2021 Mazda CX-5 Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

76Engine complaints

55.5%Of all 137 complaints

#1Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE76 · 55.5%

POWER TRAIN16 · 11.7%

Unspecified / other14 · 10.2%

SERVICE BRAKES11 · 8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11 · 8%

Share of the 137 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Mazda CX-5 overview page.

What owners report

“LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on about 1000 miles from last oil changed. Dealer fixed the Mazda recall code: P250F on July 30, 2025. Now…”NHTSA complaint 11700495 — filed 11/20/2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the Front Brake System Malfunction, Forward Brake Malfunction, and Check Engine warning lights were…”NHTSA complaint 11696729 — filed 10/31/2025

“No codes, dealer unable to duplicate. I have been hearing a lifter tick come and go for months (since February ) with my oil level…”NHTSA complaint 11653373 — filed 04/08/2025

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2021 Mazda CX-5: 76 of 137 complaints on file (55.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have in total?

137 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 8 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, 7 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.