2021 Mazda CX-5 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 sits mid-pack among CX-5 years: 189 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 167, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 41% of all reports (78 of 189), far ahead of driver assistance at 20. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
189
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
21
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
20
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2021 compare to other CX-5 years?
What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-5 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 78 | 41% | ▲ up |
| Driver Assistance | 20 | 11% | — flat |
| Transmission | 16 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 15 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 11 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 11 | 6% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 8 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 8 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“..... ON AT LEAST 5 SEPERATE OCCASIONS OUR 2021 MAZDA CX5 SUV ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (ON IT'S OWN). IT HAS DONE IT TO MY WIFE AND I BOTH. I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT MAZDA SERVICE CENTERS AND WAS ADVISED THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS AND THAT THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS OR TSB's AND AS…”
“I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration incident. I pulled into my driveway and stopped the vehicle with my foot firmly on the brake since my driveway is sloped. I pushed the garage door opener remote when suddenly the vehicle accelerated and shot forward hitting the garage door. There was…”
“Low oil level between oil change cycles with over 1,000 miles remaining before oil change is required. This has happened between both oil changes so far and I have to add oil myself to ensure oil level isnât low. The oil consumption seems extremely high and is concerning that at only 12,000 miles…”
“Upon exiting my local car wash, I drove my car around to the area used for vacuuming. I pulled into the parking space and when I applied the brake pedal to stop, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall of the building. I have the Car Wash Security Camera footage of this incident. It…”
“Upon exiting my local car wash, I drove my car around to the area used for vacuuming. I pulled into the parking space and when I applied the brake pedal to stop, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall of the building. I have the Car Wash Security Camera footage of this incident. It…”
2021 Mazda CX-5 — common questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
It is close to typical for the CX-5: 189 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2021 CX-5 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (78 complaints), driver assistance (20 complaints), transmission (16 complaints).
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-5?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.