2015 Mazda CX-5 Reliability & Problems
By Adrian V. LockhartUpdated All 133 NHTSA owner reports researched and classified
Pictured: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport (same design as 2015), same generation as the 2015 model.
Owner complaints
133
14 report a crash, fire, injury or death
Recalls
4
None urgent
Complaints per year filed
2014–2025 · peak 30
In short
No pattern of serious problemsThe 2015 Mazda CX-5 shows no pattern of serious problems: its largest serious problem class, transmission problems, makes up 11% of complaints. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints, and 14 report a crash, fire, injury or death. This model year has 4 recalls, none of them a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
Reliability
How Reliable Is the 2015 Mazda CX-5?
This model year has no pattern of serious problems in its owner complaints. The largest serious problem class is transmission problems, which include the transmission dropping into neutral, outright transmission failure and power transfer unit failures. Those make up 11% of complaints. Safety-related complaints are 16%, and there is no do-not-drive or park-outside recall and no open serious NHTSA investigation. That is why the page does not flag this year as one to avoid.
No single problem dominates the complaints enough to stand out as a recurring fault. The transmission complaints are the ones worth knowing about, because a transmission dropping into neutral or losing power transfer while driving can be a safety concern. They are still a minority of what owners reported, so a buyer should treat them as something to check for, not as a likely outcome.
This model year has four recalls. One covers lift gate support struts that may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly. The remedy is replacement of both lift gate supports free of charge, though parts were not available when the recall was issued. Another covers front strut mounting nuts and bolts that may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate, and dealers will inspect them. A third covers a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in a crash, where dealers will alter the attachment of the pipe to its bracket. The fourth concerns windshields whose sensor bracket was affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane, and so may loosen. This model year has no recall for the transmission complaints, so a completed recall does not rule out that issue.
Where owners gave a mileage, the median was about 27,000 miles, and just under half of those reports were below 25,000 miles. That means problems with this vehicle tend to be reported fairly early in its life. A CX-5 with a higher odometer reading has had more time to show a problem, so a clean test drive and a service history carry more weight than mileage alone.
When shopping, confirm every recall was completed, test the transmission carefully, and check the lift gate and steering. Keep the limits of this evidence in mind. Complaint counts show what owners chose to report to NHTSA, not how many vehicles are affected, and they cannot show how a particular vehicle was maintained or driven. The sample is also modest, so it supports saying that no serious pattern stands out, but not that any individual vehicle will be free of trouble.
Top problems
No problem stands out
None of the 133 complaints cluster into a named problem with at least 15 reports.
Not enough reports to name a problem
That's usually good news: complaints are spread thinly instead of piling up on one fault.
Buying one
Should you buy a used 2015 Mazda CX-5?
What to check before you buy, based on the complaint and recall data.
Before buying a 2015 CX-5, enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm that all 4 recalls were completed. One of them, the lift gate support recall, said replacement parts were not yet available when it was issued, so ask for proof the new supports were fitted. Test drive for any transmission hesitation or unexpected shifts into neutral, and have a mechanic look over the front suspension and steering.
- 1Run the VIN for open recalls. NHTSA lists 4 recalls. Check at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2Get a pre-purchase inspection. An independent mechanic can spot leaks, stored fault codes and accident repairs that a test drive misses.
Mazda CX-5 model years
Which Mazda CX-5 years to avoid? Every model year compared
Early complaints are those filed in a model year's first 3 years. They follow how many were sold, so they don't show which years are better. The tag on 2015 is its verdict from our research of its owner complaints.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings.
| SUV AWD | SUV FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 17% | 17% |
Owning one
If you already own one
Find your symptom, see when problems tend to show up, and check which recalls apply.
Watch for the transmission dropping into neutral or any loss of power transfer while driving, and have it checked promptly if it happens. Stop driving and get help if the steering feels loose or the lift gate drops without warning. Confirm with a Mazda dealer that the lift gate, front strut, fuel filler pipe and windshield recalls have been handled for your VIN.
Too few reports for a symptom finder
Only 2 symptoms reached 10 reports. If something is wrong with yours, report it at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
of complaints that list mileage (44 of 93) came in before 25,000 miles. A low odometer reading is no guarantee.
4 recalls, newest first
Open one for the risk, the remedy and what to do now.
Body › Hatchback/liftgateOn the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the…Sep 6, 2016580,455 vehicles16V644000
- Defect
- On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Risk
- If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available.
SteeringThe lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing…Apr 11, 2016578 vehicles16V203000
- Defect
- The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
- Risk
- If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle.
Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capThe affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail…Feb 3, 2016268,799 vehicles16V064000
- Defect
- The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
- Risk
- A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge.
Visibility › WindshieldThe affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart…Jan 19, 2016193 vehicles16E002000
- Defect
- The affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system. These brackets were improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen.
- Risk
- If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Pilkington will contact the wholesalers and retailers that purchased the windshields to try to identify the affected customers.
What to do
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a recall is open, any dealer will fix it free. For NHTSA's full record of a campaign, search its number there (for example 16V644000).
Reliability history
Mazda CX-5 reliability by year
Complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years, by trouble spot. Darker cells have more complaints; counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold each year.
All problems
Every problem reported on the 2015 CX-5
Every problem found in the 133 owner complaints, by area of the vehicle.
Body, lights & visibility
39 29%- Windshield crackingSerious13 10%typically at 5,400 mi5,400––
- Liftgate falls on its ownSerious4 3%–––
- Sunroof glass shattersSerious4 3%–––
- Power seat moves or reclines on its ownSerious3 2%–––
- Wind noise2 2%–––
- Power seat slide cable breaks2 2%–––
Show 10 more body, lights & visibility problemsShow fewer body, lights & visibility problems
- Side window glass shatters2 2%–––
- Side mirror vibrates1 0.8%–––
- Window trim melting or detaching1 0.8%–––
- Chrome vent trim glare in side mirror1 0.8%–––
- Head restraint angled too far forward1 0.8%–––
- Dim low-beam headlightsSerious1 0.8%–––
- Headlights fail to turn on1 0.8%–––
- Seat heater overheats1 0.8%–––
- Daytime running lights stop working1 0.8%–––
- Horn does not sound1 0.8%–––
Transmission & drivetrain
16 12%- Drops into neutral or loses drive while movingCritical7 5%typically at 77,800 mi77,800––
- Transmission failure needing replacementSerious5 4%–––
- Power transfer unit (PTU) or 4WD failureCritical3 2%–––
- Delayed engagement pulling away from a stopSerious2 2%–––
- Hesitation or slipping while drivingSerious2 2%–––
- Harsh, jerky shiftingSerious1 0.8%–––
Acceleration & speed control
13 10%- Sudden or unintended accelerationCritical10 8%typically at 49,000 mi49,000––
- Vehicle slows suddenly without warning2 2%–––
- Interior panel by gas pedal comes off1 0.8%–––
Engine
11 8%- Stalling or shutting off while drivingCritical3 2%–––
- A/C refrigerant leak from compressor or condenser damage2 2%–––
- Engine failure2 2%–––
- Heater core clogs2 2%–––
- Engine loses power1 0.8%–––
- Engine knocking or ticking1 0.8%–––
Show 2 more engine problemsShow fewer engine problems
- Violent shaking with engine warning at highway speed1 0.8%–––
- Fuel pump or fuel injector failureCritical1 0.8%–––
Brakes
6 5%- Brake pedal sinks or brakes failCritical4 3%–––
- Brake noise and early wearMinor2 2%–––
Airbags & seat belts
6 5%- Airbags did not deploy in a crashCritical3 2%–––
- Seat belts fail to lock in a crash1 0.8%–––
- Dashboard sunken next to airbag1 0.8%–––
- Airbags deploy on their own1 0.8%–––
Electrical
6 5%- Many warning lights at onceMinor2 2%–––
- Loose or faulty ground causing electrical faults2 2%–––
- Vehicle does not fully shut off2 2%–––
- Battery drain or no-startSerious2 2%–––
Wheels & tires
5 4%- Tire tread separation or blowoutSerious3 2%–––
- Steering wheel cruise and radio buttons malfunction1 0.8%–––
- Tires lose pressure repeatedly1 0.8%–––
Driver aids & stability
5 4%- Automatic emergency braking activates for no reasonCritical2 2%–––
- Blind spot monitor warns of vehicles that are not there2 2%–––
- Loses traction or hydroplanes in rain1 0.8%–––
Suspension
4 3%- Front lower control arm ball joint separates2 2%–––
- Clunks or knocks from the suspensionMinor1 0.8%–––
- Rear shock breaks away1 0.8%–––
Steering
2 2%- Loss of power steeringCritical1 0.8%–––
- Tie rods fracture and steering rack fails1 0.8%–––
Other
1 0.8%- Sun visors fall down1 0.8%–––
Fuel system & stalling
1 0.8%- Fuel leaksCritical1 0.8%–––
56 problems found in all 133 complaints. One complaint can describe more than one problem, so counts add up to more than the total. Not counted as a defect: 20 about recall paperwork or parts delays, 1 describing no vehicle defect. Typical miles, repair cost and fix rate show only when enough owners report them.
The data
Behind the numbers
Every figure comes from NHTSA's complaint file and APIs.
- Complaints
- 133
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 11
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 7
- Deaths
- 0
Crashes and fires count complaints that report one; injuries and deaths count people.
Complaints by engine
Decoded from the partial VINs owners include. Not adjusted for how many of each engine were sold.
FAQ
2015 Mazda CX-5 questions
Is the 2015 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 shows no pattern of serious problems in its owner complaints. Its largest serious problem class is transmission problems, at 11% of complaints, and safety-related complaints are 16%. There is no do-not-drive or park-outside recall and no open serious NHTSA investigation.
What are the most common 2015 Mazda CX-5 problems?
Of 133 owner complaints, the biggest group is body, lights and visibility, with 39 complaints (29%), led by windshield cracking (13), the liftgate falling on its own (4) and sunroof glass shattering (4). Transmission and drivetrain follows with 16 complaints (12%), then acceleration and speed control with 13 (10%).
How many recalls does the 2015 Mazda CX-5 have?
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 has 4 recalls, and none is a do-not-drive or park-outside recall. They cover corroding lift gate support struts (16V644000), loosening front strut mounting nuts and bolts (16V203000), a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in a crash (16V064000) and a windshield sensor bracket held on with only tape (16E002000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2015 Mazda CX-5 have transmission problems?
Some owners report them. There are 16 transmission and drivetrain complaints (12%): 7 describe the vehicle dropping into neutral or losing drive while moving, 5 describe transmission failure needing replacement and 3 describe power transfer unit (PTU) or 4WD failure. None of the 4 recalls covers the transmission, so a completed recall does not rule these out.
At what mileage do 2015 Mazda CX-5 problems show up?
Where owners gave a mileage (93 reports), the median was about 27,000 miles, and just under half of those reports were below 25,000 miles. Problems with this vehicle tend to be reported fairly early in its life. A higher odometer reading has had more time to show a problem, so a clean test drive and service history matter.
Is the 2015 Mazda CX-5 safe?
NHTSA rates the 2015 Mazda CX-5 5 out of 5 stars overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal crash, 5 out of 5 stars for side crash and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. The ratings are the same for the AWD and FWD versions. Of 133 owner complaints, 14 report a crash, fire, injury or death.
What should I check before buying a 2015 Mazda CX-5?
Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm all 4 recalls were completed. The lift gate support recall said parts were not available when it was issued, so ask for proof the new supports were fitted. Test drive for transmission hesitation or unexpected shifts into neutral, and have a mechanic check the front suspension and steering.
Which Mazda CX-5 years should you avoid?
No Mazda CX-5 model year shows serious known problems in owner complaints. The 2013–2014 and 2016 are worth checking carefully: complaints show some known problems. The 2015 and 2017–2023 show no pattern of serious problems. The 2024–2026 have too few complaints to judge. Every model year is compared on the Mazda CX-5 years-to-avoid page.
Methodology
How we researched this
- Complaints. NHTSA's owner complaint file, counted as unique complaint numbers for make MAZDA, model CX-5, model year 2015. Data through Oct 4, 2026.
- Verdict. Judged from this model year's own complaints, not against other models, using shares rather than counts. Serious known problems: one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) is in a quarter or more of complaints; or a smaller but clear cluster comes with an unusual share of crash, fire, injury or loss-of-power reports or early failures; or an urgent recall or NHTSA investigation matches a top complaint. Some known problems: one of those signals on its own. No pattern of serious problems: none of them; this doesn't mean the vehicle is trouble-free. Too few complaints to judge: under 50 complaints. Why this verdict: Checked: the largest serious problem class is transmission problems (the transmission dropping into neutral, outright transmission failure, power transfer unit failures), 11% of complaints; safety-related complaints are 16% (typical: 17%), and there's no do-not-drive or park-outside recall or open serious NHTSA investigation..
- No grade or class ranking. Raw complaint counts favor models that sell fewer cars, so we don't score or rank this vehicle against other models until we can adjust for sales.
- Trouble spots and history. Complaints grouped by the part owners chose when filing. The history grid counts complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years so older and newer years compare fairly; years with fewer than 3 complete years are marked too new.
- Named problems. Every one of the 133 complaints was researched and classified by its problems, severity, symptoms, repairs and any cost the owner mentions; the counts, costs and fix rates on this page are tallies of those classifications. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, checked against the original text. Engines are decoded from partial VINs with NHTSA's vPIC service.
- Repair costs and fix rates. Shown only when at least 10 owners report a repair cost, or at least 10 complaints describe whether a repair worked.
- Not adjusted for sales. Not affiliated with NHTSA. Page updated Nov 5, 2026.