It continued to accelerate until a building stopped it. I continued to brake but the vehicle did not stop. Once the vehicle collided with building, saw on the digital read out the…”
“I was traveling behind a propane truck, that was going to make a right turn. I disengaged the adaptive cruise control by tapping on the break. I began coasting to a stop, suddenly the car began accelerating again with no warning. I was forced to make the turn with the propane truck and side swiped…”
“The car has signs of current recall in other Cx-5 Models. Hesitation with acceleration or driving at high speed, reduced power, not responding appropriately when accelerating or would accelerate on its own, strong smell of gas after the car has been driven and is parked. I know there is currently a…”
“I WAS PARKED AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT THAT HAD AN OUTDOOR KIOSK FOR PAYMENT. I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO PAY AND GOT BACK IN. AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE OR TWO MY CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD, GOING OVER A SLOPED CURB AND DOWN A SHORT LOW GRADE HILL, HITTING A POLE. I WAS CONFUSED TO HOW THE CAR WOULD GO FORWARD…”
2020 Mazda CX-5 — common questions
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
It is close to typical for the CX-5: 152 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2020 CX-5 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (31 complaints), driver assistance (24 complaints), other (24 complaints).
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
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 2020 Mazda CX-5?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.