Last updated: 2026-03-04
Mazda CX-5 Reliability by Year
The Mazda CX-5 averages 81/100 across 8 model years, rated excellent.
Mazda CX-5 Reliability Overview
The Mazda CX-5, covering model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 93/100, categorized as excellent according to the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates common issues with engine oil leaks and electrical system malfunctions, particularly in earlier models, while later versions show improved complaint rates, with the 2025 model reporting only 1.8 complaints per 10,000 sold. Owners benefit from a relatively low estimated annual repair cost of $447, compared to the segment average of $573, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing cost-effective maintenance.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2026–present).
Best & Worst Mazda CX-5 Years
Best Mazda CX-5 Years to Buy
The best Mazda CX-5 year is 2022 with a reliability score of 87/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2020 (86/100) and 2024 (84/100).
Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid
The worst Mazda CX-5 year is 2018 with a score of 71/100, primarily due to engine (111) issues.
See full Mazda CX-5 years-to-avoid analysis →Mazda CX-5 Reliability Score Trend
Mazda CX-5 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 81/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 86/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 87/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 84/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Mazda CX-5
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
2025 Mazda CX-5
3 recalls · 25 complaints
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 3 recalls and 25 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (4), Unknown Or Other (3), Structure (3).
2024 Mazda CX-5
1 recalls · 53 complaints
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 53 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (7), Structure (6), Electrical System (5).
2023 Mazda CX-5
2 recalls · 96 complaints
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 2 recalls and 96 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (14), Service Brakes (13), Electrical System (11).
2022 Mazda CX-5
0 recalls · 50 complaints
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 50 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (13), Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (6).
2021 Mazda CX-5
0 recalls · 129 complaints
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 129 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (55), Power Train (15), Unknown Or Other (11).
2020 Mazda CX-5
0 recalls · 94 complaints
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 94 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (26), Unknown Or Other (17), Engine (9).
2019 Mazda CX-5
2 recalls · 229 complaints
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 229 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (78), Electrical System (38), Unknown Or Other (30).
2018 Mazda CX-5
3 recalls · 310 complaints
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 310 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 18 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (111), Unknown Or Other (41), Power Train (34).
Mazda CX-5 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$447
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
8%
$126 below the midsize SUVs average of $573/yr.
Ranked #1 of 26 among midsize SUVs.
Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Mazda Models
Compare all Mazda models by reliability
Compare Mazda CX-5 With Similar SUVs
The Mazda CX-5 competes with other compact suvs such as Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Kia Sportage.
Hyundai Tucson reliability
9 years tracked · 1838 complaints
Toyota RAV4 reliability
8 years tracked · 2734 complaints
Kia Sportage reliability
9 years tracked · 810 complaints
Honda CR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 5017 complaints
Subaru Forester reliability
9 years tracked · 2301 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
- Yes, the Mazda CX-5 is considered reliable with an average score of 81/100, rated excellent. Most model years show consistent reliability with below-average problem rates.
- What is the best year for the Mazda CX-5?
- The best year for the Mazda CX-5 is 2022 with a reliability score of 87/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 50 owner complaints on record. See full 2022 Mazda CX-5 analysis →
- What are the Mazda CX-5 years to avoid?
- The Mazda CX-5 years to avoid include 2018 (71/100). 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 CX-5?
- The Mazda CX-5 has an estimated annual repair cost of $447, which is $126 below the midsize SUVs average of $573. 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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