Last updated: 2026-03-15
Mazda 5 Reliability by Year
The Mazda 5 averages 77/100 across 9 model years, rated good.
Mazda 5 Reliability Overview
Data shows the Mazda 5 maintains a good reliability score, averaging 77/100 from 2018 to 2026, with a notable improvement in 2026 scoring 88/100. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the electrical system and engine, especially in earlier years, while repair costs are slightly above the compact car average at $581 annually. The vehicle is well-suited for those prioritizing safety, as it consistently receives 5-star NHTSA safety ratings, though potential buyers should be aware of earlier model issues with infotainment and engine components.
Best & Worst Mazda 5 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mazda 5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Mazda 5 year is 2026 with a reliability score of 88/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (83/100) and 2023 (78/100).
Mazda 5 Years to Avoid
The worst Mazda 5 year is 2019 with a score of 72/100, primarily due to engine (90) issues. Also avoid 2018 (72/100).
Mazda 5 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda 5 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 80/100 compared to 74/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 88/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Mazda 5
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Mazda 5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Mazda 5.
2025 Mazda 5
5 recalls · 42 complaints
The 2025 Mazda 5 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 42 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (8), Suspension (5), Electrical System (3).
2024 Mazda 5
5 recalls · 70 complaints
The 2024 Mazda 5 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 70 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (5).
2023 Mazda 5
3 recalls · 68 complaints
The 2023 Mazda 5 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 68 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (9), Unknown Or Other (8), Electrical System (7).
2022 Mazda 5
1 recalls · 79 complaints
The 2022 Mazda 5 has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 79 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (14), Air Bags (11), Electrical System (10).
2021 Mazda 5
3 recalls · 180 complaints
The 2021 Mazda 5 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 180 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (72), Unknown Or Other (16), Power Train (16).
2020 Mazda 5
5 recalls · 127 complaints
The 2020 Mazda 5 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 127 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (30), Unknown Or Other (20), Forward Collision Avoidance (12).
2019 Mazda 5
12 recalls · 325 complaints
The 2019 Mazda 5 has good reliability. There are 12 recalls and 325 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (90), Electrical System (47), Unknown Or Other (40).
2018 Mazda 5
10 recalls · 423 complaints
The 2018 Mazda 5 has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 423 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mazda 5. Severity signals include 24 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (121), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (54).
Found Your Mazda 5? Check Its History
Every Mazda 5 has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Mazda 5 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$581
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
10%
$55 above the compact cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #22 of 36 among compact cars.
Mazda 5 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Mazda Models
Compare all Mazda models by reliability
Compare Mazda 5 With Similar Sedans
The Mazda 5 competes with other compact sedans such as Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Jetta.
Mazda 3 reliability
8 years tracked · 217 complaints
Subaru Impreza reliability
9 years tracked · 470 complaints
Volkswagen Jetta reliability
9 years tracked · 760 complaints
Toyota Prius reliability
9 years tracked · 214 complaints
BMW 2-Series reliability
9 years tracked · 560 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Mazda 5 reliable?
- The Mazda 5 has good reliability with an average score of 77/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Mazda 5?
- The best year for the Mazda 5 is 2026 with a reliability score of 88/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on record. See full 2026 Mazda 5analysis →
- What are the Mazda 5 years to avoid?
- The Mazda 5 years to avoid include 2019 (72/100), 2018 (72/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda 5?
- The Mazda 5 has an estimated annual repair cost of $581, which is $55 above the compact cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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