Years to avoid
Mazda 5 Years to Avoid
The 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024 model years stand out as the weakest in this Mazda 5 dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated March 2026
- Weakest year
- 2018
- Model average
- 77/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 423
- Recalls, weakest year
- 10
72/100 reliability
16-point range
24 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2018 Mazda 5 ranks last
The 2018 scores 72/100, rated good, versus a model average of 77/100. NHTSA data contains 423 owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Engine (121), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (54), Power Train (41). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2018 Mazda 5 record →Evidence by year
The weakest Mazda 5 model years compared
2018 Mazda 5
- Complaints
- 423
- Recalls
- 10
- Crash reports
- 24
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Engine (121), Unknown Or Other (60), Electrical System (54)
View 2018 details →2019 Mazda 5
- Complaints
- 325
- Recalls
- 12
- Crash reports
- 12
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Engine (90), Electrical System (47), Unknown Or Other (40)
View 2019 details →2020 Mazda 5
- Complaints
- 127
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 8
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (30), Unknown Or Other (20), Forward Collision Avoidance (12)
View 2020 details →2024 Mazda 5
- Complaints
- 70
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 8
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (11), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (5)
View 2024 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Mazda 5 years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Mazda 5 data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Mazda 5 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Mazda 5 research FAQ
Which Mazda 5 years should I avoid?
2018, 2019, 2020, 2024 score materially below the strongest Mazda 5 years in this dataset. The 2018 is the weakest at 72/100, with 423 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Mazda 5 year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Mazda 5 year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (88/100), 2022 (83/100), 2023 (78/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Mazda 5 you are considering.