Owners have reported 11 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries and 1 death to NHTSA for the 2023 Mazda 5. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints9
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report several issues with the braking system of the 2023 Mazda 5. Multiple complaints describe the brakes activating unexpectedly without any apparent obstruction, sometimes in stop-and-go traffic or during highway driving, which can lead to dangerous situations such as near-collisions. There are also reports of brake fluid leaks near the calipers and premature wear of brake components, with some owners noticing issues as early as 22,000 miles. One incident involved a crash where the vehicle accelerated unintentionally, resulting in a collision with a concrete wall. These issues raise safety concerns, particularly related to unexpected braking and potential loss of control.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2023 Mazda 5 report several recurring issues, primarily related to interior noises and water leaks. Complaints frequently mention rattling sounds from the dash, door panels, and roof, especially noticeable after 3,000 miles, which dealers have been unable to resolve. Water leakage into the interior, leading to mold growth, is another common issue, with multiple reports of rainwater pooling between the headliner and interior body. Safety concerns are noted with components falling into the footwell and obstructing brake use, as well as lane-keeping assistance failing to maintain lane position. These issues are typically observed at varying mileages and can lead to potential safety risks, such as distracted driving and impaired braking.
Owner complaints8
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several issues with the power train of the 2023 Mazda 5, primarily involving transmission problems. Complaints frequently mention manual transmission difficulties, such as grinding noises and the inability to shift into third gear, with some reports indicating complete transmission failures at low mileage, often under 10,000 miles. Issues with automatic transmissions include lurching and slipping, especially when shifting at low speeds or when attempting to accelerate from a stop. Safety implications are noted, with some owners experiencing loss of power and forward movement, potentially increasing accident risks, particularly during highway driving. These patterns emerge early, sometimes as soon as 2,500 miles, and may require multiple transmission replacements.
Owner complaints7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 Mazda 5 report a range of electrical system issues, including sudden automatic emergency braking and battery failures. Complaints frequently mention the automatic emergency braking system engaging without cause, leading to at least one rear-end collision, and this issue occurs without prior warning. Several owners also describe persistent dead battery problems, with vehicles sometimes locking them out, despite multiple dealership visits and battery replacements. Additionally, there are reports of trailer wiring harness malfunctions causing erratic light behavior. One incident involved a fire originating from the engine area, with smoke and flames observed after an electrical malfunction notification. These issues are reported across varying mileage and timelines, with significant safety implications including crashes and a fire.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2023 Mazda 5. Commonly described symptoms include a loose steering wheel, particularly after an earlier crash, and instances of steering stickiness when turning left, often noted between the 9 to 11 o'clock positions and more pronounced in cold weather or at lower speeds. One owner details a severe incident involving unintended acceleration, loss of steering control, and a crash, resulting in injury. Steering issues are noted at various mileages, with one report at approximately 40,585 miles and another around 75,500 miles. Safety implications are evident, with complaints involving loss of control and a crash, making these reports particularly relevant for potential buyers assessing vehicle safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints5
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2023 Mazda 5 report multiple suspension-related issues, with frequent mentions of loud clunking or crunching noises during low-speed driving, particularly when braking or turning. These noises are often associated with strut bearing wear and shock absorber problems. Complaints also highlight severe safety implications, including a reported crash due to a ball joint failure, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Issues such as control arm defects and ball joint failures are noted, with some occurring at low mileages around 2,000 miles. These problems suggest potential risks for used car buyers, especially concerning suspension integrity and safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2023 Mazda 5, primarily involving false activation and failure to activate. Complaints frequently mention the system applying brakes unexpectedly, often in situations where there is no immediate threat, such as open roads or moderate traffic, with one owner narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision. Another owner describes the system not activating during an actual collision, resulting in a rear-end crash. Some owners also note that the system disables itself in adverse weather conditions like snow or heavy rain, citing possible sensor or camera obstructions. These issues occur across various driving conditions and environments, raising potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners report several issues with the air bags in the 2023 Mazda 5, particularly related to non-deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention crashes where the air bags failed to deploy, with one report indicating that the seat belts also malfunctioned, failing to secure the occupant. In one case, the vehicle caught fire post-crash, though it is unclear if this was related to the air bag system. The reported incidents often involve significant injuries, including a fatality and a spinal cord injury. The mileage at which these issues occur varies, with one vehicle having approximately 27,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for prospective buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 1 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints4
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2023 Mazda 5 frequently report issues with the vehicle's keyless entry system, including instances where the system requires multiple attempts to unlock the car and occasional failures of the auto-lock feature. Complaints also highlight a rear lift gate that unexpectedly opens while driving, requiring drivers to pull over to close it. Additionally, at all speeds, the hood is described as visibly wobbling, accompanied by a clanging metal noise, suggesting inadequate security. Fabric lining below the dashboard is also noted to come loose from seams. These issues typically arise within the first six months of ownership, with some posing potential safety concerns, such as the lift gate opening while in motion.
Owner complaints2
SEATS
Owners report issues with the seats of the 2023 Mazda 5, specifically noting rips and fraying. The most common symptoms include ~1-inch tears on the sides of both front driver and passenger seats and fraying at the seams where vinyl meets fabric. While the complaints do not specify mileage, the premature nature of these issues suggests they occur relatively early in ownership. There are no reported safety implications such as crashes or loss of control associated with these seat issues. Used car buyers should be aware of potential durability concerns regarding the seat materials and craftsmanship.
