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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine80
- Power train17
- Electrical system12
- Forward collision avoidance11
- Service brakes11
- Vehicle speed control8
- Lane departure7
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Air bags5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Engine
“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.”
Power train
“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”
Electrical system
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| 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 | 337 |
| CX-5 2WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,550 | 355 |
| CX-5 4WD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
- 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
| 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
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.