One of the most trouble-free SUVs of its year
The 2020 CX-5 has a very low complaint rate and no recalls on file. A few owners report touch screen ghost touches and smart brake warnings. Cylinder head leaks are rarer than on 2017-2019 cars but worth a look.
Updated November 2026 · based on 110 owner complaints and 0 recalls
75 58% below the CX-5 average
0 free to fix at a dealer
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 problems on the 2020 CX-5
Top problems and what they cost
Screen ghost touch
The infotainment screen registers touches on its own.
Fix: Screen replacement $400 to $900 out of warranty.
Electrical
Smart brake support warnings
The smart brake system shows a fault warning.
Fix: Sensor cleaning or calibration $100 to $300.
Collision avoidance
Cylinder head oil leak
A small number of engines leak oil from a cracked head.
Fix: Cylinder head $2,000 to $3,500; ask about warranty help.
Engine
Recalls
No recalls for this year.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2020 Mazda CX-5
- Tap through the screen for a few minutes and watch for phantom inputs.The automatic emergency braking system can brake hard for no reason, called phantom braking. Testing it around parked cars and overpasses shows whether this car does it.Owners filed 10 complaints about automatic emergency braking problems on the 2020 CX-5.
- Look for oil on the back of the engine.Fresh oil or fuel under or around the engine means a leak. Small leaks are cheap to fix, but fuel and oil near hot parts are a fire risk.18 of the 110 owner complaints about the 2020 CX-5 involve the engine (16%).
- Make sure no warning lights stay on.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.31 of the 110 owner complaints about the 2020 CX-5 involve the electrical system (28%).
- Ask for regular oil change records.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.18 of the 110 owner complaints about the 2020 CX-5 involve the engine (16%).
Questions
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
One of the most trouble-free SUVs of its year. The 2020 CX-5 has a very low complaint rate and no recalls on file. A few owners report touch screen ghost touches and smart brake warnings. Cylinder head leaks are rarer than on 2017-2019 cars but worth a look.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have?
0 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-5 problems?
Screen ghost touch; Smart brake support warnings; Cylinder head oil leak.
Crash rating shown for the 2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.