Mazda CX-5 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every CX-5 from 2012 to 2026: 2,455 owner complaints and 17 recalls across 15 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2016 (510), 2014 (377), 2018 (351). Best fuel economy: 29 mpg combined (2019).

Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 0 | 1 | – | |
| 2013 | 1 | 194 | 29 | |
| 2014 | 3 | 377 | 29 | |
| 2015 | 3 | 133 | 29 | |
| 2016 | 4 | 510 | 29 | |
| 2017 | 1 | 149 | 27 | |
| 2018 | 3 | 351 | 29 | |
| 2019 | 2 | 270 | 29 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 107 | 28 | |
| 2021 | 0 | 148 | 28 | |
| 2022 | 0 | 64 | 26 | |
| 2023 | 0 | 64 | 26 | |
| 2024 | 0 | 44 | 28 | |
| 2025 | 0 | 28 | 28 | |
| 2026 | 0 | 15 | 26 |
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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mazda CX-5.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Mazda CX-5?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2016 (510), 2014 (377), 2018 (351).
How many recalls has the Mazda CX-5 had?
Across 2012–2026, NHTSA lists 17 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).