2021 Mazda CX-5

147 complaints on file, page 1 of 8.

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 11, 2026124,000 milesMuskegon, MIEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who confirmed that there was a defect with cylinder#1. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11766753
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2026Staten Island, NYEngine, Power train, Suspension

   Differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. Car is undrivable. This. Defect has a TSB

   NHTSA complaint 11766438
3. Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Sep 18, 2026Ontario, CA 91764, CAEngine

   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, September 4, and September 18, 2026, at approximately 70,060 miles. The same unintended acceleration behavior occurred during all three incidents.

   NHTSA complaint 11765445
4. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Philadelphia, PAUnknown or other

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11763398
5. Filed Aug 12, 2026Failure Jul 22, 2026Kissimmee, FLUnknown or other

   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 the evaporator is between $3000-$4500 in my area, seems a high cost to be poisoned by a vehicle that only has 25,000 miles on the clock!

   NHTSA complaint 11756577
6. Filed Aug 10, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026Carmel, INAir bags, Unknown or other

   My 2021 Mazda CX-5 has developed a persistent rattling/vibration noise from the A-pillar and upper corner of the windshield. The noise appears to originate from the windshield/A-pillar attachment area and may be related to improper adhesion, mounting, weatherstripping, or other components near the top of the windshield. I have found numerous similar owner reports involving Mazda CX-5 and other fourth-generation Mazda models describing rattling, clicking, or vibration from the same windshield/A-pillar area. Because this issue appears to affect a significant number of vehicles, I believe NHTSA should investigate whether there is a common manufacturing or assembly defect and determine whether a manufacturer repair campaign or recall is warranted.

   NHTSA complaint 11755858
7. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Jul 31, 2026Atlanta, GAWarningCrash

   While driving in the Interstate, a truck swerved towards my lane; I swerved into the next lane to avoid the truck hitting me and when I began to swerve my Lane Departure warning malfunctioned and caused my car to completely shut down. I immediately put my hazard lights on to hopefully avoid being hit; but, a car behind plowed right into my rear end. The police were onsite at the accident. My vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and my insurance representative.

   NHTSA complaint 11755082
8. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jul 26, 2026Great Falls, VAAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings

   I was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the brake waiting to turn left onto Lee Highway from Fairfax County Parkway. Car jerked forward TWO times in a row, both times hitting the car in front of me. Our lane was at a dead stop waiting for the left hand arrow. The cars to the right of us had the green and were moving forward. I felt like I had no control over the car during this time.

   NHTSA complaint 11753806
9. Filed Jul 27, 2026Failure Jun 26, 2026Gilbert, AZEngine

   The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. The leak also increases the risk of low engine oil levels, which could lead to engine damage or sudden engine failure if not detected in time. This issue required an expensive repair despite the vehicle being properly maintained. I have since learned that many other Mazda owners have reported similar timing cover oil leaks on this engine, suggesting this may be a widespread defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a safety-related defect that warrants further investigation.

   NHTSA complaint 11753162
10. Filed Jul 16, 2026Failure Jun 3, 2026Deridder, LAElectrical system, Warnings, Automatic emergency braking

    The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) suffers from a severe, persistent electronic hardware malfunction that causes the central information display and dashboard telemetry to blink, cycle, and drop signals erratically. This specific hardware architecture failure threatens to corrupt data transmission lines directly connected to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), creating an imminent safety risk of unintended automatic emergency braking or false sensor deployment during highway transit. The vehicle utilizes the exact same defective CMU hardware component that the manufacturer has acknowledged and recalled on other model cohorts; however, the manufacturer has explicitly excluded this specific VIN from safety recall eligibility. Diagnostic attempts by the authorized dealer network relied solely on forcing digital software updates that completely failed to correct the core hardware signaling instability, leaving the vehicle un-repaired and presenting an active, unmitigated electrical and safety hazard on public roads.

    NHTSA complaint 11750866
11. Filed Jun 23, 2026Failure Jun 20, 202695,000 milesLa Crosse, WIBlind spot detection

    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate and changing lanes, the blind spot warning light was inoperable. The contact stated that the blind spot indicator then became operable. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure and stated that the repair was not covered. The local dealer was contacted, where a prior unknown diagnostic test was completed; however, the blind spot failure had not been addressed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11745846
12. Filed May 30, 2026Failure May 5, 2026New Berlin, WIEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    2021 Mazda CX‑5 (VIN: [XXX] ). First low‑oil warning at 17,800 miles. ([XXX]) Mazda dealership in La Crosse, WI performed an oil change and fully refilled the oil. Second low‑oil warning at 18,700 miles — only 900 miles later. ([XXX]) This indicates rapid, abnormal oil loss consistent with the known valve‑stem‑seal defect for this model year. Sudden low‑oil conditions pose a safety risk due to potential engine damage or failure. Requesting NHTSA document this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11740997
13. Filed May 11, 2026Failure May 10, 2026New Berlin, WIEngine

    My 2021 Mazda CX‑5 is experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning oil between regular oil changes, and the oil level drops noticeably before the recommended service interval. I have noticed a burning smell and/or signs of oil loss without visible leaks. This raises concerns about potential engine damage, stalling, or fire risk while driving. The issue has occurred repeatedly and does not seem normal for a vehicle of this age and mileage. I am filing this complaint because this may indicate a defect affecting engine safety and reliability.

    NHTSA complaint 11737194
14. Filed May 3, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Caledonia, WIAutomatic emergency braking, Service brakes, Vehicle speed control

    2021 Mazda CX5 AWD- Non Turbo Engine. Sunny Day, Dry. My Car was clean. No Precipitation. Some shadows of the interstate light poles across the road 200-300 feet in front of me, but they were thin shadows. Sun Was to my Left. I was driving South on May 01 2026 about 10am on the Interstate going Highway Speeds, with adaptive cruise control "on", in the 2nd lane of a 4 lane interstate. Thankfully no other traffic ahead or behind me. Car slammed on the brakes suddenly, pretty hard. I counteracted and added more gas pedal to keep in going. I turned off the Cruise Control. After a while I re-engaged the Cruise Control and had no issues. This could have been a huge accident in busier traffic. Will get the car checked out at Mazda Dealership Service this week.

    NHTSA complaint 11735370
15. Filed Apr 27, 2026Failure Oct 2, 2023Maricopa, AZService brakes

    The car has 21000 miles and is driven lightly when applying the brakes the steering wheel started shaking and the car made noises - the brakes could have failed at any time and at any speedl The dealer said the rotors were warped. no warning and no notification from the manufacturer that this could happen at such low miles. i didnt bring the vehicle in because i could not believe the brakes would be at fault with such low miles - it started at 10000 miles. a notification from the manufacturer or dealers would prevent a catastrophic brake failure

    NHTSA complaint 11733942
16. Filed Apr 3, 2026Failure Aug 9, 2025Rex, GAEngine

    Due to oil consumption issues & oil leak on 2021 Mazda cx 5 AWD I was told the timing cover and gasket needs replacement due to oil leakage. This appears to be a very common issue with this vehicle. The engine is at risk of catastrophic failure due to low oil levels

    NHTSA complaint 11729087
17. Filed Mar 27, 2026Failure Mar 8, 2026114,000 milesArlington, TXEngine, Automatic emergency braking

    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Brakes activated unintendedly, and the vehicle jerked to the left and independently accelerated and moved back in the lane intended lane. The vehicle then jerked to the right, unintendedly accelerated, and then went back into the intended lane. Then the vehicle resumed normal operation. While driving approximately 60-65 MPH a week later, the vehicle started jerking. The “Smart City Brake Malfunction” message was displayed, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11727507
18. Filed Mar 4, 2026Failure Mar 4, 202646,465 milesSaratoga Springs,, NYEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer to continue adding oil to the engine as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,465.

    NHTSA complaint 11722089
19. Filed Jan 15, 2026Failure May 1, 202564,000 milesKansas City, MOTread/belt, Sidewall

    The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Destination LE3, Tire Size: 225/55/R19, DOT Numbers: 17XEFLE320725 and 17XEFLE321524. While the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed by a co-worker that there was a bubble on the rear passenger's side tire. The contact inspected the tire and noticed that there was a bubble that was two inches deep and 3 inches long on the side wall of the tire with DOT Number: 17XEFLE321524. The vehicle was taken to Tire Plus, where the tire was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound heard, and the TPMS warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact noticed that there was a 2-inch long crack in the tread of the rear driver's side tire, the tire with DOT Number: 17XEFLE320725. The tire was replaced with the spare tire. The vehicle was then taken to Tire Plus, where the contact was awaiting the tire replacement. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The tire failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11711078
20. Filed Jan 10, 2026Failure Sep 7, 2025Monroe, OHAir bags

    Its been few months its giving me air bag issue sign in my car.

    NHTSA complaint 11710141