Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mazda 5 Years to Avoid
9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 77/100
Avoid the 2018 and 2019 model years. Both draw many owner complaints of cracked cylinder heads that leak oil, often with no warning light, and the 2019 adds early transmission failures. Buy the 2022 instead, which has a much lighter record and only one recall.
Verdict
- Avoid
- 2019 72/1002018 72/100
- Buy
- 2022 83/100
- Model average
- 77/100
Mazda 5 Years to Avoid
These model years score significantly below the Mazda 5 average of 77/100.
Why These Years Should Be Avoided
2019 Mazda 5
Cracked cylinder heads again lead the list, with heavy oil leaks, smoke, and often no warning light, mostly between about 30,000 and 80,000 miles. Dealers quote more than $5,000. Power train complaints add early automatic transmission failures and parked cars rolling away, with two owners reported injured.
Top issues: Engine (90), Electrical System (47), Unknown Or Other (40), Power Train (39), Visibility Wiper (9), Vehicle Speed Control (8)
View full 2019reliability report →2018 Mazda 5
Engine trouble leads the complaints. Cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust area, causing a burning smell and smoke under the hood, usually with no warning light first. Failures run from about 31,000 to 75,000 miles, and owners report bills of almost $6,000. The touchscreen also changes settings on its own.
Top issues: Engine (121), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (54), Power Train (41), Fuel System, Gasoline (19), Service Brakes (16)
View full 2018reliability report →What Are Common Mazda 5 Problems?
ENGINE
299 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2021
2018: Cracked cylinder heads account for most of these reports.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
178 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
2018: Phantom touches on the touchscreen are the main complaint.
POWER TRAIN
141 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2021
2018: Cracked cylinder heads show up here too.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
107 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2020, 2021
2018: The center touchscreen fails in two ways.
SERVICE BRAKES
69 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2020, 2023
2018: Rear calipers stick or seize.
AIR BAGS
50 complaintsMost reported in 2022, 2019, 2018
2022: "Air Bag System Malfunction" warnings show up on the dash and in the phone app.
Best Mazda 5 Year to Buy Instead
2022 Mazda 5
The 2022 is rated excellent and has just one recall, against ten for 2018 and twelve for 2019. Its complaints are far fewer, and engine trouble is not among its top areas. Owners instead report a noisy headlight fan, airbag warnings, and batteries that die after sitting.
Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car
Even the 2022 Mazda 5 has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
All Mazda 5 Years by Generation
Mazda 5 Reliability Scores by Year
2026 Mazda 5
0 recalls · 0 complaints
2022 Mazda 5
1 recalls · 79 complaints
2023 Mazda 5
3 recalls · 68 complaints
2021 Mazda 5
3 recalls · 180 complaints
2025 Mazda 5
5 recalls · 42 complaints
2024 Mazda 5
5 recalls · 70 complaints
2020 Mazda 5
5 recalls · 127 complaints
2019 Mazda 5
12 recalls · 325 complaints
2018 Mazda 5
10 recalls · 423 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mazda 5 years should I avoid?
Which Mazda 5 years have transmission problems?
Is the 2026 Mazda 5 the most reliable year?
Why is the 2022 Mazda 5 recommended over 2018 and 2019?
Are the 2020 and 2021 Mazda 5 safe to buy?
How we score every Mazda 5 model year
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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