Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 as the years to avoid, with 2016 having the highest complaint index at 100 out of 510 complaints.

What is the best Mazda CX-5 year to buy?

2017, 2022 and 2024 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 15, 8 and 23 respectively, the lowest among all 14 model years with data.

What is the most common problem area for the CX-5?

Across all years, Engine issues account for 28 percent of the 2,430 total complaints and Electrical System issues account for 27 percent.

Does the 2018 or 2019 CX-5 have recalls?

Yes. The 2018 CX-5 has three recalls including a fuel pump defect and a powertrain control module software issue that could stall the engine; the 2019 CX-5 shares two of those same recalls.

Is the 2016 CX-5 unsafe?

NHTSA lists 510 complaints for the 2016 CX-5, along with 31 crashes and 10 fires, more than any other CX-5 model year, giving it the worst complaint index of 100.

Mazda CX-5 Best and Worst Years (2012–2025)

Avoid 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 Mazda CX-5 model years; 2016 has the highest complaint index at 100 with 510 complaints, 31 crashes and 10 fires. Best years are 2017, 2022 and 2024, each with low complaint indexes of 15, 8 and 23.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2014 Avoid 2016 Avoid 2018 Avoid 2019 Best 2017 Best 2022 Best 2024

Model years: 14; 2012–2025
NHTSA complaints: 2,430
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 125
Fires reported: 17
Top problem area: Engine

CX-5 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

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

Mazda CX-5 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2012	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Engine	—	—
2013	Good	38	194	6	1	1	Electrical System	28	4★
2014	Avoid	77	377	7	0	3	Electrical System	27	5★
2015	Good	31	133	11	0	3	Structure & Body	27	5★
2016	Avoid	100	510	31	10	4	Electrical System	29	4★
2017	Best	15	148	5	0	1	Electrical System	26.5	4★
2018	Avoid	92	349	19	1	3	Engine	28	5★
2019	Avoid	85	270	7	2	2	Engine	27	5★
2020	Caution	62	106	9	0	0	Electrical System	26	5★
2021	Caution	69	146	9	0	0	Engine	25.5	5★
2022	Best	8	63	5	2	0	Electrical System	25	5★
2023	Caution	54	62	8	0	0	Electrical System	25	5★
2024	Best	23	44	4	1	0	Engine	25	5★
2025	Good	46	27	4	0	0	Brakes	25	5★

CX-5 years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Mazda CX-5 Index 100 · 510 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2016 CX-5 ranks worst overall with a complaint index of 100, 510 complaints, 31 crashes and 10 fires. Electrical System problems dominate at 44 percent of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 39,506. Brakes and Transmission & Powertrain issues also appear, the latter surfacing as early as a median of 5,411 miles. Four recalls apply, including one for LED daytime running lights failing while driving. Sample complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking and dashboard warning lights accompanying loss of braking.

2016 electrical system problems →2016 brakes problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →

2018 Mazda CX-5 Index 92 · 349 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2018 CX-5 has a complaint index of 92 from 349 complaints. Engine problems make up 54 percent of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 20,900. Transmission & Powertrain issues surfaced very early, at a median of 2,172.5 miles. Three recalls cover this year, including a fuel pump impeller crack, a powertrain control module software stall issue, and side curtain airbags that may not deploy properly. Sample complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration during low-speed parking maneuvers and a vehicle catching fire while driving on the highway.

2018 engine problems →2018 transmission & powertrain problems →2018 fuel system problems →

2019 Mazda CX-5 Index 85 · 270 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2019 CX-5 shows a complaint index of 85 across 270 complaints. Engine problems account for 53 percent of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 26,000. Electrical System issues followed, surfacing early at a median of 2,750 miles. Two recalls apply, covering the fuel pump impeller defect and the powertrain control module software stall issue shared with 2018. Sample complaints describe brake malfunction warnings paired with sudden acceleration and an engine that failed and required replacement with continued smoke in the cabin afterward.

2019 engine problems →2019 electrical system problems →2019 transmission & powertrain problems →

2014 Mazda CX-5 Index 77 · 377 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2014 CX-5 carries a complaint index of 77 with 377 complaints. Electrical System issues lead at 36 percent of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. Visibility & Wipers problems follow at 21 percent, failing around 10,000 miles. Owners also reported Transmission & Powertrain and Engine concerns. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, including a fuel filler pipe rupture campaign and a steering strut mounting bolt inspection. Sample complaints describe airbags failing to deploy in a crash and sudden unintended movement while parking.

2014 electrical system problems →2014 visibility & wipers problems →2014 transmission & powertrain problems →

Most common Mazda CX-5 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine689 (28%)
Electrical System661 (27%)
Other391 (16%)
Transmission & Powertrain281 (12%)
Brakes277 (11%)
Visibility & Wipers206 (8%)
Structure & Body201 (8%)
Fuel System140 (6%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras95 (4%)
Airbags67 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 as the years to avoid, with 2016 having the highest complaint index at 100 out of 510 complaints.
What is the best Mazda CX-5 year to buy?: 2017, 2022 and 2024 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 15, 8 and 23 respectively, the lowest among all 14 model years with data.
What is the most common problem area for the CX-5?: Across all years, Engine issues account for 28 percent of the 2,430 total complaints and Electrical System issues account for 27 percent.
Does the 2018 or 2019 CX-5 have recalls?: Yes. The 2018 CX-5 has three recalls including a fuel pump defect and a powertrain control module software issue that could stall the engine; the 2019 CX-5 shares two of those same recalls.
Is the 2016 CX-5 unsafe?: NHTSA lists 510 complaints for the 2016 CX-5, along with 31 crashes and 10 fires, more than any other CX-5 model year, giving it the worst complaint index of 100.