Last updated: 2026-03-15

2019 Mazda 5 Reliability Report
The 2019 Mazda 5 scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 12 recalls and 325 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
12
Complaints
325
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Annual Cost
$581
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (90)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (48)
- POWER TRAIN (39)
Should You Buy the 2019 Mazda 5?
The 2019 Mazda 5 scores 72/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 325 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (90). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Mazda 5, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2018 Mazda 5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint volume
- −2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 Mazda 5 With

2019 Mazda 3
Reliability: 78/100

2019 Subaru Impreza
Reliability: 66/100

2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Reliability: 58/100

2019 Toyota Prius
Reliability: 77/100

2019 BMW 2-Series
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 12 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (90)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (48)
Recall Overview
12
recalls on record
The 2019 Mazda 5 has 12 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
325
complaintsSafety Incidents
12
Crashes
2
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Mazda 5 Recall Details
12 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Mazda 5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Consequence
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Mazda3 vehicles. The Smart Brake System (SBS) can falsely detect an obstacle while driving, activating the automatic emergency braking system and suddenly stopping the vehicle.
Consequence
Stopping the vehicle unexpectedly increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the SBS software. In addition, vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner's manual. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4219L.
2019 Mazda 5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 13.0%
Safety Technologies
Mazda 5 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$581
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Mazda 5.
Inspect for oil leaks under the vehicle
Check for burning oil smell in the cabin
Test infotainment system for ghost touch issues
Verify if the cylinder head has been replaced
Check for any warning lights on the dashboard
Ensure the vehicle has received all relevant technical service bulletin updates
Buying a 2019 5? Check Its History First
Every 2019 Mazda 5 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
2019 Mazda 5 Common Problems by Component
325 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
90 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with cracked cylinder heads, often leading to significant oil leaks. These leaks are commonly described as causing smoke and a burning oil smell, with some instances of oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold, posing a potential fire hazard. Complaints typically emerge around 30,000 to 78,000 miles. Symptoms include the presence of smoke, burning smells, and oil puddles under the vehicle. There are no reports of crashes, but the potential for engine fires is noted as a safety risk. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly in models without turbo engines, as repairs are costly and may not be covered under existing warranty extensions.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
48 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the infotainment system in the 2019 Mazda 5, particularly involving "ghost touch" malfunctions where the touchscreen registers unintended inputs. These symptoms include random changes to settings, initiating phone calls, and altering navigation routes, which are highly distracting while driving. Complaints often indicate that these issues develop around 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Additionally, one report involves an electrical fire originating in the passenger door speaker components, and there are mentions of electrical system failures leading to crashes. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications and the costs associated with repairs, as some dealerships charge substantial fees for diagnosis and fixes.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
40 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the infotainment system, specifically "ghost touch" problems where the screen registers phantom inputs, changing settings, adjusting volume, and disconnecting navigation or phone functions without user input. These issues are described as highly distracting and occur sporadically, with some owners noting they began around 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of oil leaks due to cracked cylinder heads, leading to burning smells and smoke, posing potential safety risks. A few owners also mention incidents involving the vehicle's automatic braking system causing unexpected stops, and one report describes a sunroof explosion. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control and distraction while driving.
POWER TRAIN (39 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
39 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2019 Mazda CX-5 frequently experiences issues with cracked cylinder heads, leading to oil leaks, particularly from the cylinder head area, often around the exhaust manifold. Symptoms commonly described include a burning oil smell, visible smoke, and oil pooling on the engine and exhaust components, with some cases resulting in noxious fumes entering the cabin. These issues are typically noted around 35,000 to 96,000 miles. Safety implications include potential fire hazards due to oil contacting hot surfaces and the risk of engine stalling or failure, which may lead to crashes. Additionally, there are reports of transmission malfunctions, which can cause the vehicle to stall or lose power, contributing to collisions and injuries.
AIR BAGS (10 complaints)
AIR BAGS
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the airbag warning light illuminating intermittently, often without clear resolution after diagnostic checks. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as the airbag warning light activating while driving or spontaneously deploying airbags without a collision. Reports indicate these issues can occur at various mileage points, including as early as 151 miles and around 38,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash where the airbags failed to deploy, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, some owners mention concerns about potential design flaws related to the wire harness, which may lead to airbag system malfunctions.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the fuel pump, with failures occurring around 60,000 to 67,000 miles. Common symptoms include engine stalling, inability to start, and loss of power, often without prior warning lights. Some owners mention that their vehicles are not covered by existing recalls despite experiencing similar issues, leading to significant repair costs. Safety implications are noted, as sudden stalling could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, there are reports of the fuel low level light malfunctioning, potentially causing the vehicle to run out of fuel unexpectedly.
SERVICE BRAKES (9 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report recurring issues with the automatic braking system in the 2019 Mazda 5, with multiple instances of the vehicle unexpectedly braking or coming to a stop without warning. Complaints frequently mention dashboard warnings such as "Brake System Malfunction" and "Smart Brake System Malfunction," often accompanied by the vehicle shaking or losing acceleration. These incidents occur at various speeds and locations, including highways and city roads, and sometimes lead to near-collisions or actual crashes. Several owners describe these problems arising shortly after acquiring the vehicle, with one reporting the issue within a day of purchase. The described malfunctions pose significant safety risks, including potential rear-end collisions due to sudden stops.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving unexpected deceleration. Several complaints describe sudden braking or loss of acceleration while using the radar cruise control, often when attempting to pass or merge with traffic, with speeds dropping significantly, sometimes to as low as 20 mph. These incidents occur at various mileages, with some reports around 17,000 miles. A few owners mention the car accelerating on its own from a stop or revving excessively when idling. Safety concerns arise as these issues can happen in traffic, potentially leading to hazardous situations, though no crashes or injuries are reported in the complaints.
STEERING (8 complaints)
STEERING
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Mazda 5 report several steering-related issues, with some experiencing power steering malfunctions that lead to a loss of control. Symptoms frequently include violent jerking of the steering wheel, unexpected acceleration, and warning lights for power steering and safety systems. Complaints often involve the vehicle's sensors, with some instances leading to crashes, such as an incident involving sudden acceleration into a townhouse. These issues appear to occur at various mileages, sometimes shortly after purchase, highlighting potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (8 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Mazda 5 report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system, with multiple complaints describing unexpected and aggressive automatic braking. Symptoms include sudden deceleration without any obstruction present, particularly at highway speeds or during lane changes, which has led to near-miss rear-end collisions. One incident involved a crash due to the system's failure to allow immediate acceleration after braking. Complaints often mention these issues occurring in vehicles with mileage ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 miles. These reports highlight potential safety risks, including loss of control and increased likelihood of collisions, which prospective buyers should consider.
When Do 2019 Mazda 5 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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 2022 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (78/100) and 2021 (78/100).
Mazda 5 Years to Avoid
No Mazda 5 years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Mazda 5 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Mazda 5 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda 5 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Mazda 5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Mazda 5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mazda 5?
How many recalls does the 2019 Mazda 5 have?
Is the 2019 Mazda 5 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Mazda 5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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