2021 Mazda CX-5: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Mazda redesigned the cylinder head for 2021, improving durability, though some oil-consumption reports remain. Class-leading refinement and reliability make this a strong, lower-risk used CX-5; verify oil level and service records. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 ranged from $25,370 to $37,505 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Mazda redesigned the cylinder head for 2021, improving durability, though some oil-consumption reports remain. Class-leading refinement and reliability make this a strong, lower-risk used CX-5; verify oil level and service records.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/cx-5
- motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/mazda-cx-5-years-avoid/
Known issues
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The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.
commonly reported · 95 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–90k miles · engine
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Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history.
commonly reported · 60 NHTSA complaints · typically 15k–80k miles · engine
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Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.
commonly reported · 42 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–70k miles · electrical
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The low-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing a strong gasoline odor and possible stalling, covered by a Mazda recall on affected 2018-2019 vehicles.
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–60k miles · fuel
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
- mazdaforum.comhttps://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/mazda-cx-5-54/cx-5-cracked-cylinder-head-35k…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Near-luxury cabin with premium materials, a quiet ride and available Nappa leather, punches well above its price class.
- Class-leading driving dynamics: precise steering, agile handling and a refined, planted feel.
- Available i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and, from 2019, a 227-256 hp 2.5T turbo for strong acceleration.
- Excellent reliability and low repair costs, RepairPal ranks it first among midsize SUVs, plus consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards.
Cons
- The base naturally aspirated engine is merely adequate; the quick turbo wants premium fuel to make full power.
- Cargo and rear-seat space trail the CR-V, RAV4 and Tucson; there is no third-row or hybrid option.
- 2018-2021 2.5L cars carry a cracked-cylinder-head risk, inspect for oil or coolant leaks before buying.
- Pre-2026 infotainment uses a rotary console knob with no touchscreen while driving, slower than rivals' touch systems.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | $25,370 | discontinued | — | — |
| Touring | $27,110 | discontinued | — | — |
| Carbon Edition | $28,955 | discontinued | — | — |
| Grand Touring | $30,560 | discontinued | — | — |
| Carbon Edition Turbo | $30,760 | discontinued | — | — |
| Grand Touring Reserve | $35,385 | discontinued | — | — |
| Signature | $37,505 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-mazda-cx__5-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,370). Higher trims started higher (up to $37,505), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 23% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mazda-cx-5/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Insurance (low tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~225k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/cx-5
- insure.comhttps://www.insure.com/car-insurance/mazda-cx-5-insurance-cost/
- bountifulmazda.comhttps://www.bountifulmazda.com/blog/gasoline-octane-ratings-and-your-mazda
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?
Documented issue patterns include: The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep; Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history; Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates; The low-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing a strong gasoline odor and possible stalling, covered by a Mazda recall on affected 2018-2019 vehicles. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Mazda redesigned the cylinder head for 2021, improving durability, though some oil-consumption reports remain. Class-leading refinement and reliability make this a strong, lower-risk used CX-5; verify oil level and service records.
How much did the 2021 Mazda CX-5 cost new?
Between $25,370 and $37,505 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.