VehicleVerdict

2009 Mazda Mazda5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 81 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Mazda5 year — the 2009 model ranks #3 of 11 Mazda5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (18), steering (17), and suspension (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

81

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Mazda5 years?

Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted103 complaints2006: 103 complaints2007: 79 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 81 complaints2010: 72 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 47 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 16 complaints2015: 9 complaints2016: 2 complaints
Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Mazda Mazda5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1822%
Steering1721%
Suspension810%
Electrical System79%
Engine67%
Speed Control34%
Transmission34%
Brakes34%
Fuel System34%
Body & Structure34%
Other34%
Airbags22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

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

10V600000Fuel SystemNovember 24, 2010 · 16,200 units

Defect

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 29, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 28, 2010. WATER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN REMOVED COMPLETELY FROM THE HARNESS CONNECTOR OF THE FUEL PUMP DUE TO VARIATIONS IN THE FUEL TANK LEAK CHECK PROCESS PERFORMED BEFORE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THE CONNECTOR PIN MAY CORRODE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE PIN TO BREAK.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP, ENGINE STALL AND THE INABILITY TO RESTART THE ENGINE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR AND IF NECESSARY IT WILL BE REPLACED AND THE HARNESS WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

10V374000SteeringAugust 12, 2010 · 215,000 units

Defect

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

09E011000OtherApril 2, 2009 · 2,323 units

Defect

THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA5 EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES, SIZE: P205-50-R17 GO19GRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE TIRES WERE BEING INSPECTED, BLISTERS WERE LOCATED ON THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 1, 2012

“THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO UNCONTROLLABLE AND WOBBLING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING A FREEWAY AT 60MPH AND ENDED UP CAUSING THE CENTER DIVIDER CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ONE MONTH AGO AS BRAND NEW CAR. THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO HANDLE AND FINALLY CAUSED THIS MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 12, 2009 · crash

“THIS VAN HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT AND I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES TWO TIMES. I HAVE FLATS GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE IS EAT AWAY. WE HAVE HAD THE TIRES BALANCED AND ALIGNED TO NO AVAIL AND COMPLAINED TO MAZDA. LOOKING AT FORUMS ON THE WEB, THERE SEEMS TO BE MANY ISSUES WITH THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 12, 2012

“FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR FRONT LOCATED AT THE FAN CONTROLLER UNIT. ELECTRICAL HIGH-RESISTANCE CONNECTION DUE TO IMPROPER LENGTH OF WIRE IN HARNESS CAUSING LOOSE CONNECTION IN CONTROLLER UNIT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 14, 2010 · fire

“FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT, DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR FRONT LOCATED AT THE FAN CONTROLLER UNIT. ELECTRICAL HIGH-RESISTANCE CONNECTION DUE TO IMPROPER LENGTH OF WIRE IN HARNESS CAUSING LOOSE CONNECTION IN CONTROLLER UNIT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 14, 2010 · fire

2009 Mazda Mazda5 — common questions

Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 81 complaints put the 2009 model at #3 of 11 Mazda5 years. It is one of the Mazda5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Mazda5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (18 complaints), steering (17 complaints), suspension (8 complaints).

Does the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Mazda Mazda5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda Mazda5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mazda5 years to avoid are 2006, 2008, 2009, 2007, 2010. The cleanest record among Mazda5 years belongs to 2016.

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.