Last updated: 2026-03-04
2025 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 3 recalls and 25 owner complaints.
2025 is the last model year of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
Recalls
3
Complaints
25
Complaint Rate
1.8
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2025 is the last model year of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2022).
- 2nd generation CX-5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Second generation (KF; 2016)
Should You Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2025 is the last model year of the Second generation (KF; 2016).
Its complaint rate (1.8 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 2026 Mazda CX-5. See also the 2024 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%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (4 complaints)
Compare 2025 Mazda CX-5 With
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 75/100
2025 Toyota RAV4
Score: 84/100
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 73/100
2025 Kia Sportage
Score: 82/100
2025 GMC Terrain
Score: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- STRUCTURE (3)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- SEATS (2)
- VISIBILITY (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- ENGINE (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.8
per 10k soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Mazda CX-5 Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Mazda CX-5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SUSPENSION
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 and CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The front suspension fastener bolts may not be tightened properly, which can result in suspension component and/or wheel detachment.
Consequence
Wheel or suspension component detachment can cause a loss of vehicle control and a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front suspension fastener bolts and, if necessary, replace and tighten them, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7925J. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 3, 2025.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2025 CX-50 Hybrid vehicles. The transmission gear shifter can be moved from Neutral to Drive without pressing the brake pedal.
Consequence
Shifting into gear without the brake pedal depressed can result in unexpected vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the Engine Control Module (ECM) and reprogram the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and Power Control Unit (PCU), free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated late summer 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7725F.
AIR BAGS
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Consequence
An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the module software, free of charge. Owner notifications will not be mailed due to all vehicles being under Mazda dealer control. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 7625F.
2025 Mazda CX-5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
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 2025 Mazda CX-5
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for unintended acceleration during braking
- Test adaptive cruise control for unexpected braking
- Check for consistent blind spot detection functionality
- Verify sunroof and rear hatch window integrity
- Examine seat heating function for overheating or burns
- Ensure transmission engages properly from reverse to drive
- Inspect for rough idle and cabin vibrations at startup
Check Any 2025 Mazda CX-5's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 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.
2025 Mazda CX-5 Common Problems by Component
25 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 report issues with the transmission not engaging properly, particularly when shifting from reverse to drive, as noted in two complaints. Symptoms include the vehicle behaving as if in neutral, requiring the driver to restart the engine to engage the drive gear. Another complaint highlights that the vehicle can move freely when turned off while still in drive, leading to a minor crash. Additionally, one owner reports a front-end clunking noise during turns, attributed to internal damage in the front axle, with repairs delayed due to parts availability. These complaints suggest potential safety concerns, including immobilization in traffic and unintended vehicle movement, with issues occurring relatively soon after purchase.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 report issues related to glass components, specifically involving unexpected breakage. Complaints frequently mention the rear hatch window and sunroof shattering without an apparent cause, with one owner noting the rear hatch window shattered while parked overnight and another describing a sunroof that broke while driving at approximately 60 mph. Additionally, a windshield crack is reported, which is only detectable from the interior, with no external damage visible, and this issue is noted at 1,892 miles. These incidents do not involve crashes or loss of vehicle control, but they do present potential safety risks from broken glass. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these glass-related complaints, especially if purchasing a vehicle with low mileage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 report several electrical system issues, primarily involving malfunctioning sensors and warning systems. Complaints frequently mention problems with the blind spot detection system failing to consistently detect vehicles, as well as comprehensive electrical failures affecting multiple systems such as the parking brake, anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, and keyless entry. These issues often occur at relatively low mileages, with one report noting problems beginning around 4,200 miles. While there are no reports of crashes or fires, the described malfunctions could potentially affect vehicle safety. These complaints suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding the vehicle's electrical and sensor systems.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners report structural issues with the 2025 Mazda CX-5, including a vibrating driver side mirror at speeds above 65 mph, particularly in windy conditions, which may limit rear visibility. Some owners also notice an indentation in the rear bumper, although dealers sometimes claim it does not apply to their vehicle. Additionally, there are reports of a rough idle causing cabin vibrations at startup, and concerns about the front passenger door scraping against the interior fender, potentially due to modifications for the hybrid system. These issues could affect the vehicle's structural integrity and the alignment of panels, raising potential safety implications, especially regarding the effectiveness of crumple zones and door functionality.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners report two main braking issues with the 2025 Mazda CX-5. The first involves unintended acceleration when braking at stop signs, particularly after multiple stops in a row, with the vehicle moving forward 8 to 10 feet despite brake application. This has been noted to occur over approximately 1800 miles and poses a risk of collision. The second issue occurs during adaptive cruise control use, where the vehicle sometimes brakes aggressively and unexpectedly during cornering, which is particularly hazardous when another vehicle is following closely. These issues highlight potential safety concerns related to brake reliability and control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 report issues related to vehicle speed control, including trembling while idling and erratic behavior during hard stops. Some describe a sudden reduction in speed from 75 mph to 30 mph while using cruise control, accompanied by a red warning light and alarm, despite no apparent obstacles. These problems occur shortly after vehicle purchase and have been acknowledged but not resolved by service centers, with software updates offering limited improvement. Safety concerns arise from potential loss of control, especially in traffic or emergency situations, though no accidents are reported. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues when considering this model.
SEATS (2 complaints)
SEATS
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the seats in the 2025 Mazda CX-5, particularly related to the heated seat function. Complaints frequently mention incidents of seat fires and burns, with one owner experiencing a fire originating in the seat while the vehicle was in normal use, and another reporting second to third-degree burns after using the heated seat feature. These incidents occur in vehicles shortly after purchase, suggesting issues may arise within the first few months of ownership. The safety implications are significant, with the potential for injury from burns and fires, highlighting a serious risk for occupants. This information is crucial for potential buyers to consider, especially if purchasing a vehicle with heated seats.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe windshield on our new 2025 Mazda CX-5 is defective. Objects viewed through the windshield are distorted, to include the Active Driver’s Display (colloquially known as the HUD). Drivers and passengers are impeded from clearly seeing and focusing on objects visible throughout the front of the vehicle. Objects to include road signs are distorted, lose clarity which result in unnecessary and dangerous distractions. This problem significantly degrades the vehicle’s usability, safety and ultimate enjoyment.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintI get an error that rear side radar obsured, I activsense temporarily disabled almost everytime I drive at freeway speeds. It disables the blind spot monitoring making the vehicle less safe. It disables for long periods of time in all conditions. Took to Mazda and they indicated it’s an issue, but no solution.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintI am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving premature axle failure on Mazda CX-50 vehicles. The axle appears to be prone to early failure under normal driving conditions, sometimes at relatively low mileage. There are multiple reports from other Mazda CX-50 owners describing similar axle or CV axle failures, including clicking noises, vibration, loss of power to the wheels, and complete axle failure. These reports are publicly documented on online owner forums and Reddit, suggesting a pattern rather than isolated incidents. Axle failure can result in sudden loss of propulsion and may increase the risk of a crash, especially at highway speeds or during turns. This appears to be a design or durability issue rather than normal wear and tear. I am concerned this defect affects multiple vehicles and warrants investigation and a potential recall before more failures occur.
When Do 2025 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(selected) | 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 | 75/100 | +4 | Good | 2 | 229 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 3 | 310 |
2025 Mazda CX-5 Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 25 | 3 | 1 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 25 | 3 | 1 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
How many recalls does the 2025 Mazda CX-5 have?
Is the 2025 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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