Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid

Why 2014 and 2016 made the avoid list

2014 Mazda CX-5

AvoidTop issue: visibility · 33% of complaints · median 8,000 miles

Owners describe rear brakes grinding, squealing, or seizing far sooner than expected, plus vehicles that won't fully power off in park, draining the battery, and windshields that crack with little apparent cause. Many report repairs that recur, or dealers declining coverage.

Full 2014 report ›

2016 Mazda CX-5

AvoidTop issue: lights · 36% of complaints · median 40,000 miles

Owners describe the electric parking brake sticking or dragging, causing overheated rear brakes, worn pads and rotors, and occasional loss of braking response, plus transmissions that hesitate to engage then lurch, often needing replacement. Many also report LED daytime running lights dimming and failing, requiring costly sealed headlight assemblies.

Full 2016 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Mazda CX-5 years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2014 and 2016 CX-5 drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical CX-5 year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2013 and 2018 also ran above average; use caution with them.

What is the best year for a used Mazda CX-5?

The 2017 CX-5 drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.5× the rate of a typical CX-5 year), followed by the 2020 and 2019. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Mazda CX-5?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the engine (17% of complaints), followed by the brakes (14%) and the electrical system (14%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Mazda CX-5 been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns covering CX-5 model years 2013 to 2026, the most recent in November 2021. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.