YearToAvoid

2015 Mazda Mazda5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#4 most-complained of 7 Mazda5 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2015 Mazda5 has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 4th worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 9 complaints, 1 recall, 3 crashes, and 4 injuries for this year, with Brakes as the top problem area.

Complaints
9
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2015 Mazda Mazda5 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other3 (33%)
  2. Brakes2 (22%)
  3. Structure & Body2 (22%)
  4. Airbags1 (11%)
  5. Engine1 (11%)
  6. Seat Belts1 (11%)
  7. Steering1 (11%)

What owners report

  • Owners describe front airbags deploying in a rollover but side airbags failing to deploy.
  • One owner reported unintended acceleration while backing out of a parking space, striking another vehicle.
  • A parking brake recall repair was delayed because replacement parts were unavailable, according to one owner.
  • Power steering has been reported to cut out at random times, with the SRS light coming on and steering locking up until the car is restarted and turned off.
  • One owner reported rear seat material melting while the vehicle was parked and occupied.
2015 Mazda Mazda5 complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2017Mar 2019Aug 2020Sep 2020Dec 2021Jun 2023Jul 2026Aug 2026
11 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2017 to Aug 2026; peak Aug 2020 (3).

2015 Mazda Mazda5 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V644000Sep 6, 2016Structure & Body580,455 vehicles

    Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

    Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

2015 compared with other Mazda5 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Caution67241—
2014Good33121—
2015Caution5091—
2016No verdict1720—

All Mazda Mazda5 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?
Compared with other Mazda5 model years, 2015 sits in the middle. It has a Complaint Index of 50, ranks 4th worst of 7 years tracked, and carries a Caution verdict.
What problems does the 2015 Mazda5 have?
NHTSA data shows 9 complaints across brakes, structure and body, airbags, engine, seat belts, and steering. Brakes are the top problem area, making up 22% of complaints.
Does the 2015 Mazda5 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2015 Mazda5, campaign 16V644000, covering lift gate support replacement under the Structure & Body component.
What year Mazda5 should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2010 model year (Complaint Index 83) and 2012 model year (Complaint Index 100) are rated Avoid, both worse than the 2015 model's Complaint Index of 50.
At what mileage do 2015 Mazda5 problems typically appear?
NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 45,000 miles for the 2015 Mazda5 overall, though individual problem areas like structure and body issues were reported closer to 122,500 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.