Which years should I avoid for the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota 4Runner?

For the CX-5, avoid 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019. For the 4Runner, avoid 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023 and 2025, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.

Which model has more reported problems?

The CX-5 has 2,430 total complaints over 14 model years (174 per year) while the 4Runner has 2,124 complaints over 21 model years (101 per year). Totals are not normalized for sales, so this is not a direct reliability comparison.

Which model has more recalls?

The Toyota 4Runner has 36 total recall campaigns compared to 8 for the Mazda CX-5, despite the 4Runner having fewer complaints per model year.

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The CX-5 averages 26.5 MPG combined across its model years, versus 17.8 MPG combined for the 4Runner.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

CX-5 owners report issues mainly with the Engine (689 complaints, 28%) and Electrical System (661 complaints, 27%). 4Runner owners report issues mainly with Structure & Body (493 complaints, 23%) and Airbags (406 complaints, 19%).

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Years to Avoid

Mazda CX-5 owners filed 2,430 complaints across 14 model years (174/year) with 8 recall campaigns; avoid 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019. Toyota 4Runner owners filed 2,124 complaints across 21 years (101/year) but with 36 recall campaigns; avoid 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023, 2025. CX-5 averages 26.5 MPG combined versus 17.8 MPG for the 4Runner.

Head to head

Mazda CX-5

Model years: 2012–2025 (14)
NHTSA complaints: 2,430
Per model year: 174
Recall campaigns: 8
Years to avoid: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
Best years: 2017, 2022, 2024
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 26.5
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Toyota 4Runner

Model years: 2005–2025 (21)
NHTSA complaints: 2,124
Per model year: 101
Recall campaigns: 36
Years to avoid: 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023, 2025
Best years: 2013, 2017, 2021, 2024
Top problem area: Structure & Body
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 17.8
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.0 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	CX-5				4Runner
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	—	—	—	—	Avoid	425	5	16.5
2006	—	—	—	—	Avoid	381	5	16.5
2007	—	—	—	—	Caution	154	5	17
2008	—	—	—	—	Caution	96	5	17
2009	—	—	—	—	Good	22	6	17
2010	—	—	—	—	Avoid	145	12	19
2011	—	—	—	—	Avoid	163	10	19
2012	No verdict	1	0	—	Caution	96	8	19
2013	Good	194	1	28	Best	36	6	18
2014	Avoid	377	3	27	Good	77	7	18
2015	Good	133	3	27	Caution	86	9	18
2016	Avoid	510	4	29	Caution	79	8	18
2017	Best	148	1	26.5	Best	36	5	18
2018	Avoid	349	3	28	Good	58	5	18
2019	Avoid	270	2	27	Good	65	4	18
2020	Caution	106	0	26	Good	33	1	17
2021	Caution	146	0	25.5	Best	36	1	17
2022	Best	63	0	25	Caution	39	3	17
2023	Caution	62	0	25	Avoid	32	1	17
2024	Best	44	0	25	Best	8	1	17
2025	Good	27	0	25	Avoid	57	1	22

Complaint Index by year

Mazda CX-5

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Toyota 4Runner

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid for the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota 4Runner?: For the CX-5, avoid 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019. For the 4Runner, avoid 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2023 and 2025, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
Which model has more reported problems?: The CX-5 has 2,430 total complaints over 14 model years (174 per year) while the 4Runner has 2,124 complaints over 21 model years (101 per year). Totals are not normalized for sales, so this is not a direct reliability comparison.
Which model has more recalls?: The Toyota 4Runner has 36 total recall campaigns compared to 8 for the Mazda CX-5, despite the 4Runner having fewer complaints per model year.
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The CX-5 averages 26.5 MPG combined across its model years, versus 17.8 MPG combined for the 4Runner.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: CX-5 owners report issues mainly with the Engine (689 complaints, 28%) and Electrical System (661 complaints, 27%). 4Runner owners report issues mainly with Structure & Body (493 complaints, 23%) and Airbags (406 complaints, 19%).