Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

144 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
88

Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 6 mention an injury.

fluid leaks 66premature wear 5
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11763398 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
19

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 2 mention a crash.

software faults 12electrical shorts 2
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11755082 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
12

Most reports here involve unintended acceleration. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

unintended acceleration 4premature wear 3loss of braking 2
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753806 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
4

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 4
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11711078 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
4

Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly.

airbags deploying unexpectedly 2
A recent report: Its been few months its giving me air bag issue sign in my car.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11710141 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
9

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1electrical shorts 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11755858 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
8

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 2fluid leaks 1
A recent report: 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…
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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!

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11756577 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 144 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2021 and 2026, roughly 25 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.