RoadVitals

2021 Mazda CX-5

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
146
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
7 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 146 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-5, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and powertrain (other) categories. 498 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Sep 23, 2026

Differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. Car is undrivable. This. Defect has a TSB

NHTSA ID
11766438
Incident
Sep 15, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 19, 2026

2021 Mazda CX-5 2.5L non-turbo. While driving at approximately 8 mph, I removed my foot from the accelerator, but the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. I did not press the accelerator pedal. I had to apply the brake to slow the vehicle down. This issue has occurred three separate times, on August 25, September 4, and September 18, 2026, at approximately 70,060 miles. The same unintended acceleration behavior occurred during all three incidents.

NHTSA ID
11765445
Incident
Sep 18, 2026
Filed Sep 10, 2026

Twice while making left turns from a stop into faster cross traffic, the accelerator was pressed but the vehicle barely moved (coasting) for roughly 2 - 3 seconds, then suddenly accelerated normally, creating a near-collision risk as cross traffic quickly approached. No warning lights were observed on the dash.

NHTSA ID
11763398
Incident
Sep 10, 2026
Filed Aug 12, 2026

My CX-5 has 25,000 miles and recently the a/c failed culminating in a distinct chemical smell in the cabin. The issue was identified as a leaking/failed evaporator which apparently is located behind the dashboard and in turn “dump” the leaking refrigerant into the cabin! The total cost of repair due to the location of the evaporator is between $3000-$4500 in my area, seems a high cost to be poisoned by a vehicle that only has 25,000 miles on the clock!

NHTSA ID
11756577
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Airbags
Filed Aug 10, 2026

My 2021 Mazda CX-5 has developed a persistent rattling/vibration noise from the A-pillar and upper corner of the windshield. The noise appears to originate from the windshield/A-pillar attachment area and may be related to improper adhesion, mounting, weatherstripping, or other components near the top of the windshield. I have found numerous similar owner reports involving Mazda CX-5 and other fourth-generation Mazda models describing rattling, clicking, or vibration from the same windshield/A-pillar area. Because this issue appears to affect a significant number of vehicles, I believe NHTSA should investigate whether there is a common manufacturing or assembly defect and determine whether a manufacturer repair campaign or recall is warranted.

NHTSA ID
11755858
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 5, 2026
Crash reported

While driving in the Interstate, a truck swerved towards my lane; I swerved into the next lane to avoid the truck hitting me and when I began to swerve my Lane Departure warning malfunctioned and caused my car to completely shut down. I immediately put my hazard lights on to hopefully avoid being hit; but, a car behind plowed right into my rear end. The police were onsite at the accident. My vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and my insurance representative.

NHTSA ID
11755082
Incident
Jul 31, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 30, 2026

I was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the brake waiting to turn left onto Lee Highway from Fairfax County Parkway. Car jerked forward TWO times in a row, both times hitting the car in front of me. Our lane was at a dead stop waiting for the left hand arrow. The cars to the right of us had the green and were moving forward. I felt like I had no control over the car during this time.

NHTSA ID
11753806
Incident
Jul 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2026

The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. The leak also increases the risk of low engine oil levels, which could lead to engine damage or sudden engine failure if not detected in time. This issue required an expensive repair despite the vehicle being properly maintained. I have since learned that many other Mazda owners have reported similar timing cover oil leaks on this engine, suggesting this may be a widespread defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a safety-related defect that warrants further investigation.

NHTSA ID
11753162
Incident
Jun 26, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SA-038-26a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote functions inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF Climate Control 3. MAZDA CONNECT connected vehicle reception strength icon shows "X" or " ". Index MAZDA CONNECT 2 Center Display Status Icon MAZDA CONNECT 3 Center Display Status Icon Remote Engine Start Will Not Function Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF Customer Subscription Status TCU Communication Line Status

SA-054-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued Service Alerts listed below: The changes are noted in Red. Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no longer valid. Refer to the following updated Technical Service Bulletins: CX-5 / CX-9: 16-002/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (7TH GEN TYPE) Mazda3 / CX-30 (Non-Turbo): 16-008/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM Mazda3 / CX-30 (Turbo): 16-007/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

SA-053-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; WHEELS

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-006/23 01/23/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock and/or tire pressures and/or tire pressure missing. This may be caused by: Incorrect calendar entry (month/day/year) after a battery disconnect Infotainment system software update. BCM TPMS unlearn during vehicle storage or transport. Wheel/Tire change REPAIR PROCEDURE This can be corrected by the customer driving the vehicle for a day or two so that the following will occur.

SA-039-26a

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-039/26 06/15/26 Mazda Connect Symptom Troubleshooting DESCRIPTION Customers having MAZDA CONNECT concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

SA-052-26

DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the customer purchased a paid subscription. SiriusXM audio packages do not include SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus. To get Traffic Plus, the customer must purchase the Infotainment "SiriusXM Traffic Plus with SiriusXM Travel Link (TM)" package.

01-010-26

ENGINE

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2). This is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fitting during the manufacturing process. The accumulated coolant is solidified and plugs the gap in high temperature environment and the seepage is stopped and does not progress. This is normal and does not require a part replacement, clean off the dried coolant from around the pipe with a wire brush. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. If the above condition is experienced, remove the accumulated coolant around the pipe (1) with a wire brush etc. NOTE: Perform the procedure on the vehicle. No need to remove the water pipe and hoses.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda CX-5 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026140037.1
2025270053.9
2024440047.3
2023620048.8
2022630048.7
2021Viewing1460044.3
20201060047.7
20192702054.0
20183493057.0
20171481046.1
20165105055.4
20151334050.9
20143774045.8
20131941041.2
2012100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.