2021 Mazda CX-5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

198 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5, alongside 0 recall campaigns and 0 defect investigations. It scores 34/100 on the trouble index — a middle-of-the-pack year for this model. Engine leads the reports.

198Complaints
34/100Trouble index
0Recalls

Typical

Where 2021 sits among all CX-5 years

Darker = quieter yearsBrighter amber = more trouble

What owners report

Engine 79 complaints (40%)
“Car is burning oil. The low oil level light has come on twice, requiring additional oil be poured into the engine between oil changes. Appears the car is burning oil.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2021 CX-5
Driver assistance 25 complaints (13%)
“In under 36 months failure of the front sensing camera disabled parking brake, traction control, emergency braking assistant, traction control, lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning”— owner report to NHTSA, 2021 CX-5
Other 16 complaints (8%)
Transmission & drivetrain 16 complaints (8%)
Electrical 13 complaints (7%)
Brakes & stability 11 complaints (6%)

Recalls

No recall campaigns on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5.

Complaint history for this model year

When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.

2021peak 61 in 20222026

Questions buyers ask

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 drew 198 complaints in federal safety records — a middle-of-the-pack year for this model. Its trouble index is 34/100, scored against the model's worst year (2016).

What are the most common 2021 Mazda CX-5 problems?

The top reported problems for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 are engine (79 complaints), driver assistance (25), and other (16).

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?

No recall campaigns are on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check the VIN before buying.

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Data updated 2026-08-12 from NHTSA's public records

Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.