What year Mazda5 should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010 and 2012 Mazda5. They have complaint indexes of 83 and 100, the two highest among the 2010-2016 model years, with airbag, suspension, and structural problems reported.

Is the 2012 Mazda5 reliable?

The 2012 Mazda5 has the highest complaint index (100) of any Mazda5 year on record, with 37 complaints covering suspension, fuel system, and structural issues, plus 4 crashes and 7 injuries.

What is the best year for the Mazda5?

Among the years covered, 2014 has the lowest complaint index at 33, with only 12 complaints and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported to NHTSA.

Are there recalls on the Mazda5?

NHTSA lists two recall campaigns across the covered years: a 2010 fuel pump connector issue and a structure/body recall affecting liftgate supports on 2012-2015 model year vehicles.

Which Mazda5 years need caution?

2013 and 2015 are listed as caution years, with complaint indexes of 67 and 50 respectively, both tied largely to brake-related complaints.

Mazda Mazda5 Best and Worst Years (2010–2016)

Avoid the 2010 and 2012 Mazda5, which have complaint indexes of 83 and 100, the two highest in the lineup, driven by airbag, suspension, and structural issues. 2013 and 2015 need caution; 2014 is the strongest year with a complaint index of just 33.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2012

Model years: 7; 2010–2016
NHTSA complaints: 142
Recall campaigns: 2
Crashes reported: 13
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Suspension, Wheels & Tires

Mazda5 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 Mazda5 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	83	57	2	1	1	Airbags	—	—
2011	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Brakes	—	—
2012	Avoid	100	37	4	0	1	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—
2013	Caution	67	24	4	0	1	Brakes	—	—
2014	Good	33	12	0	0	1	Brakes	—	—
2015	Caution	50	9	3	0	1	Brakes	—	—
2016	No verdict	17	2	0	0	0	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—

Mazda5 years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Mazda Mazda5 Index 100 · 37 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2012 Mazda5 has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, based on 37 complaints. Suspension/wheels/tires (24%), fuel system (22%), and structure/body (22%) are the top problem areas. Owners reported front seats reclining unexpectedly during rear-end impacts, steering wheel control loss during turns, and airbags failing to deploy in crashes. Median mileage at failure ranged from 10,500 miles for suspension complaints to 90,000 miles for brake issues. NHTSA lists one recall tied to structure and body defects involving liftgate supports. This year recorded 4 crashes and 7 injuries, the highest injury count of any year covered.

2010 Mazda Mazda5 Index 83 · 57 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2010 Mazda5 carries a complaint index of 83, the second-worst in the lineup, with 57 total complaints. Airbags and suspension/wheels/tires each account for 23% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 16%. Owners reported airbag warning lights staying on, front seats reclining or failing during rear-end collisions, and traction/stability control lights illuminating over rough roads. Median mileage at failure ranged widely, from 24,000 miles for suspension problems to 88,000 miles for engine issues. NHTSA lists one recall for this year, covering a fuel pump connector issue where water intrusion could affect the fuel system. The year also recorded 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.

Most common Mazda Mazda5 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires28 (20%)
Brakes25 (18%)
Structure & Body25 (18%)
Airbags18 (13%)
Engine17 (12%)
Steering16 (11%)
Other15 (11%)
Fuel System14 (10%)
Transmission & Powertrain8 (6%)
Electrical System7 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mazda5 should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010 and 2012 Mazda5. They have complaint indexes of 83 and 100, the two highest among the 2010-2016 model years, with airbag, suspension, and structural problems reported.
Is the 2012 Mazda5 reliable?: The 2012 Mazda5 has the highest complaint index (100) of any Mazda5 year on record, with 37 complaints covering suspension, fuel system, and structural issues, plus 4 crashes and 7 injuries.
What is the best year for the Mazda5?: Among the years covered, 2014 has the lowest complaint index at 33, with only 12 complaints and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported to NHTSA.
Are there recalls on the Mazda5?: NHTSA lists two recall campaigns across the covered years: a 2010 fuel pump connector issue and a structure/body recall affecting liftgate supports on 2012-2015 model year vehicles.
Which Mazda5 years need caution?: 2013 and 2015 are listed as caution years, with complaint indexes of 67 and 50 respectively, both tied largely to brake-related complaints.