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2021 Mazda CX-5 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 129 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (55), Power Train (15), Unknown Or Other (11).

CX-5 reliability snapshot

83/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.5/5
RepairPal rating (high)
$447
Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg
#1/26
Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 96% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Mazda CX-5 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2021 Mazda CX-5 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Engine55
  • Power Train15
  • Unknown Or Other11
  • Electrical System9
  • Vehicle Speed Control5
  • Service Brakes5

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Check for excessive engine oil consumption by inspecting oil level and looking for low oil warning lights
  • Inspect rear differential for leaks and unusual noises, especially around 24,000 miles
  • Examine brake rotors and pads for rust and wear, especially if mileage is around 15,000 miles
  • Verify that the vehicle has received any applicable software updates for the telematics communication unit
  • Test the infotainment system for any freezing or display issues during startup
  • Ensure the vehicle has been checked for any technical service bulletins related to engine oil consumption

2021 CX-5 recalls

No NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 CX-5.

Used-market value

2021 Mazda CX-5 resale snapshot

70.4%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$24,590median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2021 Mazda CX-5 on the road

163,940 2021 Mazda CX-5 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Mazda CX-5 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 posts well above-segment reliability, with a score that clearly outpaces the class average. With no recalls recorded, formal corrective actions appear limited, supporting a low overall buyer-risk profile for this model year.

Complaint patterns are not evenly spread across the vehicle. Reports cluster most heavily around the engine, with the powertrain a distant secondary area. Other categories—unknown/other, electrical system, and vehicle speed control—show up but at lower levels, suggesting the reliability picture is defined more by a few systems than by broad, vehicle-wide fragility. As a fifth-year iteration of its generation, the data reads as stable rather than transitional.

Overall risk level: low.

What you get in a 2021 Mazda CX-5 report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Mazda CX-5 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 posts well above-segment reliability, with a score that clearly outpaces the class average. With no recalls recorded, formal corrective actions appear limited, supporting a low overall buyer-risk profile for this model year.

How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?

No NHTSA safety recalls are on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5.

What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-5 problems?

The most-reported 2021 Mazda CX-5 problem areas are: Engine (55), Power Train (15), Unknown Or Other (11).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Mazda CX-5?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Mazda CX-5, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.