Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2021 Mazda CX-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 148 owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Most complaints involve engine (80) and power train (17). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
24–28mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
148
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

148 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2021 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine80
  2. Power train17
  3. Electrical system12
  4. Forward collision avoidance11
  5. Service brakes11
  6. Vehicle speed control8
  7. Lane departure7
  8. Fuel/propulsion system7
  9. Air bags5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each CX-5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2013194
2014377
2015133
2016512
2017150
2018122
2019273
2020110
2021148
202265
202367
202447
202529
202617
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
8
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

80 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. 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. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who confirmed that there was a defect with cylinder#1. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026EngineODI 11766753

Power train

17 reports
“the “trailing link shaft” broke/split/tore apart at the right rear wheel. my car only has 16,500 miles. the vehicle was inspected by auto manufacturing dealer (mazda). mazda refused to admit it’s realting to manufacturing defect(s). i did not report it to police or my auto insurance carrier at that moment because i did not know what the issues were not until i dropped it off to my local dealer”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2025Suspension, Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11677457

Electrical system

12 reports2 crashes
“The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) suffers from a severe, persistent electronic hardware malfunction that causes the central information display and dashboard telemetry to blink, cycle, and drop signals erratically. This specific hardware architecture failure threatens to corrupt data transmission lines directly connected to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), creating an imminent safety risk of unintended automatic emergency braking or false sensor deployment during highway transit. The vehicle utilizes the exact same defective CMU hardware component that the manufacturer has acknowledged and recalled on other model cohorts; however, the manufacturer has explicitly excluded this specific VIN from safety recall eligibility. Diagnostic attempts by the authorized dealer network relied solely on forcing digital software updates that completely failed to correct the core hardware signaling instability, leaving the vehicle un-repaired and presenting an active, unmitigated electrical and safety hazard on public roads.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2026Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11750866
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 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
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CX-5 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253128$2,300322
CX-5 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
243026$2,450337
CX-5 2WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
232825$2,550355
CX-5 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
222724$2,700370
  • CX-5 2WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    25 city · 31 hwy · $2,300/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • CX-5 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    24 city · 30 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • CX-5 2WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    23 city · 28 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • CX-5 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Mazda 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%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 15172Vehicle 15166
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2021 CX-5 questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.

What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-5 problems?

Owners filed 148 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (80), power train (17), electrical system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Mazda CX-5 at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Mazda CX-5 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026