2021 Mazda Cx-5 problems

mazda logo

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV produced by Mazda since 2012. A successor to both the Tribute and the slightly larger CX-7, it is Mazda's first model to feature the "Kodo" design language and the first model to be fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, including a rigid, lightweight platform combined with a series of engines and transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

Since 2019, the CX-5 is positioned above the smaller CX-30. As of 2022, depending on the region, the CX-5 is positioned right below the larger CX-50, CX-60 or the CX-8 within Mazda's crossover SUV line-up.

The CX-5 has been the worldwide best-selling model offered by the brand every year since 2014, with record sales in 2019 when 444,262 units were sold globally. As of March 2022, cumulative sales of the CX-5 has reached around 3.5 million vehicles.

2021 Mazda Cx-5

Social links

Common 2021 Mazda Cx-5 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5, several common problems have been reported:

  • Oil Light Coming On: Another common problem is the oil light coming on, indicating potential issues with oil levels or pressure. The average cost to fix this problem has not been specified, but it has been reported to occur around 15,000 miles into ownership.
  • Shifted Out Of Park And Rolled: Some owners have experienced issues with the vehicle shifting out of park and rolling unexpectedly. This problem poses a safety risk and requires immediate attention to prevent accidents. The average cost to fix this issue has not been provided, and it has been reported to occur even at 0 miles into ownership.

These problems highlight various concerns that owners of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have faced, ranging from minor inconveniences like the GPS issue to more critical safety concerns like the vehicle shifting out of park on its own. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of the vehicle.

2021 Mazda Cx-5 engine

How reliable is Mazda CX-5 2021?

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

What is the most common problem with Mazda CX-5?

Quick Answer: Avoid Mazda CX-5 Year Models 2014 and 2016

These recorded more complaints compared to the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years. The most common complaints cover electrical problems, engine problems, interior accessories, and issues with the lights.

What is the oil issue on the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

Engine Problems

Plaintiffs claim that specific 2021 Mazda vehicles have a defect causing the cars to leak oil, consuming excessive amounts of it. Low oil levels can cause long-term damage to a car's engine, leading to an expensive engine replacement job down the road.

Is the new Mazda CX-5 a good car?

Yes, the 2024 CX-5 is an excellent compact SUV. For an accessible starting price, it offers a finely tuned and relatively powerful engine, top-of-the-class driving dynamics and a well-designed interior.

2021 Mazda Cx-5 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Cx-5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine problems
  • Power train problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Mazda Cx-5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2021 Mazda Cx-5

The NHTSA has received 104 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Mazda Cx-5. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2021 Mazda Cx-5 vehicles.

2024-10-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
  • VIN: JM3KFACM9M0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Just got a oil change. Told my battery is almost dead. Upon looking up information I found a letter for recall for 2021 Mazda Cx5 for Dealer Rework 41 telematics communication unit concern. I called the Dealership and they are refusing to fix the problem. Looks like its just a software update is needed. My car only has 24,666 miles and according to the letter should be fixed. [XXX] I bought the car used in April and did a search for recalls prior to buying the car. There is non on Mazda website or vin search. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-09-03

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-06
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JM3KFBCYXM0
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: 2021 Mazda CX-5. On 8/6/24, I turned right into a parking space between 2 parked vehicles at the DMV parking lot. I turned right and eased into the parking space facing a large Ford F 150 white pickup truck. I was approximately 1-1.5 feet from the front of the white truck. I had my foot on the brake, suddenly the vehicle accelerated by itself and I heard the car revving at a very high rpm and the car took off. My sister was a passenger and she heard it as well. None of the collision or brake notification avoidance features came on the screen or were implemented as a safety measure or accident prevention. I had my foot on the brake and I had no control over the vehicle. The car lurched forward hitting the right side near the headlight of the car on my left and the pickup that was in front of me. My car hit the white pickup so hard that it pushed it out of the parking space in front of me and perpendicular to the parked cars in the row. We both were injured, my sister in ICU and had to have emergency cervical surgery for fractures impinging her cervical spinal cord. The Mazda was totaled. It is impossible for a Mazda to push the Ford F 150 pickup truck, that was facing me , out of the parking space and perpendicular to the row of parked cars with just 12- 14 inches between the pickup truck and my vehicle unless it was revved up to a very high rpm. The police report has some inaccuracies, it states I was turning left into the space but was actually turning right and says I possibly passed out but that is not true. I was in shock when the police questioned me. I have also relived every second of this accident in slow motion many times since. I am a 5 foot women and would have had to floor the gas peddle and even then would not be able to push a large pickup truck out of the space in front of me, and continue out of the parking space landing sideways in a 12-14 inch space between the front of the 2 vehicles.
2024-08-23

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JM3KFACMXM1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Will driving on the interstate, using the adaptive cruise control feature, vehicles were slowing down to a stop ahead and my car accelerated instead of slowing down. I then pressed the brake and simultaneously, the car breaks locked down (automatic braking). Unfortunately I wasn’t able to avoid an accident as I rear ended the vehicle in front of me. My vehicle has been turned over to the insurance company to assess damage. I’m sure it can be inspected by nhtsa. Mine and others safety were at risk due to the malfunction of the cruise control accelerating instead of stopping. It caused an accident. Luckily no one was extremely injured. I have neck and back pain from the collision that will hopefully heal in a few days. Time will tell. But this could have been much worse had I not reacted as quickly as I did. This could cause a fatal accident. The care isn’t drivable so it has not been reproduced by anyone. I have notified the insurance company about the issue and It is my hope that they will inspect this. There were no warning lights or messages displayed prior to the incident.
2024-08-23

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
  • VIN: JM3KFBDM9M1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: Oil has been leaking multiple times, with warranty repair for a faulty timing cover and gasket. This is now leaking again after being repaired twice already. This most recent time causing error messages regarding oil while driving. Significant burning smell coming from engine area.
2024-08-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
  • VIN: JM3KFBDM9M1
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: For the third time in 3 years we have had to had the timing cover and gasket replaced due to major oil leakage. This appears to be a very common issue with this car, and even after getting it “fixed” the first time it is leaking again.
2024-06-29

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
  • VIN: JM3KFACY5M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Low engine oil light 3600 miles before next oil change
2024-06-04

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-15
  • VIN: JM3KFBEY4M0
  • Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Excessive combustible gasoline vapors in engine compartment and in passenger compartment. Engine, available for inspection. Risk of fire/explosion because of high concentration of combustible vapors/gasoline. Yes -- confirmed by dealer (Safford Brown Mazda of Fairfax (Virginia)). No -- Notwithstanding being apprised of the problem Manufacturer has not inspected No warning signs. Manufacturer has acknowledge gasoline leaking into engine oil. Vapors were exacerbated because of a failed oil enging filler cap (probably cracked), and replacement of the same.
2024-05-14

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-07
  • VIN: JM3KFBDM5M0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: I got this suv in 2023 and I kept up with oil changes and I take it in for a oil change and not even 2 days later the oil light came on so I topped it off and I go in for another oil change not even 2 days later I'm running hot so I take it back to the dealer to find out I have either a cracked head or a blown gasket??!!! There is coolant visible and mazda told me they are aware of this problem but why aren't they doing something about it bc ppl are barely making ends meet and they continue to sell these cars with these engine problems without fixing the issue...
2024-05-06

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
  • VIN: JM3KFBEY0M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: There is a ticking sound coming from the engine, it seems like there are many issues with faulty hydraulic lash adjusters after a search online.
2024-04-29

LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-29
  • VIN: JM3KFBCM1M0
  • Components: LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: In under 36 months failure of the front sensing camera disabled parking brake, traction control, emergency braking assistant, traction control, lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning
2024-04-19

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-18
  • VIN: JM3KFBAY6M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Oil light has come on indicating low oil. I have serviced this car through the dealership on schedule since I purchased it new. I don't believe modern cars should "lose oil" at less than 30,000 miles.
2024-04-15

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-05
  • VIN: JM3KFABM4M1
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Cylinder head crack. Oil leak.
2024-04-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-16
  • VIN: JM3KFBEY4M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Ever since the vehicle was bought brand new. It had oil consumption issues. I always had to top off engine oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles or so.
2024-02-08

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
  • VIN: JM3KFBCY4M0
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: -My rear differential needs replaced with just 24,000 miles on the car. I have the video from the technician at the Mazda dealership if needed. -My safety was not at risk because I took the car in at the first sign of issue. -Mazda Dealer technician has confirmed problem. -Mazda has been contacted to approve the part/fix since it is still under warranty. -No warning lamps appeared. I noticed a noise that was not something I had heard/noticed before. -I have searched many forums and this is a known/common issue with this make/model.
2024-02-08

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-04
  • VIN: JM3KFBCM2M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I thought this was for a mechanical issue (not a safety issue). Check engine light came on not blinking. Was code p0126 covered in bulletin 01-005/23 - Coolant Control Valve. I'm on the Facebook CX-5 page and I see that many people have had this issue. One person had the same problem twice on the same car. I would like very much to have the correct NHTSA link to report this problem so that others may report it as well. In my case check engine light came on far from home. A local dealer said it would be safe to drive home which I did (about 180 miles). But a problem that occurs many times on a given car model perhaps should be a recall. The only charge was about $75 from the garage who read the code and diagnosed the problem. It was covered under warranty so there was no further charge to me.
2024-02-07

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-05
  • VIN: JM3KFBCM2M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I had driven about 10 miles when the Check Engine light came on when I was far from home. Not blinking. It was not on when I first turned the car on. No symptoms other than check engine light. Got to a garage who got a code p0126 that is covered under TSB 01-005/23 coolant control valve. Called dealer who said it would be safe to drive home 180 miles. I did that. Awaiting appointment tomorrow to get it fixed. I belong to a Mazda Facebook group where lots of others are reporting this same problem - some for a second time!
2024-01-31

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-14
  • VIN: JM3KFBAY6M0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: At 15k mi the rear left wheel started to squeal. Took car to dealer, they claimed all brake pads on the car worn out and replaced all of them (front+back), paperwork is available. That's an indication of a design defect impacting the brake system, this is not acceptable. Next week I was driving in winter storm and at one point the car started shifting to the left. I managed to regain control, dashcam video is available. I used to have a 2016 CX-5 and it experienced exactly the same issue. At one point dealer wanted to change brake pads after just 6k mi, I replaced them myself and noticed that the pads were worn unevenly, but it was easier to get rid of the car back then. The number of reports similar to mine is overwhelming, it is sad to see NHTSA not taking any action on this life threatening ticking time bomb.
2023-12-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-12-05
  • VIN: JM3KFBDM5M1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Screen blank when I am drving a while without any problem. I saw online and many owner have same problem. I followed company and online instruction. the problem could not be solved.
2023-11-16

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-27
  • VIN: JM3KFBEY1M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Excessive oil leak after 11,000 miles/car purchased new from dealer. There is currently a class action suit regarding this issue. Dealer denies problem, offering to top off oil only.
2023-11-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-12-24
  • VIN: JM3KFBDM3M1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure had recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic tests. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
2023-10-25

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-25
  • VIN: JM3KFBDM9M0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I have had this cc-5 for less than 2 years less than 16,000 miles on it and the rotors on the break are completely rusted! I had a Corolla for 10 years never had this issue before. Brought it to the dealer quirk Mazda in Quincy MA and they refuse to take accountability that this vehicle should not be having these issues and they want to charge me $800 to replace. The service manager here was nasty and rude. I am so beyond disappointed that they refuse to make this right. I saw online so many people with the same issue with this vehicle and seems like the dealers do nothing. I bought this vehicle brand new and should not have these issues.I want someone to look at this and do Justice. I will never buy a Mazda again as this seems like a scam.I fear driving now because every time I hit the break the car stalls and I feel like I am going to hit the car in front of me. Mazdas are a scam and cheaply made with horrible customer service.
2023-10-16

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-14
  • VIN: JM3KFBEY1M0
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Purchasers of Mazda Vehicles are not being notified that tow eye bolts do not come with the vehicle. That is in some fine print somewhere in the owners manual which is as dense as an encyclopedia. When there is a need to be towed with a rope or strap it is impossible without damaging the vehicle. There are no accessible frame areas that can be reached to strap a hook, rope or strap to safely tow a vehicle without damaging it. Out in the desert in a wilderness area, I got stuck in some mud in a potentially dangerous situation, possibly life threatening. Finally, upon a miracle I was able to find someone with an electric wench but we were unable to attach it to the vehicle because THERE WAS NO TOW EYE HOOK where it was supposed to be. Mazda intentionally did not include it. It's equivalent to NOT providing a jack and socket to change a flat tire to a spare tire! I had to abandon the vehicle overnight and eventually had to tow it out of the mud using the rear frame and damaging the plastic bumper. This is bewilderingly negligent and UNSAFE and Dangerous! It is beyond the realm of common sense.
2023-10-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
  • VIN: JM3KFBCY3M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I have an oil consumption on my cx-5 turbo. Have to add 1/2-3/4 quart 4k after service interval oil change.
2023-09-17

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
  • VIN: JM3KFBEY0M0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: On 8/7/2023 I noticed that there had been intermittent engine oil level alarms on my phone's Mazda app over the previous several weeks starting on 7/14/2023. In none of the instances did the low oil level light on the instrument cluster light up. I checked the oil level and it was at the bottom of the indicating range on the dipstick. I added 1 quart of oil to bring the level to the top of the indicating range. The oil had last been changed by a Mazda dealer on 10/31/2022 at a vehicle mileage of 13,699. On 8/18/2023 when I took the vehicle in to the Mazda dealer to check this issue the mileage was 20,432, a difference of 6,733 miles. That mileage was well within the owner's manual prescribed service interval mileage. There is no oil on the floor of the garage under where the car is parked leading me to believe the oil has been leaking into the combustion chamber. My vehicle is covered under Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 01-012/21 which offers a possible explanation. I suggest my VIN should be added to TSB 01-003/23 which covers the repair. Without fixing this oil leak, my engine is at risk of catastrophic failure due to low oil level.
2023-09-07

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
  • VIN: JM3KFBBM5M0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Car with 15,000 miles needs a front and back brake job. Front rotors are rusty and chipping. Brake pads are chipping and front end has vibrations when brake pedal is applied. Back brakes are not as bad but will need repair soon. 15,000 miles on a set of front brakes pad and rotors is unacceptable, rust and chips should not happen with a new 2 year car. This is a safety concern. Car was in for oil change an tire rotation when problem was found. I believe brakes should last for at least 25,000 or more. This is a possible defect in materials or engineering. This should be looked into and recall acted upon.

Negative 2021 Mazda Cx-5 car reviews

  1. Josh Mayer 2024-11-03

    I've owned around 30 vehicles from various manufacturers in my lifetime, but I had never owned a Mazda until my wife got her new car. It's loaded with options for a great price and has some really convenient high-end features like sensing wipers and levelling headlights. The ride is also very comfortable. We live just outside the city and have to drive about 2 miles on dusty dirt roads. Unfortunately, after only six months of driving, my wife has been experiencing some sensor problems. It's not just intermittent issues, but actual sensor failure. Her biggest problem has been with the levelling headlight sensors, which have had to be reset a couple of times and even replaced under warranty. It's worth noting that we have other vehicles in our driveway that are a few years older and have levelling headlights, but have not had any issues. While this car may be a 5-star vehicle for paved roads in the city, in my opinion there are better choices for those living on the outskirts.

  2. Blaise O'Reilly 2024-09-23

    At 55, I have owned a variety of cars including Fords, a Maserati, and two Nissans, as well as driven Hondas, Toyotas, sports cars, and SUVs. I decided to purchase my first Mazda based on commercial site reviews, looking for safety, reliability, and a great price for a loaded car. I wanted to downsize and thought I had found the perfect car in the CX-5. However, after a short test drive, I realized the front seats were beyond terrible. If you are over 50 or have shoulder or back problems, I would advise avoiding this car as the seats will cause discomfort. Unfortunately, we discovered this issue during a 5-hour vacation drive with less than 150 miles on the car. By the time we returned, we were eager to sell it even at a loss. The seats are stiff, lack leg room support, and are ergonomically painful. It is hard to believe that a car company could design a beautiful, highly equipped, reliable, and safe car that is ruined by its horrible car seats. We will be selling this brand new car at a loss because it hurts our backs and shoulders. Nothing is more miserable than trying to drive a distance in pain because of short, rock-hard seats.

  3. Cordell Bauch 2024-08-16

    The Mazda CX-5 is a great SUV, as many reviews have noted. However, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Some people may find the heavily bolstered front seats uncomfortable, which is something to keep in mind. Additionally, the turbo charged engine is only available on the upper trims, which can be quite expensive, with the Carbon edition having an MSRP of around $33,000. We did some research to find a more affordable option with the turbo, but unfortunately, some dealerships are taking advantage of the high demand and adding unnecessary fees to the sticker price. While this can be frustrating, it's important to remember that not all dealerships operate this way. We encourage you to shop around and find a dealership that values transparency and honesty. At the end of the day, we believe that the Mazda CX-5 is a great SUV that is worth considering.

  4. Jedidiah Stokes 2024-05-22

    We recently test drove the Mazda CX-5 with the intention of purchasing it, as we had read some favorable reviews. However, we found that the backseat was too cramped for our three young adult sons, the engine lacked pep, and the interior was nothing special. Ultimately, we decided to go with the Honda CR-V and we are extremely happy with our choice!

  5. Jeff Gusikowski 2024-04-24

    Mazda is aware of a flaw with the oil valve seals leaking oil into the combustion chamber, causing oil to be consumed at a high rate. However, there is a TSB available for this issue and Mazda has come up with a fix for the faulty parts. While the repair process is extensive, Mazda is committed to resolving the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure you that we stand behind our products. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Positive 2021 Mazda Cx-5 car reviews

  1. Kirk Cartwright 2024-11-27

    I've owned both a 2017 and 2019 Kia Ex pack Sportages and loved them both, but there's no comparison to the CX5. The interior is the biggest plus, it's near luxury and the design is second to none. I opted for the eye-catching Soul Red with white interior. In Mexico, we have the S Touring model which works perfectly for my needs. It's extremely quiet and has a lot more power than the Kias. I highly recommend it! Update: It's been over 6 months since I bought this car and I'm even happier with it today than the day I brought it home. The MPG on the road is in the mid to low 30's. This car is near luxury on a dime.

  2. Leone Bergnaum 2024-10-27

    This car is truly exceptional! While Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all make great vehicles, this one stands out from the crowd. Not only is it practical and reliable, but it also has a unique personality that sets it apart. The interior and exterior are both stunning, making it a joy to drive to and from work every day. The fit and finish of this vehicle are superb, and I've compared it to many luxury brands. The car is also incredibly quiet and refined, making for a premium driving experience at a mainstream price. Thank you, Mazda, for creating such an amazing car! Additionally, I respectfully disagree with those who criticize the Bose system. In my opinion, it's better than the systems in Toyota, Honda, and Subaru vehicles that I've tested. And for the price point, it's more than acceptable.

  3. Mark Ebert 2024-10-25

    The Mazda has a really good ride, just like our previous 2014 Buick Enclave. We were pleasantly surprised by how smooth and comfortable the ride was, with minimal road noise. The fuel economy was also comparable to the Buick. The engine is snappy and provides plenty of power for traveling. I particularly enjoyed the cruise control option, which automatically slows down to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and then accelerates when possible. The steering wheel operation also helps keep your focus on the road. Overall, we had a great experience with the Mazda and will definitely consider buying more in the future!

  4. Rupert Wiegand 2024-09-23

    I absolutely love driving this car! It has great handling and good gas mileage, making it a fun and reliable ride. The AWD handles well in the rain and I suspect it will do just as well in the snow. The Carbon Edition paint makes it easy to spot in a sea of CX-5s, and the black seats with red stitching (which looks magenta to me) are unique and really nice. The black rims are also gorgeous and I get lots of compliments and questions about how much I like it. However, there are a few things that I don't love about it. While it looks polished and luxurious at first glance, the fit and finish doesn't impress me. I noticed that anything immediately out of sight is not upholstered or finished, and the carpet is hard to clean, especially when it comes to removing dog hair (although that may be specific to my two beasts). The glossy surfaces scratch easily and the other surfaces seem easy to damage. For example, my six-year-old climbing across the back seat for four months has scratched the rear console pretty badly, and a Rubbermaid bin leaned against the dash for 20 minutes left an indentation that took over a week to recover. The front fender also popped out within the first few weeks of owning it, but I was able to pop the clip back in with some effort. Despite these issues, I would still buy it again with my budget. I'm hoping it will be as reliable as three trusted mechanics (and Consumer Reports) told me it will be. However, if I had a few thousand dollars more, I would probably pick something else. UPDATE: I'm happy to report that it handles well in the snow, so I think it is probably only limited by ground clearance. I did have an issue with the brakes squealing (which is apparently fairly common), but the dealer fixed it quickly and for free. Because of a family emergency, I put 23k miles on it in 8 months and ended up trading it in for a 2022 Premium Plus. Surprisingly, my trade value was only $1500 less than my original purchase price.Extremely pleased with that. Comparing the Carbon to the PP+, there isn’t a ton of difference. However, if you can upgrade, I would highly recommend it. The heads up display is so helpful, as are the headlamps. Given my experience driving both trims, I believe it's worth the investment. But if not, the Carbon is still a solid value.

  5. Dino Johnson 2024-09-16

    After owning a CX9 and 3i, and surviving a bad accident in the 3, we decided to go for another Mazda. We had zero problems with the other two, so we knew we couldn't go wrong with a 2021 CX5 GT AWD. Even our daughter got two CX5s! Mazda's are all about reliability and fun, which is why they're #1 on Consumer Reports too.

Leave your review of 2021 Mazda Cx-5

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Mazda Cx-5 problems:

2021 CX-5 Issues? : r/CX5
2021 CX-5 Issues? : r/CX5
https://www.reddit.com/r/CX5/comments/17szksi/2021_cx5_issues/

Nov 11, 2023 ... Hello fellow Mazda lovers,. I'm in need of a new car, since my long faithful and beloved 2007 Mazda 6i had a one-on-one duel with a deer and ...

2021 Mazda CX-5 Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
2021 Mazda CX-5 Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/mazda/cx-5/2021

May 3, 2023 ... What Common Problems Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 Have? Common problems found on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 include an oil warning light, the navigation ...

Mazda CX-5 Issue with Oil Burning / Leak in 2021 Models : r/mazda
Mazda CX-5 Issue with Oil Burning / Leak in 2021 Models : r/mazda
https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda/comments/uph5yo/mazda_cx5_issue_with_oil_burning_leak_in_2021/

May 14, 2022 ... Mazda had a significant issue with 2021 CX-5 turbo models, in that they burn oil or leak oil and the low oil warning light comes on after ...

CX-5 Reliability, cost of ownership and what's been done (personal ...
CX-5 Reliability, cost of ownership and what's been done (personal ...
https://mazdas247.com/forum/t/cx-5-reliability-cost-of-ownership-and-whats-been-done-personal-experience.123879536/

Jul 9, 2023 ... ... Mazda CX-5 family. Here is my own 2021 CX-5 signature ... Problem 5 -> Brake issue ... engine assembly line when Mazda revised the part for unknown ...

Other years of Mazda Cx-5

mazda cx-5 2022 photo
Cx-5 2022
Mazda

23

0

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2023 photo
Cx-5 2023
Mazda

21

0

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2024 photo
Cx-5 2024
Mazda

10

0

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2012 photo
Cx-5 2012
Mazda

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2013 photo
Cx-5 2013
Mazda

186

1

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2014 photo
Cx-5 2014
Mazda

372

4

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2021 Mazda Cx-5?

Add car complaint
2021 Mazda Cx-5 photo