Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mazda CX-5 model year (2013–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid
1 recall · 298 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 319
1 recall · 266 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 269
0 recalls · 248 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 252
Best Mazda CX-5 Years to Buy
0 recalls · 20 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 20
0 recalls · 32 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 32
0 recalls · 34 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 34
Found the right year? Verify that specific CX-5 with a free VIN report.
Mazda CX-5 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 20 | — | — | 20 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 29 | 7 | — | 43 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 32 | — | — | 32 | Good |
| 2023 | 0 | 34 | — | — | 34 | Good |
| 2022 | 0 | 56 | — | — | 56 | Good |
| 2021 | 0 | 92 | 13 | — | 118 | Caution |
| 2020 | 0 | 85 | 4 | — | 93 | Good |
| 2019 | 0 | 198 | 5 | — | 208 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 0 | 248 | 2 | — | 252 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 0 | 91 | 1 | — | 93 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 298 | 9 | — | 319 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 1 | 94 | 3 | — | 103 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 266 | — | — | 269 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 0 | 142 | 2 | — | 146 | Caution |
All 14 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mazda CX-5 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent CX-5 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 20 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade CX-5 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year CX-5 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2016 Mazda CX-5 if possible. It has 1 recall, 298 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 319 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year CX-5 to buy?+
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 20. It has only 0 recalls and 20 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which CX-5 has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2024, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mazda CX-5 Research
Check a Specific Mazda CX-5 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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