2023 Mazda CX-5.
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 is so far one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 64 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 34, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 24 to 27 mpg combined. The best Mazda CX-5 year is 2022.
Early read

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 64 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda CX-5 year. 2023 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.
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 285 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- One of the following DTCs stored in memory along with a system status notice
- Some customers may complain about any of the following: * Infotainment Center Display does not…
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s)…
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-50 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2400–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Brakes are very poor, car lurches forward at stop lights and you have to stomp the brake pedal to prevent running into the car in front of you.
2023 Mazda CX-5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11524247
More owner reports
Autobraking activates randomly. Mazda scans codes and returns the vehicle. They have refused to service or disable the system. NHTSA laws are dangerous and this tech is not ready for road use. Avoid Mazda at all costs!
NHTSA complaint 11710883
When applying the brakes car surges forward. If put in neutral engine races. Very difficult to bring to a stop with reduced braking. Multiple occurrences. Dealer states vehicle is operating within design perimeters.
NHTSA complaint 11530806
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.9× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 34; 100 is average). The best Mazda CX-5 year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2023 Mazda CX-5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (17%), engine (16%) and lights (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 get?
24 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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.
Does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 cost in fuel a year?
About $2400 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Mazda CX-5 have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda CX-5 year is better than the 2023?
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