Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 73/100 (GOOD)

2026 Mazda CX-5 Reliability Report

Name: 2026 Mazda CX-5
Brand: Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a predicted reliability score of 73/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

N/A

Est. Repair Cost

$447

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,300–$2,400

The Verdict

Consider

Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 73/100 — worth considering.

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2026 is the first model year of the Third generation (KI; 2025).

First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
Redesigned for the 2026 model year.
3rd generation CX-5 (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

2026: Third generation (KI; 2025) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

Should You Buy the 2026 Mazda CX-5?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a predicted reliability score of 73/100 ("Good") based on prior model year performance. This prediction is based on Third generation (KI; 2025) reliability data.

So far: 0 recalls, 0 owner complaints. No owner-reported issues on file yet.

Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.

See also the 2025 Mazda CX-5 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable predicted reliability based on prior model years
+$126 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (8%)

Cons

−Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
−First year of a new generation

Compare 2026 Mazda CX-5 With

2026 Hyundai Tucson

Predicted: 76/100

Predicted

2026 Subaru Forester

Predicted: 79/100

Predicted

2026 Honda CR-V

Predicted: 76/100

Predicted

2026 KIA Sportage

Predicted: 76/100

Predicted

2026 GMC Terrain

Predicted: 77/100

Predicted

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

complaints

LowAvgHigh

Very Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2026 Mazda CX-5? Check its history first

Every 2026 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

2026 Mazda CX-5 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas / HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Driver Monitoring System (No)Automatic High Beams (Standard)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mazda CX-5Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5

Based 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

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

CX-5

$447

Category Avg

$573

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

25–26 MPG

Running cost: $2,750–$2,850/yr

Fuel + repair

23–24 city / 29–30 hwy MPG

Hybrid

38 MPG

Running cost: $2,050/yr

Fuel + repair

39 city / 37 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 2026 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
CX-5 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	24	30	26	$2,300
CX-50 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	24	30	26	$2,300
CX-50 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	23	29	25	$2,400

Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
CX-50 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (variable gear ratios)	39	37	38	$1,600

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 score

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).

Top Pick

Excellent

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.

Good

2018

3Recalls

310Complaints

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.

Mazda CX-5 reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026(selected)	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	75/100	+4	Good	2	229
2018	71/100	—	Good	3	310

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a predicted reliability score of 73/100 ("Good") based on prior model year data. So far there are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file. This is a prediction — the actual score will be available once more real-world data accumulates.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Mazda CX-5?

There aren't enough owner complaints to establish common problem patterns yet for the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Based on prior model years, review known issues from previous years to understand potential problem areas.

How many recalls does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

How is the predicted score calculated?

The predicted score of 73/100 is calculated by averaging reliability scores from prior model years of the same generation. When generation data is unavailable, the average of the most recent model years is used. The prediction updates automatically as new data becomes available.

Don’t buy a 2026 Mazda CX-5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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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