2024 Mazda CX-5 Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~13.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 9 of 12 Mazda CX-5 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Service Brakes is the most-reported problem area on the 2024 Mazda CX-5, cited in 8 of 41 filed complaints (20%).
Engine is next (7 complaints, 17%), followed by Forward Collision Avoidance (6), Vehicle Speed Control (5), Exterior Lighting (4).
Across all complaints, 4 report a crash, 1 report a fire, 2 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Engine: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2024 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 41.
Unknown Or Other 9
“Sunroof glass failure that occurred on my 2024 Mazda CX-5. While driving to work on May 9th at 11:16 pm going 67 miles per hour on route XXX in [XXX] , I suddenly heard a very loud popping/explosive sound from above the vehicle. Upon safely pulling over, I discovered that the sunroof glass had shattered unexpectedly. There was no known object strike that I or my two passengers observed, no prior cracks or chips visible before the incident, and no warning signs of damage beforehand. The glass appeared to have exploded outward/ upward and appeared curved upward. Most of the glass we believe hi…”
NHTSA complaint #11738271, 2026
“Passenger side headlight was making a loud noise. When it began, it happened sporadically, but in ~two weeks, it happened consistently whenever the car was on and could often be heard while driving. The sound was consistent with other reports of the headlight assembly failure and those covered by TSBs for 2019–2023 models. The vehicle was brought to the dealership, the noise was verified as being the headlight failure, and it was replaced under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11733510, 2026
“Hello. I started hearing this noise on my car, it was distracting and found it that it only happens when my headlight is turned on. I believe that the headlight leveling motor went out, I have an appointment for next week to have it checked, but the more i reach out to others Mazda drivers, the more I hear this is a common issue. My car is brand new, well taken care of, this seems to happen a lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11712669, 2026
Service Brakes 8 1 crash
“Something malfunctioned with the brake system of the car. The car was in park and off. I exited the car, reached back into the car for an item, and shut the door. I then walked up the driveway and to the front door. At that point, the car began to roll down the driveway. Someone coming down the road in front of the driveway hit it on the front passenger side. The car then continued to roll across the street and part way up the driveway across the street, coming back across the street and then ran into the same car that hit it. I was then able to open the car door and get inside. It was still o…”
NHTSA complaint #11605788, 2024 · crash
“On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction,…”
NHTSA complaint #11745244, 2026
“The contact leased a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the yellow electronic emergency brake light was displayed. The cruise control and rear brakes were inoperable. The brake pedal was pulsating while depressed. There was smoke coming from the front brakes. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who replaced the brakes, and the module was inoperable, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics, who determined that the rear brakes were firm. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11729735, 2026
Engine 7 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury
“This vehicle belongs to my friend, but I was the injured party. She was visiting me and realized she forgot her phone,.the vehicle wias at the top of my driveway and in park. She wanted to go back in the house to look and got out of the car & left the door open., I leaned into the car to press stop engine and immediately the car began to roll down the hill, dragging me 50'. Car still in park slammed into the stone wall of my garage.I had injuries to my right leg. aplit lip, frctured nasal bone, nerve damage to my thigh and torn meniscus. The Ambulance arrived, I was taken to the hospital and t…”
NHTSA complaint #11699285, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“My car caught on fire on [CCC] and it's completely burned down, a total loss. Following is information about my car and some summary of what happened. Car information: - Mazda CX5 2024 - Bought in June or July 2024(car payment only made 22 times so far) - Odometer 24,445mi(as of 05/15/2026) What happened: - In [XXX] Friday afternoon, I was in Bellevue and noticed an engine overheat warning. So, I stopped immediately to cool down and called Mazda Dealership(Lee Johnson Mazda) to schedule a service. - Then after 20-30 minutes, I started the car again and the warning was gone. So I drove slowly…”
NHTSA complaint #11739827, 2026 · fire
“While driving on the freeway, the car stopped having the ability to accelerate. The engine light came on, and I received a notification on the Mazda app stating there was an "engine malfunction." I took it to Mazda, and they told me nothing was wrong. Flash forward a month and the same exact situation occurred. I took it to Mazda, and they told me the same thing. This is incredibly dangerous, as losing the ability to accelerate on a very busy freeway is life-threatening.”
NHTSA complaint #11731945, 2026
Forward Collision Avoidance 6
“On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction,…”
NHTSA complaint #11745244, 2026
“Go down road, straight, less than 40, automatic braking system we off with no one in front of me or in lane next to me”
NHTSA complaint #11658933, 2025
“The most recent incident: Driving 35 MPH on a 4 lane divided boulevard, vehicle 5-6 car lengths in front of me indicates intention to turn right. No traffic in lane to my left should I need to change lanes. I continue to coast. At approximately 2-3 car lengths, the vehicle in front has nearly completed the right turn - there is no risk of collision - but my car BRAKES HARD. This is the 4th time my car has activated emegency braking in a situation it is not warranted. I have been dirving for 36 years with no accident. I do not need nor want this technology as it is more prone to causing a…”
NHTSA complaint #11604254, 2024
Vehicle Speed Control 5 1 crash
“The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while his wife was entering the garage, at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated; the brake pedal was applied but failed to respond, and it crashed into the refrigerator. The contact was concerned that the failure could have occurred while children were at play. No warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, airbag deployments, fires, or police reports filed. There was a tire imprint on the garage floor. The contact called the local dealer, who scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed o…”
NHTSA complaint #11681506, 2025 · crash
“The contact leased a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the yellow electronic emergency brake light was displayed. The cruise control and rear brakes were inoperable. The brake pedal was pulsating while depressed. There was smoke coming from the front brakes. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who replaced the brakes, and the module was inoperable, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics, who determined that the rear brakes were firm. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11729735, 2026
“Straight to the point, I backed the vehicle up, pushed the brake peddle in and shifted into park. The engine begun to increase in RPMs and I could hear the engine load increase, maybe about 2,000 to 5,000 rpms higher than idle or first start building vacuum idle, as if I was pushing on the accelerator. I literally looked down at the peddles, as I was just doing a quick spot change in my driveway, the accelerator did not appear to be stuck or in contact with the aftermarket winter weather plastic floor mat. I decompressed the brake peddle again and shifted the car from P to D and the engine wen…”
NHTSA complaint #11658705, 2025
Exterior Lighting 4
“Premature failure of headlight assembly unit, (buzzing sound, known issue) completely unacceptable for this to happen right out of warranty. I don't think I will touch another Mazda in the future.”
NHTSA complaint #11718109, 2026
“Faulty headlights. One was replaced at 35,678 miles (passenger side) The other one is going bad (driver's side) (approximate mileage: 55,000) A dealer has confirmed the problem. Quoted 19223.93 for the replacement on 04/21/26. Manufacturer informed. No help. No warning messages for faulty headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #11742330, 2025
“headlight fan motor went out in both lights in under 3 years”
NHTSA complaint #11727169, 2025
Seats 4 1 crash 1 injury
“The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The front driver's side seat belt restraint did not function as intended. The contact's daughter was pushed forward out of the front driver's seat without restraint. The contact stated that the driver's side headrest detached due to the impact, and the back of the front driver's side seat fractured and detached. In addition, the air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total…”
NHTSA complaint #11699243, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Driver side seat rocks back and forth when braking and cornering. Feels loose”
NHTSA complaint #11745775, 2026
“2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Premium I am writing to express my disappointment with a recent purchase: the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Premium. While I appreciate the vehicle’s performance and overall design, I am extremely dissatisfied with the comfort level of the front seats. The seats feel incredibly stiff—almost like sitting on bricks—and lack any meaningful support. This has made even short drives uncomfortable and long trips nearly unbearable. I expected a premium model to offer a higher standard of comfort, especially in such a critical area as seating. I kindly request that Mazda address this i…”
NHTSA complaint #11689211, 2025
Power Train 3 1 crash 1 injury
“This vehicle belongs to my friend, but I was the injured party. She was visiting me and realized she forgot her phone,.the vehicle wias at the top of my driveway and in park. She wanted to go back in the house to look and got out of the car & left the door open., I leaned into the car to press stop engine and immediately the car began to roll down the hill, dragging me 50'. Car still in park slammed into the stone wall of my garage.I had injuries to my right leg. aplit lip, frctured nasal bone, nerve damage to my thigh and torn meniscus. The Ambulance arrived, I was taken to the hospital and t…”
NHTSA complaint #11699285, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine light illmiunated. The contact mention when depressing accelerator pedal, the RPM's get suck independently and the vehicle fails to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, however the dignanoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,381.”
NHTSA complaint #11739528, 2025
“Since the day we purchased our new 2024 Mazda CX-5, two issues have become apparent. Firstly, there is a clicking noise emanating from the rear passenger seats behind the driver whenever the vehicle is in motion. Secondly, there is a noticeable rumbling in the drivetrain during idle or stop-and-go traffic. I have visited the Mazda showroom twice regarding the seat back noise. Together with a Mazda technician, we determined that the rear passenger seat indeed makes a clicking noise even after being properly latched. We tested several new cars on the dealer lot and found that all of them exhibi…”
NHTSA complaint #11595400, 2024
Air Bags 2 1 crash 1 injury
“The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The front driver's side seat belt restraint did not function as intended. The contact's daughter was pushed forward out of the front driver's seat without restraint. The contact stated that the driver's side headrest detached due to the impact, and the back of the front driver's side seat fractured and detached. In addition, the air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total…”
NHTSA complaint #11699243, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction,…”
NHTSA complaint #11745244, 2026
Electrical System 2
“Hello. I started hearing this noise on my car, it was distracting and found it that it only happens when my headlight is turned on. I believe that the headlight leveling motor went out, I have an appointment for next week to have it checked, but the more i reach out to others Mazda drivers, the more I hear this is a common issue. My car is brand new, well taken care of, this seems to happen a lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11712669, 2026
“I have a sensitive key fob that releases my hatch without my knowledge or intention. Twice my hatch opened causing damage to my hatch inside my garage. I’ve have read many complaints about the same issue, dating back years and some having their hatch open while parked outside. I have contacted the dealership and the corporation all saying there was a nothing that can be done. This is a major concern since the key fob is so sensitive and can activate in only a second to touch”
NHTSA complaint #11637134, 2025
Steering 2
“Incident Description: On multiple occasions in January and February 2026, while operating a 2024 Mazda CX-5 in reverse on low-friction surfaces (snow/ice) with a slight incline, the vehicle suffered a total systemic failure. System Failures: While reversing at low speeds, the engine spontaneously shut off without warning. This resulted in an immediate loss of power braking and power steering. Simultaneously, the electronic gear selector (shifter) became non-functional, preventing the vehicle from being placed into 'Park' to stop the uncontrolled rearward slide. Safety Risk: The vehicle beca…”
NHTSA complaint #11726252, 2026
“I bought this car brand new with 51 miles on it on 7/24 and have taken it to the dealership mechanics twice for the same problem. Within 3 seconds of “letting go” of the steering wheel, the car veers and pulls directly into the right berm. The car requires continuous redirection of the steering wheel to get it to drive straight on. The dealership where I purchased this has not reported this defect to the manufacturer despite me requesting it. The car was inspected prior to me purchasing it, and upon me noticing that it veers off the road, I took it back to the dealership garage (on 7/31) and…”
NHTSA complaint #11606613, 2024
Structure 2
“The windshield on the 2024 Mazda CX5 produces a clicking rattling noise when driving at new speed. I have taken it to Mazda for inspection and they say the windshield is fine. I have noticed I can get the noise to stop by apply pressure onto the windshield from inside the car. Other people have noticed this issue too. I had a suspicion the windshield is not installed well on the car The solution was to get a new windshield which is installed well. The windshield is a structural part of the car, and to know it could not be secured well is concerning.”
NHTSA complaint #11669894, 2025
“The drivers door is slightly harder to close than the other doors. This occurs when all the other doors and windows are fully closed. this happened on Mazda 2017 CX-5 as a recall, it's here: [XXX] Mazda has provide a fix to this [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11569983, 2024
Visibility/Wiper 2
“The side mirror defrosters are not operable. This is an extreme safety hazard to be able to see my surroundings while driving. This function should operate when the rear defroster is activated and is not working. I cleared the side mirror prior to leaving my house, during driving the mirror frosted back over causing me to not see other vehicles. The alert when a car is next to me would not function due to ice build up. If a crash were to happen due to the safety features not properly working, this could cause issues. This seems it should come standard on all Mazda vehicles considering there sa…”
NHTSA complaint #11624734, 2024
“when you are driving in rainy weather on a highway the side view mirrors and windows fog up and you can't see. Putting on the defroster doesn't help. You have to drive with the windows open. On most cars if you open the windows the water would be evaporated from the rubber on the windows. The rubber is not thick enough on the front windows to do this. Bought it to a dealer and they said the same thing as far as the front windows are.”
NHTSA complaint #11607472, 2024
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
“When filling up with gas, the gas filler tube would overflow spilling gas out of the filler tube. This happened multiple times. The dealer replicated the issue and found that the back flow sensor, valve and back flow door in the gas tank were broken and faulty. They replaced the gas tank with all of the above components replaced as part of the gas tank.”
NHTSA complaint #11657124, 2025
Lane Departure 1
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
“My drivers door locked from the inside the other day and would not open. It had to be opened from the outside.”
NHTSA complaint #11576960, 2024
Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury
“The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The front driver's side seat belt restraint did not function as intended. The contact's daughter was pushed forward out of the front driver's seat without restraint. The contact stated that the driver's side headrest detached due to the impact, and the back of the front driver's side seat fractured and detached. In addition, the air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total…”
NHTSA complaint #11699243, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Suspension 1
“The left rear shock is leaking fluid after only 14, 750 miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11657125, 2025
Tires 1
“My daughter was driving on the freeway at 75-80mph on the morning of April 19th, 2025. The rear passenger tire blew out without any prior symptoms or warnings. Surrounding cars slowed down, or got out of the way because the other drivers saw her struggles to maintain her lane and direct the car to the shoulder of the freeway. AAA was called to change the tire to the safety spare. The tire remains with us, and the NHTSA is the initial entity that I am filing a report to.”
NHTSA complaint #11655744, 2025
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 2024 Mazda CX-5 draws about 13.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 9 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.