Last updated: 2026-03-04

2024 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 scores 84/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 1 recall and 53 owner complaints.
2024 is 2 years after the facelift (2022) refresh.
Recalls
1
Complaints
53
Complaint Rate
4
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
1 recall on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2024 is 2 years after the facelift (2022) refresh.
- Year 8 in the Second generation (KF; 2016) (2017–2025).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation CX-5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Second generation (KF; 2016)
Should You Buy the 2024 Mazda CX-5?
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 earns an Excellent 84/100 reliability score. 2024 is 2 years after the facelift (2022) refresh.
Its complaint rate (4 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-5, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2023 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%)
- Low recall count
Cons
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 report several issues in the "unknown or other"... (7 complaints)
- 5 crash incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2024 Mazda CX-5 With
2024 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 77/100
2024 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 75/100
2024 Kia Sportage
Score: 78/100
2024 GMC Terrain
Score: 77/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
- STRUCTURE (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- STEERING (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- ENGINE (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- SEATS (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- TIRES (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 has 1 recall 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
4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 8.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
7
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Mazda CX-5 Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2024 Mazda CX-5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TRAILER HITCHES
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
Consequence
A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
2024 Mazda CX-5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
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 2024 Mazda CX-5
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test steering for pulling to the right and alignment issues
- Inspect windshield for cracks or stress fractures
- Check brake pedal for softness or excessive travel
- Verify airbag deployment functionality
- Test adaptive cruise control for proper brake light activation
- Inspect for water intrusion in the trunk area
- Check side mirror defrosters for proper operation
Check Any 2024 Mazda CX-5's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 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.
2024 Mazda CX-5 Common Problems by Component
53 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 report several issues in the "unknown or other" category. A notable problem is the sunroof glass unexpectedly exploding while driving, as described by one owner who heard a loud noise and noticed wind entering the vehicle. Another common issue involves water intrusion in the trunk area, with two owners observing water spots and lines after rinsing the car. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the driver's door locking mechanism, which locks from the inside and cannot be opened without using the outside handle. There are also reports of the wireless charger overheating phones and the air-conditioning compressor shutting off at higher throttle positions, leading to uncomfortable cabin temperatures. These complaints do not mention specific mileage or timelines, nor do they report crashes, fires, or loss of control.
STRUCTURE
6 complaintsOwners report several structural issues with the 2024 Mazda CX-5, including a windshield that produces a clicking and rattling noise, which can be temporarily resolved by applying pressure from inside the vehicle. Another common complaint involves difficulty closing the driver's door when other doors and windows are shut. Additionally, one report highlights a significant safety concern where the door stop detent fails, causing doors to close unexpectedly and resulting in minor injuries. Some owners also mention water leakage into the right rear cargo area and a hood design that causes sunlight to glare into the driver's eyes. These issues are noted at low mileage, with one report indicating problems beginning at 100 miles.
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 report several issues related to the service brakes. A notable pattern is the activation of automatic emergency braking in non-emergency situations, with one owner describing unexpected hard braking at low speeds without collision risk. Another common complaint involves a long and soft brake pedal, with one instance requiring the pedal to be pressed to the floor during an emergency stop. Additionally, there are reports of uneven brake pad wear and cracks in rear brake rotors, with one owner noting these issues at approximately 2,500 miles. One incident involved a crash when a parked vehicle unexpectedly rolled, despite being turned off and in park. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly with automatic braking systems and brake component integrity.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsOwners report several electrical issues with the 2024 Mazda CX-5. A common problem involves a sensitive key fob that inadvertently opens the hatch, leading to potential damage. Another issue is the premature failure of the OEM battery, which at around 15 months can cause power steering and dashboard malfunctions. Additionally, there are complaints of intermittent electrical failures affecting the rear backup sensor and collision braking system, with one owner experiencing these issues at approximately 13,522 miles. These electrical problems have safety implications, particularly when vehicle control systems are affected, such as the power steering and braking systems.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 report several power train issues, with symptoms including a drivetrain rumbling during idle or stop-and-go traffic and a jerking sensation while slowing down. One complaint involves a crash, where the vehicle reportedly began rolling while in park, resulting in an injury. Additionally, some owners describe erratic engine revving, particularly when using adaptive cruise control. These issues are reported from the time of purchase, with no specific mileage range provided. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring symptoms and the associated safety implications.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (4 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2024 Mazda CX-5's side mirror defrosters not functioning when the rear defroster is activated, leading to reduced visibility due to frost accumulation. Additionally, complaints frequently mention side view mirrors and windows fogging up in rainy conditions, with defrosters proving ineffective and requiring windows to be opened for visibility. Another significant concern involves windshields, where multiple owners describe cracks developing from minor impacts or stress fractures, often originating near the driver's A-pillar. These windshield issues are noted to occur quickly after impact, potentially affecting structural integrity and visibility. Safety implications include compromised visibility and potential structural failure, with no specific mileage or timeline consistently reported.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with steering alignment and control. Complaints often describe the vehicle pulling to the right, requiring constant correction to maintain a straight path, typically occurring within the first few hundred miles of ownership. Some owners mention repeated realignment attempts by dealerships, but the problem persists soon after service. A notable safety concern is highlighted by reports of steering failure, including one instance where the steering wheel detached from the column. These issues are reported to occur at low mileages, around 750 to 3,200 miles, and raise potential safety implications due to loss of vehicle control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 report issues with vehicle speed control, primarily involving unintended acceleration and cruise control behavior. One incident describes a sudden acceleration while entering a garage, leading to a crash with a refrigerator, despite attempts to brake. Another owner notes sporadic engine RPM increases when shifting to park, experiencing this around four times, particularly during winter. A third complaint highlights the Adaptive Radar Cruise Control not activating brake lights when the vehicle slows to match the speed of the car in front, posing a potential safety hazard as trailing vehicles may not recognize the deceleration. These issues are noted at mileage around 10,000 and involve safety implications such as crashes and near-miss situations.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2024 Mazda CX-5's forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving unexpected automatic braking. Complaints frequently mention the system engaging brakes without apparent obstacles, even at speeds below 40 mph or while overtaking on highways, creating a risk of being rear-ended. Additionally, the system's deactivation process is described as cumbersome, requiring navigation through multiple submenus, which can be distracting and does not remain disabled after restarting the vehicle. These issues are noted without specific mileage references, but the potential for sudden braking poses significant safety concerns. Buyers should be aware of these reports when considering this model.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. In both documented incidents, the airbags fail to deploy upon impact, raising safety concerns. One case involves a rear-end collision where the front driver's side seat belt restraint also fails, resulting in significant injuries to the driver, while the other case describes a front-end collision with brake malfunction noted, leading to multiple injuries. Complaints indicate these incidents occur at varying mileages, with one vehicle notably having over 26,000 miles. These reports highlight critical safety implications, particularly during accidents, which potential buyers should consider.
When Do 2024 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).
2022
0 recalls · 50 complaints
2020
0 recalls · 94 complaints
2024(this page)
1 recall · 53 complaints
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(selected) | 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 | 75/100 | +4 | Good | 2 | 229 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 3 | 310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Mazda CX-5?
How many recalls does the 2024 Mazda CX-5 have?
Is the 2024 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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