VehicleVerdict

2013 Mazda Mazda5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Mazda Mazda5 sits mid-pack among Mazda5 years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 47, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (6), other (4), and engine (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Mazda5 years?

Mazda5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mazda5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Mazda Mazda5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes617%
Body & Structure411%
Engine411%
Steering411%
Other411%
Seats39%
Tires & Wheels39%
Transmission26%
Electrical System26%
Suspension13%
Speed Control13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2013 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

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

16V644000Body & StructureSeptember 6, 2016 · 580,455 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Consequence

If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 5. WHILE PARKED WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 19, 2014 · crash

“I HAVE GONE TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS WITH NO HELP. MY VEHICLE SURGES OR REVS ANY TIME THE AC IS ON TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. THIS OCCURS IN NEUTRAL, DRIVE AND PARK. IT SPECIFICALLY OCCURS WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN, STOPPING, OR COASTING AT A LOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 12, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXERT FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUMED NORMAL STEERING FUNCTION.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 1, 2015

“THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL ON MY VEHICLE INVOLVING THE REAR HATCH. IT MAY DROP RANDOMLY AND WITH 2 CHILDREN I FIND IT EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED SINCE 9/2016. I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE IS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME MANUFACTURERS HAVE TO FIX A RECALL BUT, I FIND THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 24, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 15, 2016

2013 Mazda Mazda5 — common questions

Is the 2013 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Mazda5 year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2013 Mazda5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), other (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2013 Mazda Mazda5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Mazda Mazda5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.