2020 Mazda CX-5.
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 31, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 24 to 28 mpg combined. The best Mazda CX-5 year is 2022.

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 107 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda CX-5 year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 9K miles on the car (23 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 448 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the…
- Guide lines and photos to determine if fluid/oil seepage or leak is severe enough to require…
- Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety

Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Try to part when I step on the. Break, did not stop keeping right on going.
2020 Mazda CX-5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11378571
More owner reports
There is a known issue without a solution from Mazda ' 2020 CX-5 has intermittent battery drain, causing the vehicle to power off or not start. Happened to me 2x while vehicle was parked and running.
NHTSA complaint 11342959
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 31; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda CX-5 year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (23%), brakes (21%) and engine (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 get?
24 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Mazda CX-5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 600 and 9,000 miles. The middle report was at 3,200 miles, from 23 complaints.
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda CX-5 year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2020 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works