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 · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 6
1 recall · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 3
Best Mazda CX-5 Years to Buy
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
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 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Caution |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Caution |
| 2016 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Caution |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Caution |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
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 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade CX-5 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 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, 0 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 6 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year CX-5 to buy?+
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which CX-5 has the fewest problems?+
The 2015, 2017, 2019 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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