Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 5 vs Mazda Mazda6
How the Mazda CX 5 and Mazda Mazda6 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda CX 5 vs Mazda Mazda6: The CX-5 averages 98.8 complaints per year and has 6 recalls, while the Mazda6 averages 53.9 complaints per year but has 22 recalls. Both have zero deaths, but the CX-5 has more crash-related complaints (52 vs. 37). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 5 or Mazda Mazda6 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that has averaged about 99 complaints per year over the past decade, with 6 recalls. The most common complaint areas are the engine, electrical system, and power train, with reports of unintended acceleration, oil leaks, and transmission issues. While the overall complaint rate is moderate, the engine-related complaints are notably high, suggesting that buyers should pay close attention to engine health and service history.
Mazda Mazda6
The Mazda6 is a midsize sedan with a lower average of about 54 complaints per year, but it has 22 recalls—more than three times as many as the CX-5. Complaints frequently involve the electrical system, engine, and brakes, including issues like sudden RPM spikes, coolant control valve failures, and brake grinding after repairs. The higher recall count means buyers should verify that all recall work has been completed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 5 | Mazda Mazda6 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 988 | 539 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 22 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 | 37 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.8 | 53.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 | 27 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda CX 5
- 01ENGINE369
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER176
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM161
- 04POWER TRAIN96
- 05SERVICE BRAKES80
Owners report unintended acceleration, where the vehicle speeds up on its own, and oil leaks from the timing cover that can drip onto hot parts and create a fire risk. These issues can be dangerous and costly, so a thorough engine inspection and service history check are essential.
Complaints include the Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) malfunctioning, causing the infotainment display and dashboard gauges to blink or drop signals. This can be distracting and expensive to fix, so test all electronics during a test drive.
Some owners report oil consumption issues leading to overheating, and a broken trailing link shaft at the rear wheel with low mileage. These failures can affect vehicle control and lead to costly repairs, so inspect for leaks and listen for unusual noises.
Brake-related complaints are less frequent but include premature wear or failure. Given the SUV's weight, brake performance is critical, so have a mechanic check pad thickness and rotor condition.
“..... ON AT LEAST 5 SEPERATE OCCASIONS OUR 2021 MAZDA CX5 SUV ACCELERATED TO A HIGH RATE OF SPEED (ON IT'S OWN). IT HAS DONE IT TO MY WIFE AND I BOTH. I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT MAZDA SERVICE CENTERS AND WAS ADVISED THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS AND THAT THER…”
“The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. T…”
Mazda Mazda6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM101
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER89
- 03ENGINE79
- 04SERVICE BRAKES60
- 05AIR BAGS51
Owners describe sudden high RPM spikes, downshifting, and loss of power along with warning lights. These symptoms can be alarming and may indicate transmission or sensor problems, so a diagnostic scan is wise.
Reports include overheating and low oil pressure lights shortly after oil changes. These can signal serious internal issues, so check coolant and oil levels and look for leaks.
Some owners hear grinding noises after brake recall repairs, suggesting improper installation or premature wear. Brakes are a safety-critical system, so have them inspected by a trusted mechanic.
Air bag complaints appear in the top five, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Given the safety implications, confirm that all air bag recalls have been addressed.
“THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE AND MAZDA HAS KNOWN FOR YEARS. THE DOOR SASH MOLDING HAS CAUSED ME PERMANENT BRAIN DAMAGE. AT AGE 43, I HAD TO RETIRE/DISABILITY DUE TO DEFECTS MAZDA KNEW OF AND JUST INFORM CONSUMER OF IN 2018? I WAS MAKING RIGHT HAND TURN, LEGALLY. SOME…”
“My RPM'S reaved up real high while driving 60mph and all the sudden the car down shifted and I had to put car in neutral in order maintain control. The traction control light and heck engine lights came on same time, lost power to the car the navigation and r…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda CX 5 — 6 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety S…
The risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffl…
The risk: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer…
Mazda Mazda6 — 22 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
The risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda6 and 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles. Water could possibly enter the brake caliper causing the parking brake actuator shaft to corrode and possibly bind.
The risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will check the parking brake actuator shafts, replacing any that are corroded, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed Au…
The defect: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mazda3 vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through December 18, 2013, and model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured May 20, 2013, through December 4, 2013, and both equipped with a 2.5L engine and a regenerative en…
The risk: Once the PCM assumes that the charging system has failed, the vehicle will stop charging and could result in poor acceleration, loss of steering assist and windshield wiper operation, and a possible engine stall, increasing the risk of a c…
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 7314D.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles manufactured October 25, 2012, to October 10, 2014. If the pressures of four of the tires on an affected vehicle gradually drop at the same time, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not warn…
The risk: A vehicle that is driven with under inflated tires may experience a sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 5 or Mazda Mazda6: which should you buy?
The Mazda6 has fewer complaints per year (about 54 vs. 99 for the CX-5), but it has far more recalls (22 vs. 6). In practice, the CX-5 may have more frequent owner-reported issues, while the Mazda6 requires more diligence in ensuring recall repairs are completed.
Key differences
- The CX-5 has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Mazda6 (98.8 vs. 53.9), but the Mazda6 has over three times as many recalls (22 vs. 6).
- CX-5 owners frequently report unintended acceleration and engine oil leaks, while Mazda6 owners report electrical glitches like RPM spikes and power loss.
- The Mazda6 has more air bag and brake complaints, whereas the CX-5 has more engine and power train complaints.
- Both vehicles have zero reported deaths in the data, but the CX-5 has more crash-related complaints (52 vs. 37) and injuries (34 vs. 27).
- Check for any signs of oil leaks around the timing cover and engine block, as owners report premature seal failure that can lead to fire hazards.
- Test the infotainment system and dashboard displays for blinking or erratic behavior, which may indicate a failing Connectivity Master Unit (CMU).
- Listen for grinding noises from the brakes, especially if the vehicle has had brake recall work done, as some owners report issues after repairs.
- During a test drive, watch for sudden RPM spikes, downshifting, or loss of power, which could point to electrical or transmission problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm that all recalls have been performed, especially for the Mazda6 which has 22 recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine leaks, transmission behavior, and brake condition.
- Test all electrical components, including infotainment, windows, lights, and dashboard displays, for any malfunctions.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly oil change intervals, to assess engine health.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or warning lights that may indicate underlying issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mazda CX 5 | Mazda Mazda6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 143 | 17 |
| 2020 | 106 | 2 |
| 2019 | 267 | 6 |
| 2018 | 117 | 58 |
| 2017 | 148 | 60 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda CX 5 or Mazda Mazda6 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 5 vs Mazda Mazda6
- Mazda CX 5 total complaints
- 988
- Mazda Mazda6 total complaints
- 539
- Mazda CX 5 total recalls
- 6
- Mazda Mazda6 total recalls
- 22
- Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
- 98.8
- Mazda Mazda6 avg complaints/year
- 53.9
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda6
- Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Mazda Mazda6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM