The best CX-5 years to buy are 2020 and 2022. Avoid the 2014 and 2016: they have more than double the average complaint rate, mostly failed daytime running lights, cracked windshields and rear brakes that stick.
Best years: 20202022 Years to avoid: 20142016
Every CX-5 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known CX-5 problems
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 47 | - | 0 | Other | Too new to judge |
| 2023 | 67 | - | 0 | Brakes | Too new to judge |
| 2022 | 65 | 43 | 0 | Exterior Lighting | Good buy |
| 2021 | 149 | 91 | 0 | Engine | Good year |
| 2020 | 110 | 75 | 0 | Electrical | Good buy |
| 2019 | 273 | 177 | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2018 | 124 | 82 | 3 | Engine | Good year |
| 2017 | 150 | 118 | 1 | Electrical | Good year |
| 2016 | 512 | 456 | 5 | Exterior Lighting | Skip this year |
| 2015 | 133 | 119 | 4 | Structure | Good year |
| 2014 | 377 | 380 | 4 | Electrical | Watch out |
| 2013 | 194 | 244 | 1 | Electrical | Average |
About the CX-5
The CX-5 is one of the most reliable small SUVs on the road and fun to drive. Its average complaint rate is low. Weaker years are early ones: 2014 and 2016 had lighting, brake and electrical complaints. Some 2017-2019 owners report cracked cylinder heads leaking oil, and some 2021 owners report oil level warnings.
- 2013-2016: First generation. 2014 and 2016 have the most complaints; 2015 is fine.
- 2017 on: Second generation. Low complaint rates throughout; check the cylinder head on 2017-2019 cars. 2023 and later are too new to judge.
CX-5 warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Mazda files with NHTSA. 1,742 CX-5 bulletins are on file in total.
Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a specific repair of the fail-safe thermostat in the coolant control valve on certain CX-5, Mazda3, CX-3, Mazda6...
On certain subject vehicles, the check engine light is illuminated with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0126, due to the fail-safe thermostat being stuck open.
SSPD8 - SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH DTC P0126:00.Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) to extend the warranty coverage for a spe...
SSPD8 - Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00 - WARRANTY EXTENSION For certain 2018-2025MY CX-5, 2019-2023MY Mazda3, 2019-2022MY CX-3, 2018-2021MY Mazda6, 2020-2023MY CX-30 that are equipped with the suspected coolant control...
Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025 CX-5, 2019-2023 Mazda3, 2019-2022 CX-3, 2018-2021 M...
CSP13 - CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM - Mazda CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION As a result of a Mazda Connect Infotainment Class Action settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to implement a Customer Se...
SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM - SSPD5 - WARRANTY EXTENSION - MULTI-MODEL - VALVE STEM SEALS CLASS ACTION In conjunction with a Class Action Settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct an extension of the Engine powertr...
Valve Stem Seals Class Action Settlement Program for Excessive Oil Consumption and Oil Consumption Powertrain Warranty Extension Special Service Program SSPD5.
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
CX-5 vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-5?
2020 and 2022. The best CX-5 years to buy are 2020 and 2022. Avoid the 2014 and 2016: they have more than double the average complaint rate, mostly failed daytime running lights, cracked windshields and rear brakes that stick.
Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid?
2014, 2016. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Mazda CX-5 average.
Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Yes. Its average complaint rate is about half that of many rivals. The years to approach with care are 2014 and 2016, plus a cylinder head crack issue on some 2017-2019 engines.
Based on 2,201 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2013 to 2024, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.