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
2 recalls · 295 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 319
2 recalls · 266 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 272
2 recalls · 246 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 256
Best Mazda CX-5 Years to Buy
0 recalls · 15 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 15
0 recalls · 28 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 28
0 recalls · 30 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 30
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 | 15 | — | — | 15 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 26 | 7 | — | 40 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 30 | — | — | 30 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 28 | — | — | 28 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 55 | — | — | 55 | Good |
| 2021 | 0 | 86 | 11 | — | 108 | Good |
| 2020 | 0 | 81 | 4 | — | 89 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 192 | 5 | — | 208 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 2 | 246 | 2 | — | 256 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 0 | 91 | 1 | — | 93 | Good |
| 2016 | 2 | 295 | 9 | — | 319 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 2 | 94 | 3 | — | 106 | Good |
| 2014 | 2 | 266 | — | — | 272 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 1 | 142 | 2 | — | 149 | 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 15 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 2 recalls, 295 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 15. It has only 0 recalls and 15 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which CX-5 has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2023, 2024 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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