Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2025 Mazda CX-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints for the 2025 Mazda CX-5. Most complaints involve service brakes (10) and engine (7). 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
29
Top: service brakes
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 2025 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

29 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2025 – Oct 2026
  1. Service brakes10
  2. Engine7
  3. Electrical system6
  4. Forward collision avoidance6
  5. Vehicle speed control5
  6. Power train3
  7. Fuel/propulsion system3
  8. Steering3
  9. Visibility2

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
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
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

Service brakes

10 reports1 crash
“2025 Mazda CX-5. The vehicle experienced a severe, dynamic charging system failure that creates an active safety hazard on public roads. A dealership service department attempted a software update, which turned off the active dashboard layout indicator but completely failed to resolve the root hardware issue. The system failure remains active and has thrown consecutive advanced safety system faults. VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC TIMELINE & BRIEF •Vehicle: 2025 Mazda CX-5 •Warranty Status: Active (Under Bumper-to-Bumper New-Vehicle Limited Warranty) •Modifications: None (100% Factory Standard; No aftermarket accessories) On the evening of [XXX], while preparing to leave on a cross-country trip, the car would not start. It was originally believed it was because while loading the car we left one of the key fobs in the car and tried to lock the doors. We reset the fob and tried the manual override to get the car to start with no luck. There were several warning lights coming up on dash to include an istop warning. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the original incident. We contacted AAA and they came and jump started the car. We left on our trip the morning of [XXX].…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11768443

Engine

7 reports
“The vehicle exhibits a repeatable low-speed driveline-related problem consisting of pronounced clicking or clunking from the driver-front area, fore-and-aft jerking, and harsh engagement during deceleration and light on/off-throttle transitions, particularly around 15–17 mph; the behavior can become significantly worse over rough or uneven terrain. The exact failed component or system has not yet been identified. The vehicle is still essentially new, with fewer than 5,000 miles, and has not yet reached its first scheduled service interval, so it has not yet been formally inspected for this condition. No warning lamp or diagnostic message has appeared. Other owners online have described a similar low-speed clunking and jerking phenomenon, and Mazda has issued at least one prior transmission-related TSB addressing somewhat similar harsh shift behavior, although that bulletin does not appear to apply to this vehicle or this exact symptom. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The concern presents a potential safety risk because the vehicle can unexpectedly jerk, lurch, or abruptly change driveline load during ordinary low-speed driving, which can…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 23, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11758883

Electrical system

6 reports
“On May 21st , 2026, while waiting in line to make a right turn (positioned 3rd in queue), the vehicles ahead moved forward. As I transitioned from the brake to the gas pedal to follow, the vehicle experienced an instantaneous engine stall and total electrical failure (NOT an i-Stop event). Pressing the gas caused the vehicle to slowly roll backward. When I immediately tried to reapply the brakes, the brake pedal became extremely stiff and nearly impossible to press down, failing to hold the vehicle effectively. The driver behind me began honking aggressively due to the imminent collision risk. I attempted to lower the windows to signal the other driver, but all electronic controls were completely dead. I had to quickly shift the gear into Park (P) and hit the start button to successfully restart the engine, which temporarily restored functions.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 6, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11742466
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
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 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with cylinder deactivation · 4-Wheel Drive
263028$2,300321
CX-5 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive
232925$2,550348
CX-5 4WD
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive
222724$2,700370
  • CX-5 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI; with cylinder deactivation
    26 city · 30 hwy · $2,300/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • CX-5 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI
    23 city · 29 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • CX-5 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo, SIDI
    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

1 tested variant
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%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 20108
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

2025 CX-5 questions

How many recalls does the 2025 Mazda CX-5 have?

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

What are the most common 2025 Mazda CX-5 problems?

Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (10), engine (7), electrical system (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2025 Mazda CX-5 get?

The EPA rates the 2025 Mazda CX-5 at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2025 Mazda CX-5?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Mazda CX-5 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026