Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2026 Mazda CX-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and forward collision avoidance (3). The EPA rates it 26 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
26mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
17
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 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

17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system5
  2. Forward collision avoidance3
  3. Visibility/wiper3
  4. Service brakes2
  5. Exterior lighting1
  6. Seats1
  7. Power train1
  8. Equipment1
  9. Back over prevention1

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
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
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

Electrical system

5 reports
“I leased a brand new vehicle on June 8th. On June 12th, I took it to the dealer's service center because of a warning message, accompanied with a loud chime that said: "Emergency Call Unit Malfunction", the SOS red light was also on. I picked the car up today, June 15th. Shortly leaving the dealership, I was driving on the freeway crawling traffic with my husband and 4 year old child in the vehicle. Suddenly, the service/wrench icon started flashing on the dashboard, and the car's engine completely died and stalled while we were moving on the highway. At the exact second the engine died, dash and infotainment screen went completely black, the A/C shut off as well. I instantly lost my speedometer and all safety alerts while stuck in traffic. I was still stepping on my brakes, and turned my hazard lights on so we could pull over to safety. Screens went back on and engine came back on. We were fortunate to be by the nearest exit and took it. The screens went back on, but service light was still flashing. We were able to drive the car to Mazda, and was provided a loaner car. This is a massive safety issue and hazard that put my family in immediate danger on a busy…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11744358

Forward collision avoidance

3 reports1 crash
“SEVERE SAFETY DEFECT involving sudden, unprovoked vehicle braking; While driving my 2026 Mazda CX5 at approximately 10-15 MPH or less, the smart brake support-automatic emergency brake system suddenly activated without any warning or obstacle present. The vehicle violently braked and prepared for impact, causing the wheels to lock up and rendering the car temporarily unmovable. This has occurred already on 4-5 separate occasions on dry roads during daylight. This is a severe, recurring safety defect that nearly caused a rear end collision on all 4-5 occasions. My 2 small children are scared every time we have to get in the car and drive, as i am also. The dealership has been notified, but the safety issue persists. I am looking to get out of this UNSAFE and UNRELIABLE car in fear of my familys life.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11771319

Visibility/wiper

3 reports
“Have a cracked windshield from a chip near the wiper area Mazda says needs to be replaced But they are on National back order Was told that when the windshield caves in or collapses Then an emergency order can be put in”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 7, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11755455
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl
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 · 4-Wheel Drive
243026$2,450339
  • CX-5 4WD
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    24 city · 30 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    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
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 23019
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

2026 CX-5 questions

How many recalls does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have?

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

What are the most common 2026 Mazda CX-5 problems?

Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), forward collision avoidance (3), visibility/wiper (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 get?

The EPA rates the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026