2021 Mazda Cx-5 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (59) · Power Train (14) · Vehicle Speed Control (8)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mazda Cx-5 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
20 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (501)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-17 · SA-042-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
mazda connected services - frequently asked questions (faq) this service alert supersedes the previously issued sas listed below. the changes are noted in red text. sa-042/26 06/30/26 description frequently asked questions (faq) index general questions mazda connect indication setup and getting st
Electrical System 2026-09-11 · SA-041-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical con
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-10 · SA-038-26b · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. the changes are noted in red text. sa-038/26 08/18/26 and 06/15/26 description some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. infotainment center display does not provide the authorization code (otp) during t
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-04 · SA-038-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. the changes are noted in red text. sa-038/26 06/15/26 description some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. infotainment center display does not provide the authorization code (otp) during the mymazda a
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-20 · SA-054-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued service alerts listed below: the changes are noted in red. infotainment reboot with navigation card installed this service information is no longer valid. refer to the following updated technical service bulletins: cx-5 / cx-9: 16-002/23 - updated
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-19 · SA-039-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued sa(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red text. sa-039/26 06/15/26 mazda connect symptom troubleshooting description customers having mazda connect concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
Showing the 6 most recent of 501 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-07 · Seats · 50,000 mi · 💥 crash“the contact owns a 2021 mazda cx-5. the contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driving approximately 40 - 50 mph. the contact stated that due to the crash, the driver's seat unexpectedly reclined, and the driver's head restraint detached and landed in the car seat in the rear seat. the contact al…”
2026-09-24 · Engine · 124,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 mazda cx-5. the contact stated that while driving 50 mph and the check engine warning light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an obdii scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1. the vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the obdii scanner discovered a misfire in…”
2026-09-23 · Suspension“differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. car is undrivable. this. defect has a tsb…”
2026-09-19 · Engine“2021 mazda cx-5 2.5l non-turbo. while driving at approximately 8 mph, i removed my foot from the accelerator, but the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. i did not press the accelerator pedal. i had to apply the brake to slow the vehicle down. this issue has occurred three separate times, on august 25, september 4, and september 18, 2026, …”
2026-09-10 · Unknown Or Other“twice while making left turns from a stop into faster cross traffic, the accelerator was pressed but the vehicle barely moved (coasting) for roughly 2 - 3 seconds, then suddenly accelerated normally, creating a near-collision risk as cross traffic quickly approached. no warning lights were observed on the dash. …”
2026-08-12 · Unknown Or Other“my cx-5 has 25,000 miles and recently the a/c failed culminating in a distinct chemical smell in the cabin. the issue was identified as a leaking/failed evaporator which apparently is located behind the dashboard and in turn “dump” the leaking refrigerant into the cabin! the total cost of repair due to the location of the evaporator is between $300…”
2026-08-10 · Unknown Or Other“my 2021 mazda cx-5 has developed a persistent rattling/vibration noise from the a-pillar and upper corner of the windshield. the noise appears to originate from the windshield/a-pillar attachment area and may be related to improper adhesion, mounting, weatherstripping, or other components near the top of the windshield. i have found numerous simil…”
2026-08-05 · Lane Departure: Warning · 💥 crash“while driving in the interstate, a truck swerved towards my lane; i swerved into the next lane to avoid the truck hitting me and when i began to swerve my lane departure warning malfunctioned and caused my car to completely shut down. i immediately put my hazard lights on to hopefully avoid being hit; but, a car behind plowed right into my rear end…”
2026-07-30 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings“i was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the brake waiting to turn left onto lee highway from fairfax county parkway. car jerked forward two times in a row, both times hitting the car in front of me. our lane was at a dead stop waiting for the left hand arrow. the cars to the right of us had the green and were moving forward. i felt like i…”
2026-07-27 · Engine“the vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. the leak also increases the risk of low engine oil levels, which could lead to engine damage…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.