Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 5 vs Toyota Camry
How the Mazda CX 5 and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The CX-5 has 988 complaints over 10 years (99/yr) vs Camry's 2,143 (214/yr). CX-5 reports engine oil leaks and sudden acceleration; Camry has transmission failures and brake issues. Both have recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 5 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX-5, a compact SUV, has accumulated 988 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 99 per year. The most frequent issues are engine-related, with owners reporting sudden unintended acceleration and oil leaks from the timing cover. Electrical system problems, such as erratic infotainment displays, and powertrain concerns like premature component failures also appear. While no deaths are reported, the acceleration and oil leak issues are serious safety concerns that could affect daily driving.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, a midsize sedan, has 2,143 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 214 per year, which is higher than the CX-5. The top problem areas are powertrain, with transmission grinding and failures, and engine issues, including sudden acceleration and coolant valve problems. Brake failures are also reported, with instances of no response when pressing the pedal. These issues can lead to costly repairs and potential safety hazards, especially the acceleration and brake failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 5 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 988 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 sudden unintended acceleration, where the vehicle accelerates on its own, and oil leaks from the timing cover due to premature seal failure, which could drip onto hot components and pose a fire risk.
The Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) can malfunction, causing the central display and dashboard telemetry to blink, cycle, and drop signals erratically, which can be distracting and affect access to vehicle information.
Some owners experience oil light warnings shortly after oil changes and overheating, possibly indicating engine issues. Additionally, the trailing link shaft at the right rear wheel can break or split, affecting vehicle stability.
“..... 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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission problems are common, with grinding noises upon acceleration and the need for transmission replacement. Some owners note that recalls exist for similar issues on certain model years, but their VIN may not be included.
Sudden unintended acceleration has been reported, leading to crashes. Also, engine maintenance required lights can appear due to a coolant valve bypass issue, which may be a recall item but not covered for all VINs.
Brake failure is reported, such as no response when pressing the pedal, which can lead to loss of control. This is a critical safety concern that requires immediate attention.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Mazda CX 5 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX-5 has fewer complaints per year (about 99) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the CX-5's engine and electrical problems are serious, while the Camry's transmission and brake issues are also significant. In practice, the CX-5 may offer a more reliable ownership experience based on complaint volume, but both have potential safety-related defects.
Key differences
- The CX-5 has fewer complaints per year (99 vs 214) but its engine issues include sudden acceleration and oil leaks, which are safety-critical.
- The Camry has more transmission failures, with grinding noises and replacements needed, while the CX-5 has powertrain issues like oil light and trailing link shaft breakage.
- Electrical problems in the CX-5 involve infotainment glitches, whereas the Camry's electrical issues are less prominent in the top complaints.
- Brake failures are reported in both, but the Camry has a higher count of brake complaints (290 vs 80).
- Check for any signs of oil leaks around the timing cover, as premature seal failure can lead to fire hazards.
- Test the infotainment system for erratic behavior, as CMU malfunctions are reported.
- Listen for grinding noises during acceleration, which may indicate transmission problems that could require replacement.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including on slopes, as brake failure has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for oil leaks and the transmission for any unusual noises.
- Test drive at various speeds and on inclines to check for sudden acceleration or brake issues.
- Check the infotainment system for any glitches or signal drops.
- Verify that all maintenance, especially oil changes, have been performed regularly.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 119 |
| 2025 | 27 | 153 |
| 2024 | 42 | 48 |
| 2023 | 61 | 62 |
| 2022 | 63 | 59 |
| 2021 | 143 | 155 |
| 2020 | 106 | 270 |
| 2019 | 267 | 393 |
| 2018 | 117 | 736 |
| 2017 | 148 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 5 vs Toyota Camry
- Mazda CX 5 total complaints
- 988
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Mazda CX 5 total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Mazda CX 5 avg complaints/year
- 98.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 5
- Mazda CX 5 top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN