2021 Mazda CX-5 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda CX-5. The most-reported areas: Engine (78), Unknown Or Other (17), Power Train (16).
Key takeaways
- 145 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 9 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 7 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 78 | 54% |
| Unknown Or Other | 17 | 12% |
| Power Train | 16 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 12 | 8% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 11 | 8% |
| Service Brakes | 11 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 6% |
| Lane Departure | 7 | 5% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | 3% |
| Tires | 3 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-09-19
2021 Mazda CX-5 2.5L non-turbo. While driving at approximately 8 mph, I removed my foot from the accelerator, but the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. I did not press the accelerator pedal. I had to apply the brake to slow the vehicle down. This issue has occurred three separate times, on August 25, Septemb...
Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-09-10
Twice while making left turns from a stop into faster cross traffic, the accelerator was pressed but the vehicle barely moved (coasting) for roughly 2 - 3 seconds, then suddenly accelerated normally, creating a near-collision risk as cross traffic quickly approached. No warning lights were observed on the dash.
Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-08-12
My CX-5 has 25,000 miles and recently the a/c failed culminating in a distinct chemical smell in the cabin. The issue was identified as a leaking/failed evaporator which apparently is located behind the dashboard and in turn “dump” the leaking refrigerant into the cabin! The total cost of repair due to the location of ...
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More for the 2021 Mazda CX-5
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.