Owners have reported 12 crashes and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Mazda CX-5. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 frequently report water leakage issues, with rainwater entering the vehicle and leading to mold growth, particularly in warm, humid climates. Complaints also mention electronic issues, such as wireless charging failures and dashboard noises, often occurring in warmer conditions. Some owners describe significant mechanical problems, including unintended sudden acceleration incidents, which have led to crashes, and brake system concerns, such as rusting and warping, even in vehicles less than a year old. These issues typically arise within the first few months of ownership or at relatively low mileages, highlighting potential safety implications, particularly regarding braking and unintended acceleration.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints13
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report several issues with the 2023 Mazda CX-5's braking system, with common complaints involving unexpected activation of the automatic braking system and brake performance concerns. Multiple owners describe the brakes engaging without clear cause, particularly during highway driving or in stop-and-go traffic, which sometimes leads to abrupt deceleration and potential safety risks. Other complaints frequently mention premature brake wear, with some brakes requiring replacement around 22,000 miles, and instances of brake fluid leaks near the calipers. One report includes a crash where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly while parking, leading to a collision with a concrete wall. These issues suggest potential safety implications, especially concerning the vehicle's ability to stop reliably and the automatic systems' unpredictability.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several issues with the 2023 Mazda CX-5's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention dead batteries, with some vehicles experiencing this issue multiple times within a few months, even after battery replacements. There are also reports of malfunctions in the Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning systems, leading to crashes, with one incident resulting in injury. Additionally, issues with trailer wiring harnesses cause erratic lighting behavior, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. These problems typically arise within the first few months of ownership, and some owners experience difficulties getting effective resolutions from dealerships. Safety concerns are highlighted by the involvement of crashes and the failure of critical systems like brakes and electronic parking brakes.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints6
STEERING
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 report issues with steering, including a loose steering wheel and sticky power steering. Several complaints describe the steering wheel as being loose or able to move excessively, with one owner noting this condition following a previous crash. Other reports mention the steering wheel sticking, particularly when turning left at specific clock positions, often in colder weather or at lower speeds. One owner describes heavy steering causing fatigue at highway speeds, which worsens under certain conditions. Safety implications are evident, as one report involves a crash where the steering and brakes locked, leading to a collision with a guardrail. Complaints span vehicles with mileages ranging from approximately 18,000 to over 75,000, suggesting potential issues across various usage levels.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints6
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 report several suspension-related issues, with common complaints involving noise and component failures. Symptoms frequently include loud clunking or crunching sounds at low speeds, often associated with strut bearings and shock absorbers. Mileage at the time of issues varies, with some reports as early as 2,077 miles. Notably, one complaint describes a crash due to a ball joint failure, leading to a loss of vehicle control. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning component integrity and vehicle handling. Buyers considering a used CX-5 may want to investigate these specific suspension components and any related repair history.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
ENGINE
Owners report two primary engine-related issues with the 2023 Mazda CX-5. Multiple complaints describe excessive oil consumption, with the Low Oil Warning Light activating between oil changes, often requiring the addition of a quart of oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. This issue is noted as occurring around 20,000 to 33,000 miles. Another reported problem involves a leaking hydraulic tensioner for the serpentine belt, with one owner experiencing recurring leaks shortly after a dealership service at approximately 15,759 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted in a complaint where a sudden loss of engine power nearly resulted in a rear-end collision, attributed to a potential fuel injector issue. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly regarding potential oil consumption and power loss incidents.
Owner complaints5
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 report several power train issues, with unintended acceleration being a significant concern. Two complaints describe incidents where the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly while braking, with one resulting in a crash and injury. Another common issue involves a rocking or shaking sensation when transitioning from brake to gas at low speeds, reported by an owner despite engine mount replacement. Complaints also highlight knocking sounds at low speeds and vulnerabilities in vehicle components exposed to potential damage from road debris. These issues are reported in vehicles with varying mileage, including a brand-new car with only 150 miles, suggesting potential early-onset problems. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and loss of vehicle control.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly concerning unexpected braking and system malfunctions. Several complaints describe the system applying maximum braking without an apparent obstacle, often after receiving a warning about a dirty forward camera. Others mention the system failing to activate during an actual collision, resulting in a rear-end crash. These issues appear to occur under various conditions, including snowy weather and heavy rain, with some owners noting frequent sensor disablement due to moisture or fog. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash and other near-miss incidents due to system failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported malfunctions, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 report issues with airbag deployment in crash scenarios, with both complaints involving crashes and injuries. One owner describes a collision with a deer at 55-60 MPH where the airbag did not deploy, and the seat belts failed to secure the occupant, resulting in an eye injury. Another owner mentions an airbag malfunction where the air vent detached, and the airbag burst, filling the cabin with smoke. Both incidents involve significant safety implications, including injuries and vehicle damage. The reported mileage for these issues is around 27,000 miles, suggesting potential concerns for buyers considering a used model.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 report issues with unexpected vehicle acceleration during low-speed maneuvers. Complaints frequently mention the car surging forward unexpectedly when turning sharply from a stopped or slow rolling position, often in confined areas like parking lots. One report involves a crash, resulting in injuries, where the vehicle accelerated hard into a building despite the driver's assertion of applying the brake. These incidents occur at low mileage, with one case noted under 14,000 miles. Safety implications include potential crashes and injuries, making this a critical consideration for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
