NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Feb 2,2022 received Critical Vehicle Malfunction Warning, all vehicle systems affected told to call roadside assistance and not to drive vehicle. Received same warning again February 11,2022 after vehicle had been inspected by dealer service again had vehicle towed to dealer. April 14, 2022 Critical vehicle malfunction again. October 30, 2022, again Critical vehicle malfunction warning. All vehicle systems affected.
When the cylinder deactivation system triggers It causes the engine/car to shake and stutter. Somtimes it's suttle and other times if feels like the car is going to stall out. It's a vibration that makes it feel like your driving over cobblestones. This has been ongoing for a few months now. I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow. It appears to be the same problem as the 2018-2019 Recall.
I parked my car in my driveway and accidentally left the gear in park when I turned off the engine with the push button. This is the first time I had driven this car so I didn't know what to do for the warning beep. I exited the car and took the key fob with me. My daughter exited the car just after me and when she closed the car door the pressure was enough to start the car rolling backwards. The vehicle rolled down our driveway which has a steep slope, across the street, over our neighbor's yard and crashed against their house. We are lucky that no pedestrians or other vehicles were involved. There is significant structural damage to the neighbor's house. A police report was filed. I believe this is a significant safety hazard that a driver could turn off the engine and leave with the key fob while the car is in drive and there is no braking mechanism to prevent the car from rolling! In addition, the quiet warning beep should be more pronounced such as the horn honking or something more extreme to get the attention of the distracted driver.
The windshield defrost only works for the center part of the windshield given that there is only a single center defrost vent. Vision is severely impaired during rainy or snowy days (worse during nights) while driving and it makes the driving very dangerous. You can only see what is in front of you, but very limited side views due to the fog on both sides of the windshield. Attached is a pic of the windshield when I came back from a 2 mile errand run while the defrost vent was at full scale constantly.
Excessive oil consumption NEW 2021 MAZDA CX-5 CARBON ADDITION TURBO - At approximately 7000 miles the low oil light came on, I added oil and got an oil change 2/11/22. At 11000 miles got low engine oil light had to add a full quart on 7/20/22. There are no oil leaks or obvious damage anywhere. I contacted the dealer who stated that they recommend oil changes at 5000 miles though the manual states 7500. If oil is being blown through a gasket or seal it will potentially foul the o2 and emissions sensor, the cylinders, etc. and ruin the engine or cause catastrophic failure.
On this model of Mazda, they only manufactured it with 1 small center defrost vent on the windshield, and nothing on the sides. Therefore the windshield only gets defrosted in the center, not in front of the driver. I live in the Pacific Northwest and it rains a lot which results in foggy windows, I feel it is extremely unsafe driving a car that doesn’t defrost the full windshield, more importantly in front of the drivers view. I have severely degraded visibility 80% of the time I’m driving because of how poorly designed defrost ducts are
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure had recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic tests. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Bought the car brand new in May 2021, did a first oil change at around 4K miles due to the fact the car uses conventional 5w-30 oil and not synthetic oil. At around 7k miles the low oil engine light came on. Checked the dipstick and it was low. Added a quart of oil to hold me over until the next available appointment. Dealer could not find any leaks, they completed a oil change again. I went in again at 11K for another oil change. Had no problems. A few days ago at 14K low engine light came on, this time I turned the car off. Let it sit over night. Made an appointment with the dealer for the next day. Turned the car on the next morning, light went away. Both times I got a notification from Mazda connect services alerting me of these problems. (Please see attached) I brought the car in on 12/22/21 and was told the car was low on oil and nothing else could be done until Mazda comes up with a solution.
The car is consuming excessive engine oil. Between 3000-4000 miles the low engine oil light comes on. I was on the highway and had to pull over. I was told we don’t need oil change until 5000 miles. Not feeling safe to drive long distance. Dealership acknowledged seal is causing the leaks, but said Mazda won’t cover the cost unless check engine light is on. Also the break pads are moving slightly when breaking, dealership said it’s normal due to break pads are moving back and forth when breaking. However, I can hear the breaks clicking.
2021 Mazda cr-5 Automatic rear hatch comes open on its own. This has happened 6-7 times. I make sure the car is locked and have come back to parking lot to find the hatch open. I have even locked the car and when I have walked to door of Walmart (long way off) and look back the hatch is not open. When I come back out, the rear hatch is open. I took to dealership and they could not rectify the problem.
Ever since the vehicle was bought brand new. It had oil consumption issues. I always had to top off engine oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles or so.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was not operating properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer reprogrammed the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). However, the failure recurred. After taking the vehicle back from the dealer, the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed, when the windshield wiper inadvertently engaged, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the headlights inadvertently turned off and the steering wheel pulled the contact's arm down and the vehicle went to the median, running over a metal pole. The cruise control would not deactivate, and the brakes would not engage immediately. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Hiley Mazda of Huntsville (6934 Hwy 72 W, Huntsville, AL 35806). The dealer measured the fuel level resistance range of the fuel level sender and informed the contact that the fuel level sending unit needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,629.
ON Nov 4th my Mazda CX5 alerted me to low engine oil level by illuminating dashboard symbol and app notification. I attached a file containing an explanation of the issue, emails directed to Mazda corporation and Napelton Mazda in Naperville IL. I also attached screenshots of the in app notification and the Mazda TSB which I had to find on my own because Mazda coporate and both the selling/servicing dealer would not acknowledge the oil burning issue.
The design of the remote control is poor. Placement of the buttons on the side and the light pressure needed to activate the unlock for the trunk has led to it opening unexpectedly. It can open and strike a pedestrian when you did not intend to activate the powered trunk open feature. It could also open when near an object and damage the trunk b/c of how sensitive the remote buttons are. This has also led to the doors unlocking b/c of placement and light pressure needed to activate. On one occasion the button was pressed accidentally and the trunk was partially open as I backed up.
Primary hood latch released while driving. It happened at night in heavy rain and was not seen. This vehicle appears to lack a hood open warning indicator. I am unable to find it in the manual. There is an indicator for doors and back hatch but not the hood. Had the secondary latch failed, this could have had a catastrophic outcome.
Excessive oil consumption. Confirmed by the dealer.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced at the dealer under Manufacturer's recall number: SSPC7 for the TCU, the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed, when the "Keyless ignition malfunction" warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence, but when he attempted to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle would not turn off. The contact had to disconnect the fuel pump fuse for the vehicle to turn off. The vehicle would also not turn on when the contact attempted to start the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact they would send for a tow truck, but the tow truck never showed up. The failure mileage was approximately 4,400.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact restarted the vehicle and corrected the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer performed a Special Service Program (SSP) Recall #: SSPC7 (TCU Connect Concern CV/Battery) where the TCU software was updated; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no additional recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
The car is burning oil and has been since brand new, to the extent that I must drive around with spare oil in the back. First time it came on I didn’t believe it to be real.. A new modern vehicles shouldn’t be losing or burning oil. Mazda has released a TSB (01-11/22) regarding this issue but has yet to issue a repair or recall. It infuriates me as I love everything the else about the car but this will affect my Mazdas longevity, including emissions equipment, and Mazda is not standing by the reliability of its product. Makes me lose trust in the manufacturer, and I can’t see myself ever buying a Mazda again so long as Mazda refuses to to Stan by it’s product and disregard their own reliability reputation.
We have a new 2021 CX5 and the two taillights (the ones that are on top of the backup lights) do not light up. The dealer, Napleton Mazda in Libertyville, IL, told us that that is normal and those lights are not meant to light up. The dealer said they have many customers bringing their car in for service for the same issue, but it is not something they can fix. At night the car is not as visible as it should be, especially if you are in a dark area and stopped without your foot on the brake. We had the police pull over my daughter in the car saying she had no lights in the rear. This is not on all these models, but we were told this particular model doesn't have the lights, even though the light kits are installed.
The blind spot monitoring system does not function properly. While on the freeway some vehicles show up and some do not. I took it to the dealer, and they test drove it and said it was working properly and there were no codes. I contacted Mazda and they made a second appointment for me, and I took it back. I told them that it only does it on the freeway and I sent them a video showing the problem. They said they drove it again (not on the freeway) and told me it worked fine and since there was no code, they could not fix it. I called Mazda again and they told me they could make an appointment at another dealer. The nearest dealer is an hour away and they had my vehicle for 7 days the first time and three days the second time. I don't have the ability to take it an hour away and leave it for days. This is a safety issue and needs to be repaired. I had the same vehicle only it was a 2018 and never had this problem.
My car appears to consuming oil excessively. I bought this car new in March of 2021 at I have had to top off my oil between oil changes at almost every single oil change since I have owned it. The car only has 33900 miles on it and usually about two months in from my oil change the check oil light comes on and the dipstick shows the oil at the lower end of the dipstick. I have purchased oil on my own and have had to have the dealer top it off. After topped off it will usually make it fine until my next oil change but a brand new car should not be burning oil like this and I was told they have known about a valve stem defect since September of 2021 but still have not done a recall or have a fix for it.
On 17-MAY-2021 after sitting unused for 1 day my Mazda CX-5, mfg year 2021 with about 1,500 miles did not start. All electrical systems failed, there was no indication of any power present. The vehicle is presently at the dealership it was purchased at about 90 days ago, 495 Mazda in Lowell MA and is available for inspection. The sudden loss of all electrical systems has the potential for stranding the driver and passengers in dangerous locations. The problem has not yet been reproduced. The vehicle has been inspected by the service department of 495 Mazda in Lowell MA who advised they had charged the battery and tested it as ok and offered to return the vehicle to me. There were no warning lights or other indication of this problem. This morning when I called for service, the dealer, 495 Mazda informed me they do not pick up failed automobiles and I should either call Mazda roadside assistance or jump start the car and bring it in. I measured the battery voltage at 2.5 volts and charged it with a high quality battery charger. The car then started. After shutting off the car there was a faint buzzing sound from the engine compartment. I advised the dealer service department of all these details. I would also note that after the car started I measured the battery voltage at over 14 volts proving the charging system works, after shutting off the engine the voltage dropped to 12.1 volts.
Excess oil consumption. Manufacturer recommended oil change interval is 7,500 miles. At 3500 miles a low oil warning light came on and I had to add oil. I changed my oil as recommended at 7500 miles. At 11,000 miles the warning light came on and I had to add oil once again. I am currently just shy of 15,000 miles and I'm getting my oil changed tomorrow. I've read that there is a known valve stem seal issue with these 2021 turbo engines that is causing this. I'm worried that there may be a catastrophic engine failure that could cause me to crash.
Car purchased new in 2021. Uses 1quart oil every 3,000 miles. Checked at dealer and assured of no leaks. Service bulletin issued by Mazda acknowledges problem probably due to faulty valve stem seals, but no resolution offerree for clients except “stop by for a quart of oil whenever light comes on!”
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65MPH AND HEARD A LOUD POP. I WAS UNSURE WHAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN, BUT KNEW IT CAME FROM THE ROOF AREA. I OPENED THE SLIDER TO THE SUNROOF. THE GLASS HAD EXPLODED!! I PULLED OVER TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE AND NOTICED THE GLASS EXPLODED OUTWARD. I HAVE PICTURES SHOWING THE HOLE IN THE GLASS AS WELL AS THE SHARDS (HELD TOGETHER BY SAFETY COATING) POINTING UP AND AWAY FROM THE CAR FROM HAVING EXPLODED OUT.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that after driving for 1,000 miles the vehicle needed an oil change. The oil level warning light would be illuminated. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to the dealer the contact was informed that the engine was a quart low on engine oil. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.
THE INFORMANT CONTROLS ARE NOT SAFE TO USE WHILE DRIVING. WAY TO MANY SUB GROUPS TO SCROLL THROUGH JUST TO GET THE RADIO TO WORK. VERY CONFUSING AND DISTRACTING.
THE PAINT ON THIS CAR IS NOTORIOUSLY POOR AND MAZDA IS AWARE. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 16 FEBRUARY 2021, DROVE IT HOME AND LEFT IT IN THE DRIVEWAY DUE TO SNOW/ICE. ON THURSDAY, 18 FEBRUARY INSTEAD OF BRUSHING OR SCRAPING OFF THE ICE WE LEFT IT TO MELT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ICE MELT LEFT HUGE SCRATCHES ON THE HOOD. THERE IS NO REASON FOR ICE/SNOW TO CAUSE THIS MUCH DAMAGE. WE REVIEWED A NUMBER OF WEBSITES AND IT APPEARS THAT MAZDA IS AWARE OF THIS INFERIOR PAINT AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. BUT THEY DO CHARGE $595 MORE FOR IT. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY CALL BACKS FROM MAZDA CORPORATION. BROWNS CHANTILLY DID ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE BUT ALL THAT DID WAS MASK IT SLIGHTLY. THE DAMAGE IS STILL VERY VISIBLE. THIS CAR HAS 12 MILES ON IT AND MOST OF THOSE ARE FROM THE DEALER. I AM UNABLE TO UPLOAD MORE THAN ONE PHOTO. THE PHOTO SHOWS THE LARGEST SCRATCH BUT T HERE ARE MANY MORE ON THE CAR.
The outside mirrors failed to rotate open, and you could not see behind the vehicle. The mirrors rotate inward when the doors are locked and are supposed to open fully when the doors are unlocked. These outside mirrors can freeze when rotated in during freezing temperatures. When the vehicle is unlocked, the mirrors if frozen, can be kept from rotating out to the locked position. This condition causes the mirror motor assembly to fail and that prevents the mirrors from rotating to the outboard and locked position. Latter year models have an added option to turn the rotating feature off but no retrofit option was added to earlier model yesrs.
WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW OFF THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP LOT YESTERDAY WITH 5 MILES ON THE ODO. AS MY HUSBAND PULLED OFF THE LOT HE SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND THE BRAKES FELT LIKE THEY'D SEIZED UP A BIT. HE PULLED OVER AND THOUGHT ABOUT TURNING BACK ONTO THE LOT, BUT THEN THOUGHT IT MAY BE JUST BECAUSE THEY'RE NEW BRAKES AND CONTINUED ON AND DROVE HOME. THIS MORNING WE REMOTELY STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE MAZDA APP SENT US AN ALERT THAT THERE IS A CRITICAL VEHICLE MALFUNCTION HAVING TO DO WITH THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALERS ARE CLOSED, SO I DON'T HAVE ANY MORE INFO YET. I JUST SIGNED BACK ON TO THE APP AND THERE'S A SECOND MALFUNCTION ALERT NOW WITH THE EMERGENCY LAND KEEPING. THERE ARE NOW CURRENTLY 65 MILES ON THE ODO. WE HAVE ONLY DRIVEN THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP HOME AND PARKED IT OUTSIDE OVER NIGHT.
RED SOUL ON THE CX5 HAVING EXCESSIVE PAINT CHIPPING. LESS THAN 5K MILES ON THE CAR AND HAVE ONLY HAD FOR 3 MONTHS AND THERE'S ALREADY 9 TO 10 CHIPS ON THE HOOD AND DRIVER DOOR.