Last updated: 2026-03-15

Mazda 5

2 Mazda 5 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Mazda 5 average of 77/100

The Mazda 5 years to avoid are 2019, 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 72/100. The best Mazda 5 year to buy is 2026 88/100.

Verdict

The 2019, 2018 Mazda 5 score significantly below the model average of 77/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 72/100 due to engine (90) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 78/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mazda 5 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mazda 5 average of 77/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201972/100Good12325Engine (90)
2201872/100Good10423Engine (121)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Mazda 5

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).

12 recalls325 complaintsEst. repair:

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 →
72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Mazda 5

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).

10 recalls423 complaintsEst. repair:

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?

Top reported issues across all Mazda 5 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

299 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

178 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

161 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

141 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

69 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

50 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Mazda 5 Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Mazda 5

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).

Score: 78/100 (Good)3 recalls180 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Mazda 5 year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mazda 5 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Mazda 5 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky
88
ExcellentReliability score: 88 out of 100, rated Excellent

2026 Mazda 5

0 recalls · 0 complaints

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Mazda 5

1 recalls · 79 complaints

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Mazda 5

3 recalls · 68 complaints

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Mazda 5

3 recalls · 180 complaints

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Mazda 5

5 recalls · 42 complaints

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Mazda 5

5 recalls · 70 complaints

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Mazda 5

5 recalls · 127 complaints

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Mazda 5

12 recalls · 325 complaints

Weakest Year
72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Mazda 5

10 recalls · 423 complaints

Weakest Year

Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mazda 5 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Mazda 5 years: 2019 (score: 72/100), 2018 (score: 72/100). These model years score significantly below the Mazda 5 average of 77/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Mazda 5 have?
Across all years in our database, the Mazda 5 has a total of 44 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Mazda 5 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 88/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 77/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Mazda 5 problems?
The most common Mazda 5 problems are engine (299 complaints), electrical system (178 complaints), unknown or other (161 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Mazda 5 reliable long-term?
The Mazda 5 has an average reliability score of 77/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Mazda 5?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Mazda 5 is $581 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2026 Mazda 5 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Mazda 5 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 88/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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