Mazda CX-5 Reliability by Year, 2016–2021
Comparing a used Mazda CX-5? Start with what changed between model years, then open the report for the car you are considering. The records below help you identify recall work, reported symptoms and questions for an inspection.
These records do not establish which year is most reliable. The 2016 has had more time to accumulate reports than the 2021, and we do not have sales or mileage data to calculate failure rates. Why age matters when reading complaints.
What changed from year to year
Compare the EPA-listed engines, transmissions, drivetrains and fuel economy with the previous year, alongside NHTSA crash-test ratings and recall campaigns. Open a pair for the details; the timeline does not cover every trim, equipment or production change.
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2016
The earliest model year covered here, so there is no prior year to compare it with.
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2017
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder is listed for 2016 but not for 2017; the 6-speed manual listed for 2016 is not in the 2017 listing; six recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (exterior lighting, fuel system, steering and others).
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2018
EPA lists a 2.2-litre four-cylinder for 2018 that does not appear in the 2017 listing; NHTSA's overall rating goes from 4 stars in 2017 to 4 and 5 stars in 2018; four recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, engine, fuel system and others).
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2019
NHTSA's overall rating goes from 4 and 5 stars in 2018 to 5 stars in 2019; one recall campaign names one of the two years and not the other (air bags).
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2020
The 2.2-litre four-cylinder is listed for 2019 but not for 2020; two recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (engine and fuel system).
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2021
In our comparison, this year matches the 2020: EPA lists the same lineup and both years are named in the same recall campaigns.
The record, year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations | Combined MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5 | 510 | 0 | 26–29 | Full report → |
| 2017 | 1 | 148 | 0 | 26–27 | Full report → |
| 2018 | 3 | 117 | 0 | 26–29 | Full report → |
| 2019 | 2 | 269 | 0 | 24–29 | Full report → |
| 2020 | 0 | 106 | 0 | 24–28 | Full report → |
| 2021 | 0 | 144 | 0 | 24–28 | Full report → |
The same years side by side on one screen →
Sources and methodology
- Recalls, complaints and investigations: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Engines, transmissions, drive types and fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov (EPA/DOE)
- See our methodology and data sources pages for how these reports are built and their limitations.