Owners have reported 8 crashes and 7 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints55
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report excessive engine oil consumption, with many indicating the low oil light activates every 3,000 miles, far sooner than the recommended 7,500-mile oil change interval. Typical symptoms include the need to top off oil frequently, ticking sounds from the engine, and in some cases, gasoline vapors in the engine compartment. These issues often arise in vehicles with low mileage, some as early as 10,000 to 20,000 miles. While there are no reports of crashes or fires, the risk of engine damage due to low oil levels is a concern. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly in models with turbo engines, as they might face similar maintenance challenges.
Owner complaints15
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and leaks, often at relatively low mileages such as 7,000 to 14,000 miles. Symptoms described include low oil warning lights, burning oil odors, and visible coolant leaks. Some complaints mention repeated repairs for oil leaks involving timing covers and gaskets, while others note the need to manually add oil between scheduled changes. Additionally, a few owners experience rough driving at low speeds and rear differential replacements as early as 24,000 miles. No crashes or fires are reported, but the potential for engine damage due to oil consumption is a concern for buyers.
Owner complaints11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report several issues, with common complaints involving unexpected vehicle behavior and mechanical concerns. Multiple owners describe incidents of unexpected acceleration, leading to crashes and injuries, and note that collision avoidance systems do not activate during these events. Symptoms such as rear differential leaks and recurring critical vehicle malfunction warnings are also mentioned, typically occurring at mileage around 26,000 miles or over several months. Safety implications are evident, with reports of loss of control and significant vehicle damage. Additionally, some owners express frustration with the vehicle's remote control design, automatic rear hatch opening, and inadequate tow eye provision, which can pose practical challenges.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with the vehicle's infotainment system, including the screen going blank or dark and the backup camera failing intermittently. Several complaints describe the need to restart the vehicle or disconnect the battery to temporarily resolve these problems. Additionally, some owners experience unintended acceleration, with one incident resulting in a crash and injury, and others note failures in the Blind Spot Monitoring system, leading to another crash. These issues typically arise at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 4,400 miles. The reported electrical system malfunctions, particularly those involving unintended acceleration and sensor failures, have significant safety implications.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report issues with the 2021 Mazda CX-5's vehicle speed control, particularly involving unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention sudden acceleration when attempting to park or stop, with several incidents resulting in crashes. These incidents often occur at low speeds, such as when pulling into driveways or parking spaces, and typically involve the brake pedal being pressed without warning indications. Four of the five reported incidents led to crashes, with four injuries noted. The issues are reported at various mileages, with one specific report at approximately 3,500 miles. Buyers should be aware of the potential for loss of control and the associated safety risks.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints5
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 frequently report issues with premature brake wear and rusting, with several complaints noting the need for brake pad and rotor replacement around 15,000 miles. Symptoms described include squealing brakes, rusted and chipping rotors, vibrations during braking, and a burning smell. Some owners also report safety concerns, such as the vehicle pulling to one side and critical alerts related to the anti-lock braking system. These issues, occurring at relatively low mileage, suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers considering a used 2021 CX-5.
Owner complaints4
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report issues related to the vehicle's defrosting system and glass integrity. Multiple complaints highlight a design concern where the windshield defrost system includes only a single center vent, leading to inadequate defrosting on the sides and in front of the driver, particularly affecting visibility in rainy or snowy conditions. Additionally, some owners describe incidents where the rear windshield and sunroof glass have unexpectedly shattered, sometimes while the vehicle is stationary or in motion. These issues are noted without specific mileage references but have significant safety implications due to impaired visibility and sudden glass breakage. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported problems when considering this vehicle.
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report unexpected airbag deployments and warning light issues related to the airbag system. Complaints frequently mention airbags deploying without a collision, with one owner describing passenger side airbags deploying at 25 mph without any impact, and another noting curtain and seat airbags deploying after a minor slide against a curb at approximately 10 mph. Additionally, a separate report mentions a persistent airbag warning light appearing over several months. These issues are reported without specific mileage data, but the deployment incidents indicate potential safety implications, especially in low-speed or non-collision scenarios. This information may be pertinent for potential buyers assessing the vehicle's airbag reliability.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report issues related to the steering system, primarily involving steering wheel vibrations and locking. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel vibrating during turns and, in one case, locking up entirely after the vehicle unexpectedly shut down on the highway. These issues occur alongside other warning lights and malfunctions, such as brake system alerts and engine shutdowns. The reported problems appear at higher mileage, around 81,000 miles, and pose safety risks, including potential loss of vehicle control. Used car buyers should be aware of these steering-related issues and their implications for vehicle handling and safety.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 report issues with excessive engine oil consumption. Complaints frequently mention that the low oil warning light illuminates, indicating the need for oil replenishment or changes after relatively short driving distances, such as 1,000 miles. The reported issues occur at varying mileages, with one owner experiencing problems as early as 4,000 miles and another at approximately 57,000 miles. There are no reported safety implications such as crashes or fires associated with these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of the possibility of recurring oil consumption issues and the need for frequent monitoring and maintenance.
