2022 Mazda CX-5: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Freshened interior with the cylinder-head era behind it; complaints drop sharply to mostly headlight-fan and AEB false-braking gripes. RepairPal's top-ranked midsize SUV for reliability, an excellent, low-worry used buy. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 ranged from $25,900 to $38,650 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Freshened interior with the cylinder-head era behind it; complaints drop sharply to mostly headlight-fan and AEB false-braking gripes. RepairPal's top-ranked midsize SUV for reliability, an excellent, low-worry used buy.
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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LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night.
occasional · 23 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–50k miles · electrical
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Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings.
occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–40k miles · brake
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- 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…
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $25,900 | $29,990 | — | — |
| S Select | $27,900 | $31,990 | — | — |
| S Preferred | $29,600 | $34,250 | — | — |
| S Carbon Edition | $30,720 | discontinued | — | — |
| S Premium | $32,310 | $36,900 | — | — |
| S Premium Plus | $33,950 | $38,990 | — | — |
| Turbo | $36,400 | discontinued | — | — |
| Turbo Signature | $38,650 | 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 (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2022-mazda-cx__5-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/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 ($25,900). Higher trims started higher (up to $38,650), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2022 loses roughly another 24% 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 2022 Mazda CX-5 have?
Documented issue patterns include: LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night; Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2022 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Freshened interior with the cylinder-head era behind it; complaints drop sharply to mostly headlight-fan and AEB false-braking gripes. RepairPal's top-ranked midsize SUV for reliability, an excellent, low-worry used buy.
How much did the 2022 Mazda CX-5 cost new?
Between $25,900 and $38,650 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.