2009 Mazda Mazda5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 ranks worst among 11 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 64 complaints centered on suspension/steering. NHTSA lists 2 recalls, including a power steering assist loss campaign, making this the year to avoid.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 11 Mazda5 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 64
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Top 2009 Mazda Mazda5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (33%)
- Steering17 (27%)
- Engine9 (14%)
- Electrical System7 (11%)
- Structure & Body4 (6%)
- Brakes3 (5%)
- Fuel System3 (5%)
- Other3 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)
- Airbags2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel wobbles or shakes uncontrollably at highway speed, in one case leading to a crash.
- Power steering assist fails intermittently at low speeds, sometimes accompanied by electronics flashing and the engine stalling.
- Power steering warning light comes on and steering locks up temporarily, forcing drivers to restart the vehicle.
- Fan controller unit in the engine compartment overheats and catches fire near the driver's side.
- Fuel cap outer piece breaks off during refueling, leaving the inner portion stuck in the filler neck.
- Driver's floor mat retention hole separates early, letting the mat shift forward and catch the clutch and brake pedals.
2009 Mazda Mazda5 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V600000Nov 24, 2010Fuel System16,200 vehicles
Fuel system, other:delivery:fuel pump
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 mazda5 vehicles manufactured from june 29, 2009, through april 28, 2010. Water may not have been removed completely from the harness connector of the fuel pump due to variations in the fuel tank leak check process performed before vehicle assembly. The connector pin may corrode, potentially causing the pin to break.
Risk: This could lead to an inoperative fuel pump, engine stall and the inability to restart the engine increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump connector and if necessary it will be replaced and the harness will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on december 6, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
- NHTSA 10V374000Aug 12, 2010Steering215,000 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from april 2, 2007 through november 30, 2008. These vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.
Risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 15, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
2009 compared with other Mazda5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?
- Compared with other Mazda5 years, 2009 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and rank 1 out of 11 model years tracked by NHTSA complaints.
- What are the most common problems on the 2009 Mazda5?
- Suspension, wheels and tires account for 33% of complaints (21 cases, median mileage 48,000), and steering issues make up 27% (17 cases, median mileage 17,500).
- Does the 2009 Mazda5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a fuel pump connector water intrusion issue and one for potential sudden loss of power steering assist, affecting 2007-2009 model years.
- Which Mazda5 years are safer choices than 2009?
- The 2014 model year is rated Best with a complaint index of 20, and 2013 and 2015 are rated Good, all scoring much lower than 2009's complaint index of 100.