Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Report
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 scores 83/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 129 owner complaints.
Recalls
0
Complaints
129
Complaint Rate
7.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$447
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,500
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (55)
- POWER TRAIN (15)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 5 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.
2017: Second generation (KF; 2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 5 of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 earns an Excellent 83/100 reliability score. 2021 is year 5 of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
At 7.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2022 Mazda CX-5, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 Mazda CX-5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +$126 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (8%)
- +No recalls issued
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (55 complaints)
- −8 crash incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2021 Mazda CX-5 With

2021 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 78/100

2021 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 73/100

2021 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 76/100

2021 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 77/100

2021 Subaru Forester
Reliability: 76/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (55)
- POWER TRAIN (15)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.5
Safety Incidents
8
Crashes
0
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2021 Mazda CX-5? Check its history first
Every 2021 Mazda CX-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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 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-5Repair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
24–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,600–$2,950/yr
Fuel + repair
22–25 city / 27–31 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-5 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
| CX-5 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,300 |
| CX-5 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,400 |
| CX-5 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Mazda CX-5.
Check for excessive engine oil consumption by inspecting oil level and looking for low oil warning lights
Inspect rear differential for leaks and unusual noises, especially around 24,000 miles
Examine brake rotors and pads for rust and wear, especially if mileage is around 15,000 miles
Verify that the vehicle has received any applicable software updates for the telematics communication unit
Test the infotainment system for any freezing or display issues during startup
Ensure the vehicle has been checked for any technical service bulletins related to engine oil consumption
2021 Mazda CX-5 Common Problems by Component
129 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
55 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report excessive engine oil consumption, with many indicating the low oil light activates every 3,000 miles, far sooner than the recommended 7,500-mile oil change interval. Typical symptoms include the need to top off oil frequently, ticking sounds from the engine, and in some cases, gasoline vapors in the engine compartment. These issues often arise in vehicles with low mileage, some as early as 10,000 to 20,000 miles. While there are no reports of crashes or fires, the risk of engine damage due to low oil levels is a concern. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly in models with turbo engines, as they might face similar maintenance challenges.
POWER TRAIN
15 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and leaks, often at relatively low mileages such as 7,000 to 14,000 miles. Symptoms described include low oil warning lights, burning oil odors, and visible coolant leaks. Some complaints mention repeated repairs for oil leaks involving timing covers and gaskets, while others note the need to manually add oil between scheduled changes. Additionally, a few owners experience rough driving at low speeds and rear differential replacements as early as 24,000 miles. No crashes or fires are reported, but the potential for engine damage due to oil consumption is a concern for buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report several issues, with common complaints involving unexpected vehicle behavior and mechanical concerns. Multiple owners describe incidents of unexpected acceleration, leading to crashes and injuries, and note that collision avoidance systems do not activate during these events. Symptoms such as rear differential leaks and recurring critical vehicle malfunction warnings are also mentioned, typically occurring at mileage around 26,000 miles or over several months. Safety implications are evident, with reports of loss of control and significant vehicle damage. Additionally, some owners express frustration with the vehicle's remote control design, automatic rear hatch opening, and inadequate tow eye provision, which can pose practical challenges.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with the vehicle's infotainment system, including the screen going blank or dark and the backup camera failing intermittently. Several complaints describe the need to restart the vehicle or disconnect the battery to temporarily resolve these problems. Additionally, some owners experience unintended acceleration, with one incident resulting in a crash and injury, and others note failures in the Blind Spot Monitoring system, leading to another crash. These issues typically arise at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 4,400 miles. The reported electrical system malfunctions, particularly those involving unintended acceleration and sensor failures, have significant safety implications.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2021 Mazda CX-5's vehicle speed control, particularly involving unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention sudden acceleration when attempting to park or stop, with several incidents resulting in crashes. These incidents often occur at low speeds, such as when pulling into driveways or parking spaces, and typically involve the brake pedal being pressed without warning indications. Four of the five reported incidents led to crashes, with four injuries noted. The issues are reported at various mileages, with one specific report at approximately 3,500 miles. Buyers should be aware of the potential for loss of control and the associated safety risks.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with premature brake wear and rusting, with several complaints noting the need for brake pad and rotor replacement around 15,000 miles. Symptoms described include squealing brakes, rusted and chipping rotors, vibrations during braking, and a burning smell. Some owners also report safety concerns, such as the vehicle pulling to one side and critical alerts related to the anti-lock braking system. These issues, occurring at relatively low mileage, suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers considering a used 2021 CX-5.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (4 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report issues related to the vehicle's defrosting system and glass integrity. Multiple complaints highlight a design concern where the windshield defrost system includes only a single center vent, leading to inadequate defrosting on the sides and in front of the driver, particularly affecting visibility in rainy or snowy conditions. Additionally, some owners describe incidents where the rear windshield and sunroof glass have unexpectedly shattered, sometimes while the vehicle is stationary or in motion. These issues are noted without specific mileage references but have significant safety implications due to impaired visibility and sudden glass breakage. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported problems when considering this vehicle.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report unexpected airbag deployments and warning light issues related to the airbag system. Complaints frequently mention airbags deploying without a collision, with one owner describing passenger side airbags deploying at 25 mph without any impact, and another noting curtain and seat airbags deploying after a minor slide against a curb at approximately 10 mph. Additionally, a separate report mentions a persistent airbag warning light appearing over several months. These issues are reported without specific mileage data, but the deployment incidents indicate potential safety implications, especially in low-speed or non-collision scenarios. This information may be pertinent for potential buyers assessing the vehicle's airbag reliability.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report issues related to the steering system, primarily involving steering wheel vibrations and locking. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel vibrating during turns and, in one case, locking up entirely after the vehicle unexpectedly shut down on the highway. These issues occur alongside other warning lights and malfunctions, such as brake system alerts and engine shutdowns. The reported problems appear at higher mileage, around 81,000 miles, and pose safety risks, including potential loss of vehicle control. Used car buyers should be aware of these steering-related issues and their implications for vehicle handling and safety.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report issues with excessive engine oil consumption. Complaints frequently mention that the low oil warning light illuminates, indicating the need for oil replenishment or changes after relatively short driving distances, such as 1,000 miles. The reported issues occur at varying mileages, with one owner experiencing problems as early as 4,000 miles and another at approximately 57,000 miles. There are no reported safety implications such as crashes or fires associated with these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of recurring oil consumption issues and the need for frequent monitoring and maintenance.
When Do 2021 Mazda CX-5 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Mazda CX-5 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mazda CX-5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
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(selected) | 83/100 | -3 | Excellent | 0 | 129 |
| 2020 | 86/100 | +11 | Excellent | 0 | 94 |
| 2019 | 75/100 | +4 | Good | 2 | 229 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 3 | 310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Mazda CX-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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Mazda CX-5.
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