2022 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 frequently report a persistent ticking noise from the engine, particularly noticeable during cold starts. This sound is often attributed to issues with the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs), components responsible for maintaining valve clearance, with complaints suggesting the noise may be linked to air bubbles or insufficient oil supply. While Mazda has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin for this model year, multiple owners indicate the problem persists, typically emerging around 33,000 miles. Additionally, a separate issue involves a cracked cylinder head leading to engine overheating, with reported symptoms including smoke, coolant spray, and critical malfunction alerts. These issues, particularly the overheating, could have safety implications, though no crashes or fires are reported.

Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 report issues primarily related to the transmission and oil leaks. Transmission problems are noted in two complaints, with symptoms such as failure to move, unexpected RPM fluctuations, and engine revving loudly. These issues occur at relatively low mileages, around 3,963 and 33,000 miles, and often require dealer intervention with parts like the valve body or the entire transmission being replaced. Additionally, some owners experience oil leaks due to a failed timing chain cover gasket and a cracked cylinder head, with the latter occurring as early as 14,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the potential for safety risks exists, particularly with unexpected vehicle behavior and oil leakage.

Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, with complaints indicating erroneous activation and failure to engage when needed. One common pattern involves the system activating without cause, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop unexpectedly, even when there are no vehicles or obstacles nearby. Another issue involves the system failing to provide adequate braking assistance or warning in time to prevent a collision. These problems are reported at varying mileages, including one case at approximately 18,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes, one resulting from unexpected emergency braking leading to a rear-end collision, and another due to insufficient braking assistance in an intersection incident. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues when considering a used 2022 Mazda CX-5.

Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 report issues with the service brakes, including premature brake rotor wear and brake pedal failure. One complaint describes all four brake rotors measuring below minimum thickness at 17,000 miles, necessitating replacement, with symptoms like popping or clicking noises when moving after being idle. Another owner reports a brake pedal failure at approximately 1,546 miles during an emergency stop, resulting in a crash. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, including increased stopping distances and brake system failure, with issues emerging as early as 1,546 miles.

Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 report issues with the airbag system failing to deploy during a crash and unintended airbag deployment. In one instance, an owner describes a crash where the airbags did not activate, leading to a head injury, despite the vehicle being totaled. Another owner reports that the passenger side curtain airbags deployed without any external impact or accident. These complaints indicate potential safety concerns, as one involves a crash with an injury, while the other describes an airbag deploying unexpectedly. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the reports.

Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 report two distinct structural issues. The first involves a high-pitched noise occurring at speeds over 50mph, particularly in windy conditions, which significantly disrupts the cabin environment by overpowering audio from music, phone calls, and audiobooks. The second issue concerns the sunroof, with one owner describing an incident where it exploded outward while driving at 70mph, scattering glass and posing a risk to vehicle occupants and other road users. This incident occurred in conditions involving temperature fluctuations and altitude changes, though the exact cause remains unclear. Both issues have potential safety implications, with the noise causing driver distraction and the sunroof failure presenting a direct physical hazard.

Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 report issues with unexpected acceleration, particularly when the vehicle is stopped or coming to a stop. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle's RPM increasing unexpectedly, causing it to lurch forward, and in one case, resulting in the car going over a curb. Both reports suggest that footwear may play a role, with larger shoes potentially causing simultaneous pressing of the brake and accelerator pedals. No crashes or injuries are reported, but there is a potential for loss of control in certain situations. These incidents occur sporadically and are not easily reproducible, with one owner noting a similar issue two months prior under different conditions.