Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 229 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
Recalls
2
Complaints
229
Complaint Rate
14.8
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$447
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
8%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
- Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 2nd generation CX-5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Second generation (KF; 2016)
Should You Buy the 2019 Mazda CX-5?
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 scores 75/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
With 229 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 (78). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Mazda CX-5, which scored 11 points higher. See also the 2018 Mazda CX-5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $126 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (8%)
Cons
- ENGINE issues reported (78 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (38 complaints)
Compare 2019 Mazda CX-5 With
2019 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 68/100
2019 Toyota RAV4
Score: 66/100
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 65/100
2019 Kia Sportage
Score: 74/100
2019 GMC Terrain
Score: 68/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ENGINE (78)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (30)
- POWER TRAIN (25)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (9)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
- STRUCTURE (6)
- AIR BAGS (5)
- FUEL SYSTEM (5)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
- STEERING (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- SEATS (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- TIRES (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
14.8
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
7
Fires
2
Injuries
5
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Mazda CX-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.
2019 Mazda CX-5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 17.4%
Safety Technologies
Mazda CX-5 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$447
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
8%
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.
When Buying a Used 2019 Mazda CX-5
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for oil leaks and burning smells indicating cracked cylinder heads
- Test infotainment system for ghost touch and random reboots
- Check for any transmission shudder or delays in shifting
- Verify completion of any outstanding recalls or technical service bulletins
- Test drive to listen for unusual noises from A-pillars at highway speeds
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard during operation
Check Any 2019 Mazda CX-5's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 CX-5 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Mazda CX-5 with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Common Problems by Component
229 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
78 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with cracked cylinder heads, often leading to significant oil leaks and engine overheating. Typical symptoms include oil smells, smoke entering the cabin, and visible oil leaks, with many complaints arising shortly after the warranty period, around 30,000 to 62,000 miles. The cracked cylinder head can pose a fire hazard, as oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, and in one case, this has led to a fire. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially as they can result in costly repairs and safety risks.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
38 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 Mazda CX-5's infotainment system, particularly "ghost touch" malfunctions where the touchscreen registers unintended inputs. This leads to actions such as making random phone calls, changing radio stations, and altering settings without driver interaction, posing significant distractions while driving. Complaints also mention the infotainment screen freezing or rebooting unexpectedly, and some owners experience these issues shortly after the vehicle's warranty expires. Safety implications are noted, with one report of a crash attributed to this distraction and another of an electrical fire originating from the passenger door speaker components. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring infotainment issues and the potential safety risks they may present.
POWER TRAIN
25 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2019 Mazda CX-5 frequently experiences issues with cracked cylinder heads, leading to significant oil leaks. Complaints often mention symptoms such as burning smells, visible smoke from the engine, and oil dripping from the vehicle, typically emerging around 25,000 to 60,000 miles. There are also reports of transmission failures, with some vehicles stalling or losing power while driving. Safety implications include two reported crashes, one involving an injury due to the vehicle rolling backward on an incline. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially considering the lack of warning indicators before failures occur.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2019 Mazda CX-5. A common problem involves unexpected deceleration, often occurring when attempting to accelerate quickly, such as merging into traffic or when using cruise control around curves. Some owners experience a sudden loss of speed to as low as 20 mph, with at least one case linked to a possible coolant leak. Another issue includes unexpected acceleration from a stop, requiring the driver to apply the brakes multiple times to regain control. These problems are reported across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring as early as 1,800 miles. Safety implications include sudden braking or acceleration that could lead to potential collisions, particularly in traffic or on highways.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with the air bag warning light, which either illuminates or blinks without apparent cause. Complaints often describe these symptoms occurring around 38,000 miles, with some owners experiencing unresolved issues despite dealer visits. One report includes a crash where the airbag failed to deploy during an incident of unintended acceleration, raising potential safety concerns. Another complaint mentions a persistent "Passenger Air Bag is not active" warning, initially resolved under warranty but recurring after the warranty period expired. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of potential airbag system malfunctions and the associated safety implications.
FUEL SYSTEM (5 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
5 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues related to a recall on the fuel system, specifically citing the unavailability of necessary parts for the repair. Complaints consistently mention that despite receiving recall notifications, parts are not available, and the repair process is delayed. One owner reports a stalling issue at approximately 5,000 miles, which resolved after restarting the vehicle, raising potential safety concerns if the stalling occurs in traffic. No other symptoms or failures are commonly described, and there are no reports of crashes or fires associated with this issue. Prospective buyers should be aware of potential delays in recall repairs and the possibility of stalling without warning.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
4 complaintsOwners report that the 2019 Mazda CX-5's forward collision avoidance system can engage unexpectedly, causing hard braking even when there is sufficient space to avoid a collision. Symptoms include rapid deceleration from speeds as high as 65 mph, sometimes without any vehicles or obstacles in the vicinity. Complaints frequently mention this issue occurring both while in cruise control and during lane changes. The incidents often occur at highway speeds, with one report noting the car has been driven for 12,200 miles. These unexpected braking events pose significant safety risks, such as potential rear-end collisions, and have been described as almost causing accidents. Multiple owners indicate that the system's aggressiveness is problematic, and the option to disable it is limited to a single drive cycle.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 report issues with cracked cylinder heads leading to oil leaks, with symptoms including smoke, burning odors, and oil stains on driveways. These problems are typically noted at mileages ranging from approximately 26,000 to 89,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention the absence of warning lights, though one owner noted a check engine light. While no crashes or fires are reported, the presence of smoke and burning odors may indicate potential safety risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these engine issues and consider verifying any related repairs or service alerts.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 report several steering-related issues, often accompanied by other system malfunctions. Common symptoms include a violent jerking of the steering wheel, especially at extreme angles, and a sensation of the car being pulled left and right, akin to wind interference, even in calm conditions. These issues are sometimes linked to electronic sensor failures and are reported to occur without warning lights. One incident describes a severe loss of control during hydroplaning, resulting in the vehicle spinning across multiple lanes. These complaints highlight potential safety risks, including unexpected vehicle behavior and loss of steering control, often occurring after battery-related events or during adverse weather conditions.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 report issues with the vehicle's braking system, specifically related to malfunctions in the Smart Brake System. Symptoms include unexpected deceleration, shaking, and dashboard warnings indicating multiple brake-related malfunctions. One owner describes an incident where the vehicle slowed and shook without braking input, while another reports a crash due to unexpected acceleration despite brake application. These issues are reported soon after purchase, with one occurring less than 16 hours after acquiring the vehicle, suggesting potential early-life reliability concerns. The presence of a crash highlights significant safety implications, particularly in high-traffic situations.
When Do 2019 Mazda CX-5 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Mazda CX-5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 82/100 | -2 | Excellent | 3 | 25 |
| 2024 | 84/100 | +3 | Excellent | 1 | 53 |
| 2023 | 81/100 | -6 | Excellent | 2 | 96 |
| 2022 | 87/100 | +4 | Excellent | 0 | 50 |
| 2021 | 83/100 | -3 | Excellent | 0 | 129 |
| 2020 | 86/100 | +11 | Excellent | 0 | 94 |
| 2019(selected) | 75/100 | +4 | Good | 2 | 229 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 3 | 310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Mazda CX-5?
How many recalls does the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have?
Is the 2019 Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?
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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