This page covers 4 recalls, 133 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Mazda CX-5.
26–27 mpg combined
8.7–9 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2014 to 2015 Mazda CX-5 received NHTSA New Car Assessment Program ratings for US-market vehicles. The model earned five stars overall, with five-star ratings in frontal crash, side crash, and side pole crash tests. The rollover test resulted in a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2014 to 2015 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2015 Mazda CX-5, the dominant complaint themes center on structural issues and powertrain behavior. The structure category draws the most reports, though the specific structural symptoms described vary. On the powertrain side, owners frequently report unexpected engine behavior, high revving while braking, difficulty accelerating, and in several cases the engine failing to start, sometimes accompanied by rattling or shaking. A recurring electrical pattern also surfaces: owners describe battery drain following rain exposure, with the vehicle losing power, failing to recognize the key fob, and throwing communication-related fault codes. A handful of owners report the vehicle lurching or accelerating unintentionally while the brake pedal is applied. Visibility and wiper complaints round out the top reported systems. One isolated report describes airbags not deploying in a collision, though that is a single account and does not represent a pattern across the complaint set.
133
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a steering knuckle that can separate from the strut assembly, causing sudden and total loss of steering control.
A fuel system recall also carries significant risk: the fuel filler pipe can rupture in a crash, spilling fuel and raising the risk of a fire. On the structural side, the liftgate's support mechanism can fail and allow the hatch to drop without warning, potentially striking someone standing behind the vehicle. There is also a visibility and safety system concern affecting only vehicles fitted with the Smart City Brake Support system: certain replacement windshields have an internal bracket holding the laser sensor for that system, and if that bracket loosens or falls away from the glass, the automatic braking feature can stop working entirely, leaving the driver without that layer of crash protection.
At a glance
What can fail
The lift gate support struts can corrode and break, causing the lift gate to drop suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Mazda will replace both lift gate support struts at no cost once parts become available.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lower mounting nuts and bolts connecting the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, potentially allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the lower mounting bolts and nuts, replace any loose ones, and tighten them securely at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel filler pipe may rupture during a crash, potentially leaking fuel.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify how the fuel filler pipe attaches to the bracket to prevent rupture.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sensor bracket inside the windshield was attached with only tape instead of tape and urethane, which may cause it to loosen over time.
What the fix does
The affected windshields will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
