2023 Mazda CX-5: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 59 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (12% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days
0
recalls
59
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Service Brakes (brakes)12% · 9 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)12% · 9 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)12% · 9 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)11% · 8 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)7% · 5 complaints
Visibility/Wiper (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)7% · 5 complaints
“Check Engine Light Code P0524 - Low Oil Pressure. Everything check out fine. Checked all the suggested TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) possibilities from a respected and qualified service center. Cleared the code and it keeps coming back on.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“The passenger seat occupancy sensor goes off intermittently, causing an extremely distracting seatbelt alarm in the vehicle during operation. This has occurred to me while driving on a highway; I deeply lost focus on controlling the vehicle as the alarm started suddenly, I shoved the one water bottle off the seat to no avail, and I had to reach way over to plug the seatbelt in to silence it. In other instances where this occurs, only a full restart of the vehicle will reset the sensor. Existing TSB 08-001/23 was deemed to not cover my vehicle by the manufacturer, despite my VIN being in range and symptoms being identical.”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2026
“Brake pedals do not have enough pedal reserve, it takes some time for it to come to a stop. The brakes don’t feel secure. We feel like the brakes are going to give up. It also makes a very loud scratching sound when reversing and pressing on the brakes.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Airbags failed to deploy in a collision where the front end of the vehicle was crushed, and a driver wearing a seat belt hit the steering wheel with enough force to fracture their sternum and cause two cervical fractures as well.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2026
“Just out of warranty passenger headlight is making a humming noise. Many other owners are having same malfunctions. Cost to replace at dealership is around $2,000.00. LED headlight has a cooling fan that is failing. Many have been replaced under warranty. Mine started just outside of the warranty mileage. It’s a known issue that should have a recall issued.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2026
“Cracked cylinder head probably caused by cylinder deactivation causing catastrophic oil loss on the highway. Upon researching this, I see that it is a known issue with Mazda. My car is now in the shop awaiting repairs. It only has about 35,000 miles on it. This is obviously a known defect and is simply not acceptable.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
“Adaptive headlight motor does not work. It makes a huge noise. Unfortunately it is not under warranty but Mazda dealerships have informed me that this is a known issue. This is a concern because the headlight does not function properly and does not work. The issue is a motor that fails, however you cannot just replace the motor. The entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced and is over 2,000. I strongly believe Mazda should be looked into and a special recall should be issued due to this. There should not be. $2 part that fails continuously causing a $2,000 repair.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2025
“The battery died, the car wouldn't start one night. The battery which is the original that came with the car is only about 2 years old. I googled the code from the code reader, it said some mazda cx-5 have a starting problem but then I checked the recall website and there was none.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2025
“After driving a few mile, the following two warnings come up * Smart Brake System Malfunction * Forward Radar Sensor System malfunction. If I turn off the car and then restart, the warnings go away. However, it comes back if I drive for a while again. I have visited dealership a few times for the same issue, they replaced the wheel bearing and brake switch. The warning disappeared for days and came back.”Owner report · Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance · Sep 2025
“Humming or moaning noise from the passenger side headlamp. Inspected by dealer mechanic and mentioned the TSB 09-015-23B bulletin. Dealership replaced headlamp covered under warranty.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2023 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
NHTSA has 59 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2023 Mazda CX-5. The most complained-about area is service brakes (12% of complaints).
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.