Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2020 Mazda CX-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Most complaints involve electrical system (31) and engine (18). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
24–28mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
110
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Mazda CX-5 as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
110 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2020 – Nov 2026
- Electrical system31
- Engine18
- Service brakes14
- Forward collision avoidance12
- Power train10
- Vehicle speed control7
- Structure6
- Air bags5
- Back over prevention4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
31 reports1 crash
“Car stalls and 3 warning lights flash on the dashboard- “front radar sensor system malfunction”, “forward smart city brake support malfunction”, “smart brake system malfunction” and check engine light turns on. Car still drives but gas pedal and brake pedal don’t seem to work as well. Have to pull over, turn engine off and restart. Check engine light still on but other warning lights disappear. Check engine light turns off overnight. Has happened twice in the last month. Concerned about safety as gas and brake pedals seem off until turning the engine off and on again. Concerned about brakes failing. When brought to dealership, warning lights had all turned off and dealership found nothing wrong with car.”
Engine
18 reports
“The vehicle's component that fails seems to be the transmission locking up in first gear after accelerating from a stop. During wet conditions, the car will fish tail and the traction control will kick in.”
Service brakes
14 reports6 crashes
“While driving on the highway in traffic, I was applying the brakes (slowly and smoothly) and moving with the flow of traffic when the SBS system activated the brakes harshly and slammed me to a stop without reason. In addition to throwing me forward against my seatbelt, it also resulted in the car behind me rear-ending me. I did not hit the car ahead of me, since I was far enough behind them BEFORE the smart brake support engaged, but the feature caused an accident that could have been avoided.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-5 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 28 | $2,300 | 322 |
| CX-5 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 335 |
| CX-5 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 17.4%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2020 CX-5 questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-5 problems?
Owners filed 110 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (31), engine (18), service brakes (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Mazda CX-5 at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Mazda CX-5 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026