AI Damage2021 Mazda CX-5: common problems
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 filed 148 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and powertrain. The maker issued 500 service bulletins for this year. We found 2 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 148
- involving a crash
- 10
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 500
- YouTube repair videos
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 54% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 11% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 8% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- 5 Forward collision avoidance 7% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 5% of all complaints
- 7 Visibility 5% of all complaints
- 8 Lane departure 5% of all complaints
- Engine: 80 complaints (54% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 76.
- Powertrain: 17 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 35.
- Electrical system: 12 complaints (8% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 191.
- Service brakes: 11 complaints (7% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 19.
- Forward collision avoidance: 11 complaints (7% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 2.5 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 148 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 80 | 1 | 76 |
| Powertrain | 17 | 0 | 35 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 2 | 191 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 3 | 19 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 11 | 3 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility | 7 | 0 | 13 |
| Lane departure | 7 | 2 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 1 | 1 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 78 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 | 36 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 11 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact also stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the crash. A Police report was filed. The contact was transported to a local emergency room and was treated for a fractured right fibula and whiplash. The vehicle was towed to a service center for an insurance claim and inspection.
While driving in the Interstate, a truck swerved towards my lane; I swerved into the next lane to avoid the truck hitting me and when I began to swerve my Lane Departure warning malfunctioned and caused my car to completely shut down.
I had my foot on the brake, suddenly the vehicle accelerated by itself and I heard the car revving at a very high rpm and the car took off. My sister was a passenger and she heard it as well.
Will driving on the interstate, using the adaptive cruise control feature, vehicles were slowing down to a stop ahead and my car accelerated instead of slowing down. I then pressed the brake and simultaneously, the car breaks locked down (automatic braking).
I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration incident. I pulled into my driveway and stopped the vehicle with my foot firmly on the brake since my driveway is sloped. I pushed the garage door opener remote when suddenly the vehicle accelerated and shot forward hitting the garage door.
The Blind Spot Monitoring failed to indicate a car approaching from the right that then stopped in my blind spot. I hit the car behind me. Despite the fact, I understand personal responsibility, I never would have had the BSM worked correctly.
It was light out and the weather was pleasant. I turned right into a parking space with my foot on the brake. The car was facing and perpendicular to a sidewalk that was about 10 feet away. It was separated by a grassy median.
The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 431 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 21% most complained about).
On average one model year of the CX-5 has 126 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 148, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI General Informatio…
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...),…
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been…
- Some customers may complain about any of the following
1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App
- Customers having MAZDA CONNECT concerns should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair…
- Some customers may complain about any of the following
1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote functions inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF…
- Infotainment Reboot With Navigation Card Installed This Service Information is no longer valid
Refer to the following updated Technical Service Bulletins: CX-5 / CX-9: 16-002/23 - UPDATED SOFTWARE RELEASE FOR CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (7TH GEN TYPE) Mazda3 / CX-30 (Non-Turbo): 16-008/23…
- Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock…
Some customers may complain about the infotainment system and/or the MyMazda App showing incorrect clock and/or tire pressures and/or tire pressure missing. This may be caused by: Incorrect calendar entry…
- Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the…
Some customers may complain about SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus showing expired even though the customer purchased a paid subscription. SiriusXM audio packages do not include SiriusXM Travel Link, Traffic Plus. To…
- Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2)
This is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fitting during the manufacturing process. The accumulated coolant is solidified and plugs the gap in high temperature environment and the seepage is…
- Some customers may complain about any of the following
1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON /…
- Mazda Connect Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and…
Mazda Connect Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI…
- Some customers may experience a Connected Vehicle failure
The MyMazda App may display an Error Code. This document provides Error Code description and recovery information to assist with repairs. Index System Outline • MYMAZDA App Connected Vehicle (CV) Error Codes • Vehicle…
NHTSA lists 500 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- Mazda CX 5 Grill Replacement After a Deer Crash 🦌🔧 | DIY Repairamount per author: 10 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- Авто з США Mazda CX5 2021 року за 7300$. Кузовний ремонт та фарбування
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, powertrain, electrical system. Total complaints: 148. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: oil leak or consumption (32%), warning lights, check engine (28%), driver assists: adaptive cruise, lane keeping (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA lists 500 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Mazda CX-5 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.