2019 Mazda CX-5 Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~32.8 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 12 Mazda CX-5 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2019 Mazda CX-5, cited in 127 of 262 filed complaints (48%).
Electrical System is next (46 complaints, 18%), followed by Power Train (29), Forward Collision Avoidance (16), Fuel/Propulsion System (15).
Across all complaints, 7 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 5 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Power Train: 2 crash, 2 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2019 Mazda CX-5, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 262.
Engine 127 1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHOM ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CABIN FILLED UP WITH SMOKE WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11327397, 2020 · fire
“I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G engine with cylinder deactivation. At approximately 70,491 miles, the vehicle began leaking and burning engine oil, accompanied by a strong burning-oil odor and visible white smoke from the engine bay. This began on or around 7/15/2026 I took the vehicle to an authorized Mazda dealer, which confirmed that the cylinder head is cracked and leaking engine oil. I was quoted approximately $10,000 to repair. The repair is not covered because the vehicle is just outside the factory warranty. I received regular Mazda de…”
NHTSA complaint #11753878, 2026
“The cylinder head has cracked and is leaking externally. The engine oil that is leaking out is leaking directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. This can place us as risk due to the engine oil getting ignited by the hot exhaust manifold. There were no warning lamps that came on but there was a smell of burning oil that all of a sudden came up through the vents. This vehicle is currently at Woodhouse Mazda in Bellevue, NE and they have confirmed that the leak is active and has damaged the engine beyond repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11751895, 2026
Unknown Or Other 48 1 fire 1 injury
“I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG, SOUNDING LIKE A GUNSHOT THAT WENT OFF, WHEN THE SUNROOF ABOVE MY HEAD VIOLENTLY SHATTERED WHILE I DRIVING TO WORK. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND GOT COVERED WITH PIECES OF GLASS. THE GLASS SCRATCHED ME ON THE FACE, CLOSE TO MY EYE. I AM IN SHOCK AND I AM STILL FINDING SMALL PIECES OF GLASS ALL OVER MY BODY EVEN AFTER TAKING A SHOWER.”
NHTSA complaint #11404615, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)
“My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.”
NHTSA complaint #11680964, 2025 · fire
“Oil is leaking from the front timing chain cover and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue was caught early enough before it was an acute safety issue, however this issue can cause smoke while driving and cause the vehicle to lose function while driving, endangering those in and around the vehicle in motion. The vehicle only has 35,000 miles on it, has been confirmed and documented by an independent service center, and this is a widespread well-known issue - the service center has had three vehicles in this week with the same exact issue, and Mazda issued a technica…”
NHTSA complaint #11717544, 2026
Electrical System 46 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11646520, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.”
NHTSA complaint #11680964, 2025 · fire
“Infotainment Issue (Ghost Touch Issue). Mazda has been experiencing problems with the Infotainment Issue (all around the globe.. I am located in Mexico. Not sure if this channel is the right way to ask for help outside the USA); in different models such as Mazda 3, CX5, etc. My Mazda CX5 is a 2019 year model with only 10,000 miles. The "Ghost Touch Issue" started just after the 3 year warranty expired. I have the extended warranty but Mazda just confirmed this issue is not covered anymore and I need to pay approximately $1,000 US Dlls to fix the issue (and only 3 months warranty... recommenda…”
NHTSA complaint #11571025, 2023 · crash
Power Train 29 2 crash 2 injury
“On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11646520, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019, AS I WAS APPROACHING MY HOME, I ACTIVATED MY GARAGE DOOR OPENER AND THE GARAGE DOOR OPENED AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I STOPPED THE CAR, A 2019 MAZDA CX-5, IN THE DRIVEWAY, PLACED IT IN PARK, GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND ENTERED THE GARAGE. WHILE IN THE GARAGE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MINUTES, I TURNED AROUND TO SEE MY 2019 MAZDA CX-5 ACCELERATING TOWARD ME. THE CAR ROLLED UNTIL IT HIT THE WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER. I MANAGED TO AVOID GETTING PINNED BUT NOT BEFORE THE CAR RAN OVER MY FOOT. I MANAGED TO SQUEEZE PAST AND ENTER THE VEHICLE PLACING MY FOOT ON THE BR…”
NHTSA complaint #11287590, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There is an existing class action lawsuit regarding the turbo versions. There are complexities as to wh this lawsuit is on behalf of the turbo engines, and not the non turbo engines, however the same problem…”
NHTSA complaint #11736667, 2026
Forward Collision Avoidance 16
“My wife's vehicle has a "Infotainment screen" (dashboard touch screen). There is a class action suit (CSP13d dealer letter) for issues regarding the screen performing tasks (Ghost screening touch) on its own. In lieu of a Mazda vehicle mass recall, they agreed to "FIX" the issue with a software update and replace the CMU Module of the vehicle to rectify this issue. I am here to report / advise you that MANY Mazda owners are NOT happy and have taken it upon themselves to disconnect these screens and do other "work around self repairs (removing/ disabling the unit) in order to fix the issues…”
NHTSA complaint #11732869, 2026
“I purchased a 2019 Mazda CX-5 (As is) on July 20, 2015. On September 11, 2025, as I was traveling on a three lane highway. I attempted to pass another vehicle. As I was attempting to go around the vehicle, my Mazda suddenly began braking and quickly losing acceleration. The speed limit on the highway was 70 mph. I estimated my speed at the time was between 70 and 75 mph as I attempted to pass. Pressing on the accelerator pedal did nothing. I had to try and very carefully steer the car to the right hand side of the road while trying to avoid oncoming traffic approaching from behind. Whe…”
NHTSA complaint #11721085, 2025
“When accelerating, the transmission feels jerky/stutters. The check engine light and traction control light are illuminated and on the instrument cluster the messages: "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction", "Smart Brake System Malfunction" and "Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction" appear. The vehicle acts like it doesn't know which gear it should be in, it'll buck pretty hard and then it refuses to accelerate...it feels like it's in a "limp mode". A previous driver of the vehicle complained and said that it actually stalled in traffic on the highway and was of course difficult to st…”
NHTSA complaint #11675874, 2025
Fuel/Propulsion System 15
“My 2019 Mazda CX-5 (equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation) has experienced a severe structural failure resulting in a cracked engine cylinder head. This casting defect allows pressurized motor oil to leak continuously from the cylinder head down onto the hot engine block and nearby exhaust components. This has led to the following severe safety risks: engine oil is leaking onto the exhaust manifold and creates an extreme risk of engine compartment fire when the vehicle is in motion; sudden loss of oil pressure or complete structural failure o…”
NHTSA complaint #11741916, 2026
“My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There is an existing class action lawsuit regarding the turbo versions. There are complexities as to wh this lawsuit is on behalf of the turbo engines, and not the non turbo engines, however the same problem…”
NHTSA complaint #11736667, 2026
“My fuel pump burned out after only 60k miles.... very expensive repair. Mazda said the problem was only with the early 2019 models so mine wasn't included yet my fuel pump did exactly what the ones included in the recall did, but I was left with over $1700 repair bill to replace the fuel pump. Obviously the "improved design" used in the second half of the year isn't really improved, and I've never had to replace a fuel pump on a vehicle with so few miles on it. We were sitting idle waiting for food at a restaurant and the engine just died and we were unable to re-start the vehicle. No issue…”
NHTSA complaint #11720336, 2026
Vehicle Speed Control 12 2 crash 1 injury
“ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019, AS I WAS APPROACHING MY HOME, I ACTIVATED MY GARAGE DOOR OPENER AND THE GARAGE DOOR OPENED AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I STOPPED THE CAR, A 2019 MAZDA CX-5, IN THE DRIVEWAY, PLACED IT IN PARK, GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND ENTERED THE GARAGE. WHILE IN THE GARAGE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MINUTES, I TURNED AROUND TO SEE MY 2019 MAZDA CX-5 ACCELERATING TOWARD ME. THE CAR ROLLED UNTIL IT HIT THE WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER. I MANAGED TO AVOID GETTING PINNED BUT NOT BEFORE THE CAR RAN OVER MY FOOT. I MANAGED TO SQUEEZE PAST AND ENTER THE VEHICLE PLACING MY FOOT ON THE BR…”
NHTSA complaint #11287590, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Tuesday, 5/3, I was parking my car in the New Leaf Grocery parking lot in Aptos, CA. I pulled into the lot and made slow right into an available space. I had my foot on the accelerator, tapped down on it gently to ease into the space. My car lurched forward at such high speed that I was unable to remove my foot from the accelerator. I swerved to the right as the car went over a partition and hit another parked car on the other side of the partition. My airbag did not activate. I've replayed the experience in my mind and tried convincing myself that this could have been a matter of human er…”
NHTSA complaint #11463372, 2022 · crash
“I purchased a 2019 Mazda CX-5 (As is) on July 20, 2015. On September 11, 2025, as I was traveling on a three lane highway. I attempted to pass another vehicle. As I was attempting to go around the vehicle, my Mazda suddenly began braking and quickly losing acceleration. The speed limit on the highway was 70 mph. I estimated my speed at the time was between 70 and 75 mph as I attempted to pass. Pressing on the accelerator pedal did nothing. I had to try and very carefully steer the car to the right hand side of the road while trying to avoid oncoming traffic approaching from behind. Whe…”
NHTSA complaint #11721085, 2025
Visibility/Wiper 9
“Car will slam on brakes even if car is in opposite lane farther away. We have received sooo many chips amd cracks on windshield with 2 weeks. We purchased used and was informed windshield was replaced once already.”
NHTSA complaint #11636988, 2024
“The side mirrors fold in and out automatically. Sometimes they will not open to driving position, leaving the driver without the ability to check them for lane changes. This is a common problem with the automatic mirrors on Mazda vehicles. I have had them repaired once under warranty, but the issue persists. The second issue is the automatic emergency braking. It has activated a few times without need or warning. I have come close to being rear-ended because of this and received negative feedback from other drivers that were following me (use your imagination).”
NHTSA complaint #11572641, 2024
“Folding side mirror will not open all the way, causing a safety concern when driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11569639, 2024
Air Bags 7 1 crash 1 fire
“My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.”
NHTSA complaint #11680964, 2025 · fire
“Tuesday, 5/3, I was parking my car in the New Leaf Grocery parking lot in Aptos, CA. I pulled into the lot and made slow right into an available space. I had my foot on the accelerator, tapped down on it gently to ease into the space. My car lurched forward at such high speed that I was unable to remove my foot from the accelerator. I swerved to the right as the car went over a partition and hit another parked car on the other side of the partition. My airbag did not activate. I've replayed the experience in my mind and tried convincing myself that this could have been a matter of human er…”
NHTSA complaint #11463372, 2022 · crash
“I am reporting a safety defect in my 2019 Mazda CX‑5 involving the heated seats and airbag system. The vehicle was bought certified pre‑owned with a warranty up to 100,000 miles included in the sale. Around March, at about 82,000 miles, the heated seats began causing electrical problems, and I was told this fault could affect the airbag system and that the airbags might not deploy in a crash. I have taken the car to a Mazda dealer four times and the issue has not been fixed; the dealer disconnected the heated seats and now claims they are “aftermarket,” even though they were on the car when I…”
NHTSA complaint #11746027, 2026
Structure 7 1 injury
“I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG, SOUNDING LIKE A GUNSHOT THAT WENT OFF, WHEN THE SUNROOF ABOVE MY HEAD VIOLENTLY SHATTERED WHILE I DRIVING TO WORK. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND GOT COVERED WITH PIECES OF GLASS. THE GLASS SCRATCHED ME ON THE FACE, CLOSE TO MY EYE. I AM IN SHOCK AND I AM STILL FINDING SMALL PIECES OF GLASS ALL OVER MY BODY EVEN AFTER TAKING A SHOWER.”
NHTSA complaint #11404615, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)
“When driving at above 60-70mph in windy conditions, the car makes a squeaking noise that appears to come from the front left side of the car-- near the driver side window/mirror region. That is quite scary as it coincides with the sideward movement caused by the wind and gives a sense of losing control of the car. Mazda Europe has reported something similar but Mazda USA has not done anything about it.”
NHTSA complaint #11456723, 2022
“BROUGHT IT IN NOV 2020 REGARDING SMELLS AND ENGINE ISSUES AS WELL AS ALIGNMENT. NEITHER WERE TAKEN CARE OF. THEN MARCH 2021,ENGINE WAS LEAKING FLUID AND SMOKING, AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 20K. DID NOT PROVIDE A RENTAL UNTIL LATER THAT WEEK. AFTER A MONTH, I GOT MY CAR BACK. AFTER LEAVING THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO SMOKE, BROUGHT IT BACK. GAVE NO RENTAL. DEALER SAID IT WAS LEFT OVER FLUID FROM WHEN THEY REPLACED IT. CAR IS STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE AND SMELLS. UNDER SHIELD FELL OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWICE.TIRE PRESSURE WAS GOING OFF AND BROUGHT IT IN TWICE FOR THEM…”
NHTSA complaint #11415095, 2021
Service Brakes 6 2 crash 1 injury
“On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11646520, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY ON THE PARKWAY THAT DAY SO THERE WAS A LOT OF STOPPING AND GOING. APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN BUT SUDDENLY THERE WAS A JERK AND THE CAR ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKES WERE STILL BEING APPLIED. THERE WAS A FRONTAL COLLISION WHICH INDICATES THAT THE SMART BRAKES SYSTEM WAS ALSO NOT WORKING. THE WARNING 'BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION' APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD AFTER THE ACCIDENT. MY INSURANCE COMPANY SENT A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR THE EDR TEST AND HAVE AGREED TO PAY THE FEE WITH THE EXPECTATION OF BEING PROVIDED WITH A QUOTE OF THE COST AND THE END RESULTS. M…”
NHTSA complaint #11268800, 2019 · crash
“My wife's vehicle has a "Infotainment screen" (dashboard touch screen). There is a class action suit (CSP13d dealer letter) for issues regarding the screen performing tasks (Ghost screening touch) on its own. In lieu of a Mazda vehicle mass recall, they agreed to "FIX" the issue with a software update and replace the CMU Module of the vehicle to rectify this issue. I am here to report / advise you that MANY Mazda owners are NOT happy and have taken it upon themselves to disconnect these screens and do other "work around self repairs (removing/ disabling the unit) in order to fix the issues…”
NHTSA complaint #11732869, 2026
Fuel System 5
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that her daughter received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and scheduled an appointment for August 1; however, upon arrival at the dealer she was informed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the dealer had been called several times and it was confirmed that the part was not available and that the contact would receive a call back. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11478202, 2022
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11463162, 2022
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11457001, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling 3
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with a toddler occupying the rear seat, the contact noticed smoke and an abnormal burning rubber odor coming through the vents. The contact pulled into a gas station and then pulled into a nail salon parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and found an oil leak, and the mechanic diagnosed that the cylinder head had cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the re…”
NHTSA complaint #11687533, 2025
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a cracked cylinder head and that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11649241, 2025
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated became aware of engine oil on his driveway. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal oil burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an oil leak coming from the cylinder head and determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic researched online and related the oil leak failure to Mazda Service Alert Number: SA-031/21 (Engine and…”
NHTSA complaint #11507876, 2023
Exterior Lighting 3
“The main display has failed and/or malfunctioned regularly. Lighting systems for vehicle navigation system has been impacted and HUD lighting and visibility have been impacted. My safety and the safety of my passengers have been put at risk because of distraction and vehicle navigation malfunctions. The component has not yet been inspected. There were no other problems prior to failure. The first incident of this occurred several months to a year ago. This has been a continuous issue. The date provided below is simply to indicate that this has been occurring for an extended period of time.”
NHTSA complaint #11611109, 2024
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the center display was malfunctioning. The contact stated that the rearview camera turned off inadvertently or failed to operate as intended while reversing the vehicle. The contact also stated that the screen display brightness would decrease independently. Additionally, the contact stated that the exterior lights would malfunction due to the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the computer software was updated. The dealer also informed the contact to remove the Mazda navigation…”
NHTSA complaint #11463844, 2022
“VEHICLE DISPLAY ON DASHBOARD, STEERING WHEEL, SHIFT CONSOLE, AUDIO CONTROLS, SEATS ADJUSTMENTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE LETTERS AND NUMBERS ARE NOT LIGHTED. UNABLE TO KNOW WHICH BUTTONS TO PUSH BECAUSE PRINTING IS SO SMALL AND MANY CONTROLS ARE GROUPED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MAZDA CX5 OWNER'S MANUAL IS FOR ALL MAZDA MODELS. THERE IS NO INDICATION AS TO WHAT FEATURE IS INCLUDED ON MY CAR. THIS CAR LACKS LIGHTED DISPLAY AND CONTAINS SMALL LETTERS/NUMERALS WHILEPARKED, MOVING OR DRIVING IN DAY OR NIGHT; MAZDA DEALERS IN TWO DIFFERENT TOWNS REPORT UNABLE TO IMPROVE SITUATION "THAT'S HOW IT IS"…”
NHTSA complaint #11375629, 2019
Seats 3 1 crash 2 injury
“We were at a stop light and we were rear ended by a Lexus SUV. We're assuming she was going 45mph + but we're not too sure yet. I couldn't figure out why myself, the drive of the car that was hit, had such a horrendous neck ache after being hit. I turned around & saw that my headrest had been completely ripped out of the seat itself, providing no support for my head and/or neck on impact. I can't find any information of if this is on purpose, as a safety feature, or if the headrest failed.”
NHTSA complaint #11552369, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“Today I was using this vehicle and the cars my pocket got stuck in between the car seat dial for the movement of the car seat and the door and as I was in reverse the car seat started to move and pushed me all the way to the steering wheel as I was in a drive situation mode so I had to break it all off disconnected and everything”
NHTSA complaint #11731751, 2026
“REAR PASSENGER SEAT REST BEHIND DRIVER SEAT IS RATTLING AND DOES NOT LOCK TIGHT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED.”
NHTSA complaint #11399115, 2021
Steering 3
“The steering and braking systems on my vehicle malfunctioned after jumping my vehicle when the battery drained too far to start, or even power my cars baseline electrical systems. After jumping my car, I started backing out of my parking spot and when I turned the wheel it very violently jerked in a manner that could have hurt me if I'd been holding onto the wheel tighter. Around this same time I believe I recall the brakes automatically applying and halting the vehicle. I was too far out of my parking spot when this began occurring and had to try to maneuver into a different one, during thi…”
NHTSA complaint #11625779, 2024
“As I was driving home one day in February 2024, my car felt like a strong gust of wind was getting up underneath the hood of my car, causing it to pull left and right slightly. When checking the weather, wind gusts were at 5 MPH and you could barely see trees/leaf movement. I pulled off the side of the road, checked underneath the car to see if anything was dragging/missing and all was fine. As I started driving again, I then noticed my RPM's vs MPH was very strange. When accelerating, the car randomly increased up to 4,500 RPM when trying to go 45 MPH, then shifted down to 2,000 RPM's once I…”
NHTSA complaint #11583156, 2024
“heading south doing 70 mph on 95 in the far left lane on a rainy day ....came over a hill and started to hydraplayne.....seems like the automatic pilot took the car over ,,,,,i lost the fight with the steering wheel and did two 360s all away across 4 lanes of traffic to the grass inbankment on the other side,,,,,lucky to be alive ......very lucky”
NHTSA complaint #11469696, 2021
Equipment 2
“The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the Mazda Connect Center Display touch screen was operating independently, causing vehicle functions to be engaged unintendedly. The contact was concerned for her daughter's safety because the center display functions included safety lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition safety functions. The contact related the failure to Mazda Special Service Program (SSP) Number: B6. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11639834, 2023
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the infotainment system changed settings, made phone calls, and changed the distance for automatic braking, which caused the vehicle's brakes to be applied inadvertently while another vehicle was behind them. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11740076, 2022
Lane Departure 2
“The infotainment system is experiencing the "ghost touch" problem already identified by Mazda and there has already been a class action lawsuit won regarding this problem. I was not aware of this class action lawsuit or I would have participated to have my system repaired. My infotainment system is completely unusable and I have been told it is over $500 to repair/replace. I am the original owner of this vehicle. The system continuously beeps and changes all settings while I am driving. If I am using navigation, the screen switches to something else so that I can't see where I'm suppos…”
NHTSA complaint #11746531, 2025
“heading south doing 70 mph on 95 in the far left lane on a rainy day ....came over a hill and started to hydraplayne.....seems like the automatic pilot took the car over ,,,,,i lost the fight with the steering wheel and did two 360s all away across 4 lanes of traffic to the grass inbankment on the other side,,,,,lucky to be alive ......very lucky”
NHTSA complaint #11469696, 2021
Wheels 2
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AT HIGH SPEED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP BUT THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THAT. 2019 CX5 EXHIBITS AN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION FROM THE DRIVER-SIDE POWER DOOR MIRROR GLASS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS CONCERN MAY BE DUE TO A LACK OF RIGIDITY OF THE MIRROR BASE SO THE MIRROR VIBRATES WHEN IT RECEIVES VEHICLE VIBRATION OR WIND PRESSURE. WITH THE WEATHER WARMING UP, STUFF INSIDE THE DOOR PANELS IS EXPANDING WHICH MAGNIFIES THE VIBRATION ISSUE. VIBRATION NOISE IS GETTING WORSE COMING FROM BOTH DOOR PA…”
NHTSA complaint #11315364, 2019
“I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY. IN MY EFFORT (AND THAT OF A WISCONSIN STATE TROOPER) TO INSTALL THE TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE I (WE) DISCOVERED IT WOULD NOT FIT ON THE CAR. IT SEEMED TO BE THE WRONG TYPE FOR MY VEHICLE. I HAD IT TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOO COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE SPARE WOULD NOT FIT. THE MECHANICS BEST GUESS IS THAT THE BRAKE CALIPER IS TO BIG FOR THE SPARE PREVENTING IT FROM BEING INSTALLED. SO THEY MOVED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL TO THE FRONT AND INSTALLED THE SPARE ON THE REAR CORNER. NOW LET'S BE CL…”
NHTSA complaint #11233424, 2019
Back Over Prevention 1
“Back up camera display does not always immediately come on when placing car in reverse. It can sometimes be 10 -15 seconds before an image appears. I wait in the garage, driveway, or parking spot before backing but this potentially puts pedestrians behind the vehicle at risk. Per FMVSS 111 guidelines. S5.5.3 regarding response time: The rearview image "shall be displayed within 2.0 seconds of the start of a backing event." Problem has been intermittent but frequency seems to be increasing. I took the car to Headquarter Mazda in Clermont Florida. I was advised a software fix is available for…”
NHTSA complaint #11597483, 2024
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1
“SAT DOWN TO START CAR. AFTER IT STARTED I THOUGHT I PUSHED THE OPEN FUNCTION FOR HATCH..INSTEAD I LOCKED IT . AFTER I CLOSED THE DOOR I SAW THAT THE FOB WAS ON PASSENGER SEAT AND ALL DOORS LOCKED.”
NHTSA complaint #11308497, 2020
Tires 1 1 crash
“P225/55R19 99V: On November 2, 2021, I was slowing down at a stop light. I was about 5 minutes away when my tire separated. I heard my car make a big sound and drop to the ground on the front passenger side. I lost control and hit the side of the curb, but I was able to pull my car over to a side road safely. It took over 3 hours for the tow truck driver to come, but when he did, he said he hasn’t seen one like this in a while, but it is a defective tire. The middle of the tire was a clean separation from the sides. If it was a tire blow-out the sides of the tire would be uneven, but this w…”
NHTSA complaint #11467466, 2021 · crash
Visibility 1
“The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH with the sunroof opened in the vent position, and the rear windows and driver's side and passenger windows opened, the contact stated he heard an abnormal sound like a gunshot and the sunroof glass shattered, and pieces of glass entered the cabin. The contact pulled over and observed that a hole measuring approximately 12 inches by 6 inches had opened in the sunroof. The contact noticed that the glass surrounding the hole had an uplifted edge of approximately 2 inches around the hole. The contact had n…”
NHTSA complaint #11511615, 2023
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 draws about 32.8 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 12 among the Mazda CX-5 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.