2017 Mazda CX-5
2017 model shown · Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact SUVs · KF generation

2021 Mazda CX-5: reliability, problems and cost to own

Fair Below average

It scores 36 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $13,542 to own, including $2,667 in repairs.

Reliability

36/100

Below average

Repairs, 5 years

$2,667

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,286

28 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$17,815

$15,677 – $19,953, estimate

Recalls

0

on record

Owner complaints

148

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$1,728
Transmission & drivetrain$464
Driver-assist & stability$140
Electrical system$111
Body, glass & interior$62
Brakes$47

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Mazda CX-5

Of the years we rate, the 2015 scores best (95/100) and the 2018 worst (27/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202477/100
202377/100
202286/100
202136/100
202085/100
201930/100
201827/100
201791/100
201666/100
201595/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 36 out of 100, below average for compact and small SUVs; the 2015, 2017 and 2022 scored better.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

It scores 36 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,667 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 Mazda CX-5 cost to own?

About $13,542 over 5 years: $3,589 in lost value, $2,667 in repairs and $7,286 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $17,815 today.

What are the best years of the Mazda CX-5?

Of the years we rate, the 2015 scores best (95/100) and the 2018 worst (27/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?

None on record with NHTSA.