Owners have reported 8 crashes and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda 5. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the infotainment system, specifically "ghost touch" phenomena where the display operates independently, causing distractions such as unexpected volume changes, random calls, or navigation disruptions. These issues often occur while driving, posing a distraction risk. Additionally, some complaints mention problems with the vehicle's forward sensing systems, including unintended braking and malfunctioning cameras, which could affect safety features like i-ACTIVESENSE. Affected vehicles are reported to have varied mileages, with some owners experiencing these issues shortly after purchase. One incident involved a crash, and another reported an injury, underscoring potential safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the infotainment system experiencing "ghost touch," where the screen makes random selections such as changing settings, dialing contacts, and adjusting volume without driver input. This malfunction is described as distracting and hazardous, especially while driving, and is noted to occur regardless of temperature. Additionally, multiple owners mention sunroof glass spontaneously exploding while driving, causing loud noises and potential loss of vehicle control. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some infotainment problems noted as early as 10,000 miles. Such complaints highlight potential safety risks, including unintended vehicle behavior and distraction, which prospective buyers should consider.
Owner complaints16
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving false activations of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle braking abruptly with no obstruction present, often accompanied by a warning tone and a "Brake" warning on the dashboard. These incidents typically occur at low to moderate speeds, often in clear conditions, and sometimes result in near-miss situations due to sudden stops. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. Owners mention difficulties in diagnosing these issues at dealerships, with some referencing potential radar or sensor malfunctions. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of rear-end collisions if the AEB system activates unexpectedly.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints11
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly, even when no obstacles are present, leading to sudden stops or severe braking events. Complaints often detail instances where the system engages without warning, causing potential rear-end collision risks, especially in traffic or when vehicles are following closely. Two incidents involve crashes, with three injuries reported, indicating significant safety implications. Some owners also describe premature brake wear, such as grinding noises and the need for brake and caliper replacement at relatively low mileages, around 3,000 to 32,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers of this model.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints9
ENGINE
Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Multiple complaints describe oil leaks from components such as the cylinder head, oil seal, timing cover, and oil pan gasket, with some leaks leading to oil consumption concerns and low oil warnings. These issues often emerge around 50,000 to 60,000 miles. Additionally, owners mention engine noise and a "whoop" sound when idling, as well as a faulty engine coolant thermostat. Some reports highlight safety implications, such as vehicles being stranded due to oil light warnings, which could pose a risk in isolated or unsafe locations.
Owner complaints9
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving the torque converter and transmission system. Common symptoms include a chirping noise during gear shifts, especially from 3rd to 4th gear, and abnormal jerking while accelerating. These problems are often noted at relatively low mileages, with several reports around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Some owners mention significant transmission damage due to metal fragments or a faulty torque converter, with potential safety implications such as unexpected vehicle stops or limp mode activation at highway speeds. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these issues, especially if the vehicle has not undergone relevant repairs or warranty extensions.
Owner complaints7
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 frequently report structural issues, including problems with the sunroof and water leaks. One complaint describes an exploding sunroof under normal temperature conditions, while another mentions water entering the cabin through the driver's door window, with service centers unable to diagnose the source. Multiple owners also describe a high-pitched noise from the vehicle's doors at highway speeds during strong crosswinds, with some dealers acknowledging the issue but unable to reproduce it without specific conditions. Additionally, a rear camera and warning system failure is linked to a crash, highlighting a potential safety concern. These complaints occur in vehicles as new as one year old, suggesting issues can manifest relatively early in ownership.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 report unexpected airbag deployments, particularly involving the passenger side curtain and seat airbags. Complaints frequently mention these deployments occurring without any collision or road hazard, leading to sudden loud noises, temporary hearing loss, and disorientation while driving. In one instance, airbags failed to deploy during a crash with a guard rail, resulting in an injury. These incidents typically occur without prior warning lights or messages, and diagnostic evaluations often fail to identify a clear cause. The unanticipated deployment poses significant safety risks, including potential for loss of control and compromised driver and passenger safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2020 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with sudden unintended acceleration, often occurring while the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. Common symptoms include the vehicle accelerating on its own despite the driver applying the brake, and in one case, the car moving forward while in park. These incidents have resulted in crashes, with one report noting an injury and significant vehicle damage. No specific mileage range is consistently mentioned across complaints, but the incidents typically occur in situations such as parking or drive-thru scenarios. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports, as they indicate potential safety risks involving loss of vehicle control.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints3
STEERING
Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2020 Mazda 5, with complaints highlighting problems related to lane departure systems and steering control. A common issue involves the lane departure warning system activating unexpectedly, especially in areas with construction where lane markings are unclear, leading to unwanted steering corrections that could result in near-collisions. Another significant complaint involves the vehicle taking control of the steering at highway speeds, causing erratic movements across lanes without driver input, posing a risk of accidents. These issues are noted at low mileages, such as 1,177 miles, and raise safety concerns due to the potential for loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of these steering system behaviors, particularly in urban driving or highway conditions.
