2021 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has a Complaint Index of 69, ranking 5th worst out of 14 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 60% of its 146 complaints, with no recalls filed for this model year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 69/100
- #5 of 14 CX-5 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 146
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25.5
- 23.5 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
Top 2021 Mazda CX-5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine88 (60%)
- Other18 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (12%)
- Electrical System13 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (9%)
- Brakes11 (8%)
- Fuel System8 (5%)
- Lane Departure7 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report sudden unintended acceleration where the vehicle surges forward despite foot pressure on the brake pedal.
- Owners describe brakes that fail to respond or engage unexpectedly, in one case with automatic braking triggering during adaptive cruise control use.
- Several report the vehicle failing to start with a complete loss of electrical power after sitting unused, at low mileage.
- One owner reported a sunroof glass panel shattering outward while driving on the highway.
- A Lane Departure Warning malfunction was reported to cause the vehicle to shut down mid-lane-change.
- Paint chipping on the hood and doors was reported within the first few thousand miles of ownership.
2021 Mazda CX-5 recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2021 Mazda CX-5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 25.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other CX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
- It carries a Caution verdict with a Complaint Index of 69, ranking 5th worst among 14 model years of CX-5 covered by NHTSA data. Engine-related complaints account for 60% of the 146 complaints filed for this year.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, making up 88 of 146 complaints (60%), including reports of unintended acceleration and loss of braking response.
- Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2021 Mazda CX-5, including no do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 CX-5 compare to other years?
- The 2021 model's Complaint Index of 69 is worse than the 2017 (15), 2022 (8), and 2024 (23) model years, all rated Best, but better than the 2016 model year, which has the worst index at 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
- EPA rates the 2021 CX-5 at 25.5 mpg combined (23.5 city, 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,550.