2009 Mazda Mazda5: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Mazda Mazda5? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 63 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2009 Mazda Mazda5 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 has 63 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Mazda5
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 63
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2009 Mazda Mazda5 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Tire Issues
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Tire Issues, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Mazda Mazda5?
The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Mazda Mazda5
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or defect.
- Check tire condition and ensure proper maintenance.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, tire, and suspension repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or defect.
- Check tire condition and ensure proper maintenance.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, tire, and suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Mazda Mazda5, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2009 Mazda MAZDA5 has 63 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to steering defects, tire issues, and suspension failures. Crash-related complaints are few, and the data suggests potential concerns in steering and tire components.
- Steering defects account for the largest share of complaints at 16.
- Tire issues are the second most reported component with 13 complaints.
- Suspension failures total 8 complaints, indicating a recurring theme.
- Steering Defects
- Tire Issues
- Suspension Failures
All 2009 Mazda Mazda5 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Mazda Mazda5. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | 2 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Mazda Mazda5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The headlights on this car are dangerously dim. Like the turn signals overpower them levels of dim. I’ve replaced the bulbs, the battery, cleaned all the connections, replaced the alternator, nothing makes a difference.
THIS MODEL OF MAZDA STEERING WHEEL STOP ROTATING MOSTLY ON HIGHWAY. AT TIME IT BECOME TOO STIFF TO OVE FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON IT IS WORRYING ME AS IT MAY CAUSE AN UNVOIDABLE CRASH.
Intermittently, the doors will not unlock when inside the vehicle, effectively trapping the occupants inside. Additionally, the locks will fail to lock or lock with either the key or the remote fob. trapping occupants inside or prohibiting someone on the outside from getting in t…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A STREET AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT THE VEHICLE WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP COULD BE T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXERT EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING …
CLIMATE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONING AND TURNING ON THE HEATER NOT AC
SLIDING PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT LATCH. WILL OPEN WHILE DRIVING.
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR (APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR) THERE IS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, INCLUDING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. WE REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND HAD BATTERY CHECKED, WHICH WAS WORKING FINE WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 4…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 5. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVER HEARD A GRINDING AND CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED AND SHIFTED THE ENGINE FORWARD, WHICH CAUSED THE C…
THE CAR DEALERSHOP DIDN'T INFORM ME ABOUT THIS CAR HAD 3 RECALL ,AND I NEED TO CANCEL THE CONTRACT.I HAVEN'T PICK UP THE CAR YET.IF DEALER SOLD ME DEFECTED CAR WITH RECALL PROBLEM,I WANT TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM FRAUD.
I HAVE HAD 2 TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING VALVES BREAK INTO 2 PARTS EACH IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS. THE LATEST WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING TODAY ON CITY STREETS. THE TIRE PRESSURE ALARM WENT OFF SO I STOPPED THE CAR TO CHECK THE TIRES. WHEN I TOUCHED ONE OF THE VALVES IT JUST CAME APART IN …
2009 MAZDA5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECALL NOTICE/CAMPAIGN #6010 ISSUES. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE LISTED IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR POWER STEERING (6010H). THE CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECAL…
OCCASIONALLY (4 TIMES NOW) WHEN STOPPING OR STARTING OUT (FOOT ON BRAKE,CAR IN DRIVE) THE ACCELERATOR RACES FULL THROTTLE, LIKE I STOMPED ON ACCELERATOR, FOR A FEW SECONDS. I HAVE TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE FULL FORCE AND/OR PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. SCAREY!!! CALLED DEALER, BUT WAS TOLD …
THE ALARM KEEPS GOING OFF FOR NO REASON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR LONG TIME. I TURN IT OFF AND IT WILL GO OFF AGAIN, THIS IS ALMOST DAILY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR, BUT THE SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO LATCH. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT…
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON CONTROL PANEL IS FLASHING WHEN I START THE ENGINE AFTER A WORKING DAY. NO RHYME OR REASON AT ALL. THERE IS NO ANY IMPACTION FROM OUTSIDE AND/OR GOING OVER BUMPERS. IT COMES IN AND OUT IN THE FIRST DAY AND TWO, AND THEN IT'S STAYED ON AND FLASHED THE CODE 19, …
THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND I CHECKED TO SEE IF THE TIRE WAS FLAT. IT WAS NOT. I DROVE TO A FILLING STATION TO TOP OFF THE PRESSURE AND AS I WAS DRIVING AWAY FROM THE AIR PUMP THE VALVE STEM TO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BROKE AND THE TIRE DEFLATED INSTANTLY. THE V…
GAS PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. I OFTEN HAVE ACCELERATED DEPRESSING THE WRONG PEDAL DUE TO THE EXTREME CLOSE PROXIMITY. WHILE PULLING UP TO THE GARAGE HIT THE GAS PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BREAKS AND CAUSED BOTH VEHICLE AND GARAGE DAMAGE. I HAVE THOUGHT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT TH…
WENT TO INFLATE TIRES, VALVE STEM BROKE AND TIRE WENT COMPLETELY FLAT. I WAS LUCKY THAT THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WASN'T MOVING - I HAVE READ ABOUT THE VALVES FAILING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, WHEN IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
KEPT HEARING A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, TOOK THE CAR IN TWO TIMES B/C OF THIS. TURNED OUT TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SEAT RUBBER BUSHING WHICH IS REQUIRING THE DEALER TO GRIND THE ARCH WELD ON THE SPRING COIL. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THIS VER…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Mazda Mazda5.
2009 Mazda Mazda5 Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Mazda Mazda5. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Mazda Mazda5 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 63 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mazda Mazda5?▾
#1: Steering Defects (16 complaints). #2: Tire Issues (13 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Mazda Mazda5?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Mazda Mazda5?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Mazda Mazda5, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 63 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Mazda Mazda5. A major recall area is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Mazda Mazda5?▾
The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Mazda5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.