Problems · NHTSA complaints

2024 Mazda CX-5 problems

Owners filed 47 complaints about the 2024 Mazda CX-5 with NHTSA between Nov 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is service brakes (7).

Complaints
47
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Service brakes7
  2. Engine7
  3. Forward collision avoidance6
  4. Seats5
  5. Vehicle speed control5
  6. Structure4
  7. Exterior lighting4
  8. Electrical system3
  9. Steering3
  10. Power train3
  11. Suspension2
  12. Air bags2
  13. Visibility/wiper2
  14. Wheels1

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
20231
202411
202513
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

Service brakes

7 reports1 crash
“On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and keyless entry malfunction. The vehicle was towed at that time. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer in June 2026. The dealer replaced the battery under warranty, but I was not provided diagnostic trouble codes, a root-cause explanation, or written confirmation that the braking, ABS, airbag/seat belt, stability control, Smart Brake Support, Forward Obstruction Warning, and forward sensing/camera systems were fully diagnosed and verified safe. The…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2026Air bags, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11745244

Engine

7 reports1 crash1 fire
“My car caught on fire on [CCC] and it's completely burned down, a total loss. Following is information about my car and some summary of what happened. Car information: - Mazda CX5 2024 - Bought in June or July 2024(car payment only made 22 times so far) - Odometer 24,445mi(as of 05/15/2026) What happened: - In [XXX] Friday afternoon, I was in Bellevue and noticed an engine overheat warning. So, I stopped immediately to cool down and called Mazda Dealership(Lee Johnson Mazda) to schedule a service. - Then after 20-30 minutes, I started the car again and the warning was gone. So I drove slowly and got on [XXX] to head home in Kirkland. I was already driving slowly. - After a few minutes, overheat warning as well as engine warning started firing and noticed that smoke coming out of bonnet. - So, I pulled over on the shoulder near [XXX] and called roadside assistance. But even before I get connected to the roadside service, engine caught on fire and I had to call 911. - The car is completely burned down and it's a total loss. - State patrol wrote me a "Exchange of Information" and "Tow/Impound and Inventory Record". Why I am submitting this form: - This car is less…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 24, 2026EngineFire reportedODI 11739827

Forward collision avoidance

6 reports
“The most recent incident: Driving 35 MPH on a 4 lane divided boulevard, vehicle 5-6 car lengths in front of me indicates intention to turn right. No traffic in lane to my left should I need to change lanes. I continue to coast. At approximately 2-3 car lengths, the vehicle in front has nearly completed the right turn - there is no risk of collision - but my car BRAKES HARD. This is the 4th time my car has activated emegency braking in a situation it is not warranted. I have been dirving for 36 years with no accident. I do not need nor want this technology as it is more prone to causing accidents than preventing them. Additionally, the car throttle response is slow to recover in these situations, so while I mashed the acclerator to the floor to avoid being rear-ended - the car did not accelerate for 1-2 seconds (RPM went up, but the engine did not engage for several seconds). In situations where AEB might have been marginally helpful, detecting cross traffic running red lights, the car has NEVER detected this - and thankfully I'm an experienced driver so AEB was not needed. This technology, IMO, is not safe and will lead to over-reliance causing more accidents in the future.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 24, 2024Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11604254

Seats

5 reports1 crash
“I am extremely concerned about the safety of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 due to the failure of the seat adjustment mechanism, which prevents the seat from moving forward or backward. This is a serious safety hazard, particularly for passengers who may be positioned dangerously close to the dashboard in the event of a collision. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a potential life-threatening safety issue. Mazda and federal safety regulators must take these complaints seriously, investigate the problem, and determine whether a safety recall is necessary. With numerous complaints reportedly coming from other owners, this issue deserves immediate attention before someone is seriously injured or killed. We should not have to wait for a tragedy before action is taken. Thank for looking into this matter”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026SeatsODI 11773467

Vehicle speed control

5 reports1 crash
“The contact leased a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the yellow electronic emergency brake light was displayed. The cruise control and rear brakes were inoperable. The brake pedal was pulsating while depressed. There was smoke coming from the front brakes. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who replaced the brakes, and the module was inoperable, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics, who determined that the rear brakes were firm. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Vehicle speed controlODI 11729735

Structure

4 reports
“The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered that rodents had chewed through the soy-based wiring and created a nest inside the vehicle. The dealer replaced the headliner, wiring harness, both front air bags, A-pillar molding, and C-pillar molding. The failure mileage was 17,655.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Electrical system, StructureODI 11763326
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.