Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Mazda CX-5 problems

Owners filed 148 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 with NHTSA between Jan 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (80).

Complaints
148
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Visibility/wiper4
  11. Tires3
  12. Visibility3
  13. Suspension2
  14. Back over prevention2

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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202115
202246
202326
202422
202517
202622

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Forward collision avoidance

11 reports3 crashes
“I was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the brake waiting to turn left onto Lee Highway from Fairfax County Parkway. Car jerked forward TWO times in a row, both times hitting the car in front of me. Our lane was at a dead stop waiting for the left hand arrow. The cars to the right of us had the green and were moving forward. I felt like I had no control over the car during this time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11753806

Service brakes

11 reports3 crashes
“2021 Mazda CX5 AWD- Non Turbo Engine. Sunny Day, Dry. My Car was clean. No Precipitation. Some shadows of the interstate light poles across the road 200-300 feet in front of me, but they were thin shadows. Sun Was to my Left. I was driving South on May 01 2026 about 10am on the Interstate going Highway Speeds, with adaptive cruise control "on", in the 2nd lane of a 4 lane interstate. Thankfully no other traffic ahead or behind me. Car slammed on the brakes suddenly, pretty hard. I counteracted and added more gas pedal to keep in going. I turned off the Cruise Control. After a while I re-engaged the Cruise Control and had no issues. This could have been a huge accident in busier traffic. Will get the car checked out at Mazda Dealership Service this week.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 3, 2026Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11735370

Vehicle speed control

8 reports5 crashes
“Important note for snowing conditions: The radar for adaptive cruise control is located in the front Mazda emblem. Snow buildup on the emblem can block the radar's signal and disable the adaptive cruise control system when driving. A heating element is necessary to prevent snow accumulation and maintain functionality.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 14, 2025Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11699368
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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