Last updated: 2026-03-15

2025 Mazda 5 Reliability Report
The 2025 Mazda 5 scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 42 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
5
Complaints
42
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
- POWER TRAIN (9)
- SUSPENSION (5)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Should You Buy the 2025 Mazda 5?
The 2025 Mazda 5 scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 42 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 power train (8). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2026 Mazda 5. See also the 2024 Mazda 5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
- +Low complaint frequency
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Moderate recall count
- −POWER TRAIN: Transmission engagement failures and CV joint problems (9 complaints)
Compare 2025 Mazda 5 With

2025 Mazda 3
Reliability: 79/100

2025 Subaru Impreza
Reliability: 77/100

2025 Volkswagen Jetta
Reliability: 81/100

2025 Toyota Prius
Reliability: 78/100

2025 BMW 2-Series
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (9)
- SUSPENSION (5)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2025 Mazda 5 has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
42
complaintsSafety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Mazda 5 Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Mazda 5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
Consequence
Air bags that do not deploy in the event of a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit with improved software or replace the unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7525E.
SUSPENSION
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The front suspension fastener bolts may not be tightened properly, which can result in suspension component and/or wheel detachment.
Consequence
Wheel or suspension component detachment can cause a loss of vehicle control and a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front suspension fastener bolts and, if necessary, replace and tighten them, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7925J. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 3, 2025.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The transmission gear shifter can be moved from Neutral to Drive without pressing the brake pedal.
Consequence
Shifting into gear without the brake pedal depressed can result in unexpected vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module (ECM) and reprogram the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and Power Control Unit (PCU), free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated late summer 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7725F.
2025 Mazda 5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
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 2025 Mazda 5.
Inspect rims for bends or deformation, especially if using low-profile tires
Test CV joints for clicking or popping noises during turns
Check for any warning lights related to the electrical system or hybrid components
Test the AEB system for unexpected activation during low-speed maneuvers
Verify the operation of the vehicle speed control system, especially for unintended acceleration or deceleration
Inspect the windshield and sunroof for cracks or signs of stress
Test the seat heating system for overheating or signs of burning
Buying a 2025 5? Check Its History First
Every 2025 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.
2025 Mazda 5 Common Problems by Component
42 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the power train of the 2025 Mazda 5, primarily involving transmission engagement failures and CV joint problems. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle failing to shift from reverse to drive, requiring the engine to be restarted to engage the transmission, which occurs at low mileages shortly after purchase. Additionally, several reports highlight early CV boot and axle issues, with grease leaks and loud noises during turns, often noted around 5,000 to 6,100 miles. One incident involves a crash when the vehicle moved backward unexpectedly after the engine was shut off while in drive. These issues present potential safety concerns, including loss of vehicle control and the risk of collision.
SUSPENSION
5 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2025 Mazda 5's suspension system. First, multiple complaints describe damage to the 18" rims after encountering small potholes, leading to symptoms such as vibration, steering pull, and potential air loss from bead-seat deformation. These incidents occur at low speeds and around 4,500 miles apart, indicating a potential durability issue. Second, several owners report CV joint problems, with symptoms including clicking and popping noises during turns and under moderate acceleration, often emerging around 6,000 to 22,000 miles. Both issues carry safety implications, with rim damage potentially affecting vehicle control and CV joint failure risking loss of propulsion. These patterns suggest potential design or durability concerns that prospective buyers should consider.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Mazda 5 report several electrical system issues, including vehicles failing to start and keyless entry malfunctions. These problems often occur shortly after purchase, with one report noting issues began just a month after a dealer inspection. Another common complaint involves the blind spot detection system intermittently failing to detect vehicles, even after multiple visits to the dealer. Additionally, some owners describe a widespread malfunction affecting systems like the parking brake, anti-lock brakes, and airbag system, with one vehicle becoming non-operational. While no crashes or fires are reported, the potential for these issues to arise unexpectedly suggests a notable safety risk, particularly if malfunctions occur while driving.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Mazda 5 report issues with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system engaging unexpectedly during low-speed maneuvers, typically around 30 mph. Two complaints describe the AEB activating when attempting to steer around a vehicle turning left, resulting in one instance of a rear-end collision. These reports suggest that the AEB may interfere with steering maneuvers, potentially leading to safety risks in traffic. Additionally, one owner mentions a separate incident involving a hybrid battery malfunction and sensor errors, rendering the vehicle inoperable, although this is not linked to the forward collision avoidance system. Buyers should be aware of these reported AEB activation issues, particularly in scenarios involving evasive maneuvers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the vehicle speed control system in the 2025 Mazda 5, with common symptoms including unintended acceleration and sudden deceleration. One owner describes experiencing high acceleration when attempting to move from a stationary position, occurring multiple times over a year, without any warning lights. Another owner reports the vehicle suddenly dropping speed from 75 to 30 miles per hour while using cruise control on the expressway, happening three times. Complaints frequently mention the lack of dashboard warnings or error messages prior to these events. These issues, often occurring shortly after purchase, pose safety risks such as potential collisions due to unexpected vehicle behavior.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the glass components of the 2025 Mazda 5, particularly involving unexpected shattering or cracking. Complaints frequently mention sunroof and windshield glass problems, with symptoms including an explosion-like sound leading to sunroof glass shattering while driving and a windshield crack detectable only from the inside. These incidents occur at relatively low mileages, with one report at approximately 1,892 miles. Another owner describes a rear hatch window shattering overnight without any apparent impact or external cause. While no crashes or injuries are mentioned, the potential for glass to pose a hazard, especially while driving, is noted by owners.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with structural components, notably with the driver side mirror vibrating at speeds above 65 mph, particularly in windy conditions, which they claim affects rear visibility. Another recurring issue involves the front passenger door scraping against the interior fender, which is attributed to manufacturing adjustments made to accommodate a hybrid engine system. This misalignment may potentially affect the vehicle's structural integrity and could lead to the door becoming stuck. Additionally, an indentation in the rear bumper is noted, with some owners experiencing difficulty in having this issue recognized by dealers. These complaints do not specify mileage ranges but highlight concerns about safety and vehicle quality.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners report two distinct issues with the brakes of the 2025 Mazda 5. One issue involves unintended acceleration when braking at stop signs, particularly after several consecutive stops, with occurrences noted around 1800 miles. This has led to the vehicle moving forward unexpectedly by 8 to 10 feet, posing a risk of collision. Another issue arises with the adaptive cruise control, where the car brakes aggressively and without warning during certain cornering situations. This unexpected braking can be hazardous, especially when vehicles are following closely. These complaints highlight potential safety risks, including the possibility of collisions or loss of control.
SEATS (2 complaints)
SEATS
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the seats of the 2025 Mazda 5, specifically involving the seat heating system. Complaints frequently mention incidents of the seat catching fire and causing burns. One owner describes a fire originating inside the seat shortly after purchase, while another reports receiving second and third-degree burns after using the heated seat feature. These incidents occur within a few weeks of ownership and at low mileage, suggesting potential defects in the seat heating or electrical systems. Safety implications include the risk of fire and personal injury, which are significant concerns for prospective buyers.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintBreaks and gas pedal simultaneously stopped working while driving and steering wheel locked up
When Do 2025 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
2025 Mazda 5 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 Mazda 5 is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 42 | 5 | 2 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 42 | 5 | 2 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Mazda 5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Mazda 5?
How many recalls does the 2025 Mazda 5 have?
Is the 2025 Mazda 5 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 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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Score: 63/100
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