2021 Mazda CX-5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has 188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 188. The most common issue is engine problems (41% of all complaints), specifically: on 17-may-2021 after sitting unused for 1 day my mazda cx-5, mfg year 2021 with about 1,500 miles did not start. all electrical systems failed, there was no indication of any power present. the vehicle is presently at the dealership it was purchased at about 90 days ago, 495 mazda in lowell ma .
188
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
78 complaints- • On 17-MAY-2021 after sitting unused for 1 day my Mazda CX-5, mfg year 2021 with about 1,500 miles did not start. All electrical systems failed, there was no indication of any power present. The vehicle is presently at the dealership it was purchased at about 90 days ago, 495 Mazda in Lowell MA
- • ON Nov 4th my Mazda CX5 alerted me to low engine oil level by illuminating dashboard symbol and app notification. I attached a file containing an explanation of the issue, emails directed to Mazda corporation and Napelton Mazda in Naperville IL. I also attached screenshots of the in app notification
- • Bought the car brand new in May 2021, did a first oil change at around 4K miles due to the fact the car uses conventional 5w-30 oil and not synthetic oil. At around 7k miles the low oil engine light came on. Checked the dipstick and it was low. Added a quart of oil to hold me over until the next ava
“On 17-MAY-2021 after sitting unused for 1 day my Mazda CX-5, mfg year 2021 with about 1,500 miles did not start. All electrical systems failed, there was no indication of any power present. The vehicle is presently at the dealership it was purchased at about 90 days ago, 495 Mazda in Lowell MA ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Mazda CX-5
Based on 23 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 34K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Mazda CX-5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Mazda CX-5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mazda CX-5 Service Intervals
SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2021 CX-5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 188 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: On 17-MAY-2021 after sitting unused for 1 day my Mazda CX-5, mfg year 2021 with about 1,500 miles did not start. All electrical systems failed, there was no indication of any power present. The vehicle is presently at the dealership it was purchased at about 90 days ago, 495 Mazda in Lowell MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: On 17-MAY-2021 after sitting unused for 1 day my Mazda CX-5, mfg year 2021 with about 1,500 miles did not start. All electrical systems failed, there was no indication of any power present. The vehicle is presently at the dealership it was purchased at about 90 days ago, 495 Mazda in Lowell MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The blind spot monitoring system does not function properly. While on the freeway some vehicles show up and some do not. I took it to the dealer, and they test drove it and said it was working properly and there were no codes. I contacted Mazda and they made a second appointment for me, and I took
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THE PAINT ON THIS CAR IS NOTORIOUSLY POOR AND MAZDA IS AWARE. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 16 FEBRUARY 2021, DROVE IT HOME AND LEFT IT IN THE DRIVEWAY DUE TO SNOW/ICE. ON THURSDAY, 18 FEBRUARY INSTEAD OF BRUSHING OR SCRAPING OFF THE ICE WE LEFT IT TO MELT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ICE MELT LEFT HUGE SC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda CX-5 — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 188
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 20
- Injury reports
- 19
- Segment avg
- 188
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Mazda CX-5