2021 Mazda CX-5 Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine (55.5% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 4.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 76 · 55.5% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 16 · 11.7% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 11 · 8% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 11 · 8% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 · 5.8% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 · 5.1% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 137 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on about 1000 miles from last oil changed. Dealer fixed the Mazda recall code: P250F on July 30, 2025. Now…”NHTSA complaint 11700495 — filed 11/20/2025 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the Front Brake System Malfunction, Forward Brake Malfunction, and Check Engine warning lights were…”NHTSA complaint 11696729 — filed 10/31/2025 · ENGINE
“No codes, dealer unable to duplicate. I have been hearing a lifter tick come and go for months (since February ) with my oil level…”NHTSA complaint 11653373 — filed 04/08/2025 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 76 of 137 NHTSA complaints (55.5%), followed by power train (16), unspecified/other issues (14), service brakes (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?
137 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Mazda CX-5's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
