25 of the
199 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 are about the
driver-assist systems — 13% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
104,500 miles.
F
25
Complaints
6
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Automatic Emergency Braking
832.0%
Warnings
520.0%
Blind Spot Detection
416.0%
Adaptive Cruise Control
312.0%
Warning
28.0%
Assist
14.0%
Camera
14.0%
Warnings
14.0%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Mazda CX-5 year
While driving in the Interstate, a truck swerved towards my lane; I swerved into the next lane to avoid the truck hitting me and when I began to swerve my Lane Departure warning malfunctioned and caused my car to completely shut down. I immediately put my hazard lights on to hopefully avoid being hit; but, a car behind plowed right into my rear end. The police were onsite at the accident. My vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center and my insurance representative.
NHTSA complaint #11755082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the brake waiting to turn left onto Lee Highway from Fairfax County Parkway. Car jerked forward TWO times in a row, both times hitting the car in front of me. Our lane was at a dead stop waiting for the left hand arrow. The cars to the right of us had the green and were moving forward. I felt like I had no control over the car during this time.
NHTSA complaint #11753806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Great Falls, VA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was sitting at a traffic light with my foot on the brake waiting to turn left onto Lee Highway from Fairfax County Parkway. Car jerked forward TWO times in a row, both times hitting the car in front of me. Our lane was at a dead stop waiting for the left hand arrow. The cars to the right of us had the green and were moving forward. I felt like I had no control over the car during this time.
NHTSA complaint #11753806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deridder, LA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) suffers from a severe, persistent electronic hardware malfunction that causes the central information display and dashboard telemetry to blink, cycle, and drop signals erratically. This specific hardware architecture failure threatens to corrupt data transmission lines directly connected to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), creating an imminent safety risk of unintended automatic emergency braking or false sensor deployment during highway transit. The vehicle utilizes the exact same defective CMU hardware component that the manufacturer has acknowledged and recalled on other model cohorts; however, the manufacturer has explicitly excluded this specific VIN from safety recall eligibility. Diagnostic attempts by the authorized dealer network relied solely on forcing digital software updates that completely failed to correct the core hardware signaling instability, leaving the vehicle un-repaired and presenting an active, unmitigated electrical and safety hazard on public roads.
NHTSA complaint #11750866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) suffers from a severe, persistent electronic hardware malfunction that causes the central information display and dashboard telemetry to blink, cycle, and drop signals erratically. This specific hardware architecture failure threatens to corrupt data transmission lines directly connected to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), creating an imminent safety risk of unintended automatic emergency braking or false sensor deployment during highway transit. The vehicle utilizes the exact same defective CMU hardware component that the manufacturer has acknowledged and recalled on other model cohorts; however, the manufacturer has explicitly excluded this specific VIN from safety recall eligibility. Diagnostic attempts by the authorized dealer network relied solely on forcing digital software updates that completely failed to correct the core hardware signaling instability, leaving the vehicle un-repaired and presenting an active, unmitigated electrical and safety hazard on public roads.
NHTSA complaint #11750866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesLa Crosse, WI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate and changing lanes, the blind spot warning light was inoperable. The contact stated that the blind spot indicator then became operable. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure and stated that the repair was not covered. The local dealer was contacted, where a prior unknown diagnostic test was completed; however, the blind spot failure had not been addressed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11745846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2021 Mazda CX5 AWD- Non Turbo Engine. Sunny Day, Dry. My Car was clean. No Precipitation. Some shadows of the interstate light poles across the road 200-300 feet in front of me, but they were thin shadows. Sun Was to my Left. I was driving South on May 01 2026 about 10am on the Interstate going Highway Speeds, with adaptive cruise control "on", in the 2nd lane of a 4 lane interstate. Thankfully no other traffic ahead or behind me. Car slammed on the brakes suddenly, pretty hard. I counteracted and added more gas pedal to keep in going. I turned off the Cruise Control. After a while I re-engaged the Cruise Control and had no issues. This could have been a huge accident in busier traffic. Will get the car checked out at Mazda Dealership Service this week.
NHTSA complaint #11735370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Brakes activated unintendedly, and the vehicle jerked to the left and independently accelerated and moved back in the lane intended lane. The vehicle then jerked to the right, unintendedly accelerated, and then went back into the intended lane. Then the vehicle resumed normal operation. While driving approximately 60-65 MPH a week later, the vehicle started jerking. The “Smart City Brake Malfunction” message was displayed, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmer, AK
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I was entering a traffic circle when i slid slightly as there was some ice on the roadway and came to rest against a curb, bumped lightly. There was no damage to the vehicle, but the entire driver side curtain airbags as well as the driver seat airbag deployed. The speed at which I was traveling was roughly 10 mph or less. My wheels never hit hard nor did they leave the pavement.
NHTSA complaint #11709239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmer, AK
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I was entering a traffic circle when i slid slightly as there was some ice on the roadway and came to rest against a curb, bumped lightly. There was no damage to the vehicle, but the entire driver side curtain airbags as well as the driver seat airbag deployed. The speed at which I was traveling was roughly 10 mph or less. My wheels never hit hard nor did they leave the pavement.
NHTSA complaint #11709239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prairieville, LA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
My Mazda 2021 infotainment screen goes goes out usually when hit a bump and stays out until it sits awhile. Which when this happens there is no backup camera which is a safety issue. The Mazda dealership said it was the screen which they wanted $2900 just for the screen so I got one off eBay and it's still doing the same thing. Which I think its the CMU
NHTSA complaint #11704864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison Village, OH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Important note for snowing conditions: The radar for adaptive cruise control is located in the front Mazda emblem. Snow buildup on the emblem can block the radar's signal and disable the adaptive cruise control system when driving. A heating element is necessary to prevent snow accumulation and maintain functionality.
NHTSA complaint #11699368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2021 Mazda CX-5. On 8/6/24, I turned right into a parking space between 2 parked vehicles at the DMV parking lot. I turned right and eased into the parking space facing a large Ford F 150 white pickup truck. I was approximately 1-1.5 feet from the front of the white truck. I had my foot on the brake, suddenly the vehicle accelerated by itself and I heard the car revving at a very high rpm and the car took off. My sister was a passenger and she heard it as well. None of the collision or brake notification avoidance features came on the screen or were implemented as a safety measure or accident prevention. I had my foot on the brake and I had no control over the vehicle. The car lurched forward hitting the right side near the headlight of the car on my left and the pickup that was in front of me. My car hit the white pickup so hard that it pushed it out of the parking space in front of me and perpendicular to the parked cars in the row. We both were injured, my sister in ICU and had to have emergency cervical surgery for fractures impinging her cervical spinal cord. The Mazda was totaled. It is impossible for a Mazda to push the Ford F 150 pickup truck, that was facing me , out of the parking space and perpendicular to the row of parked cars with just 12- 14 inches between the pickup truck and my vehicle unless it was revved up to a very high rpm. The police report has some inaccuracies, it states I was turning left into the space but was actually turning right and says I possibly passed out but that is not true. I was in shock when the police questioned me. I have also relived every second of this accident in slow motion many times since. I am a 5 foot women and would have had to floor the gas peddle and even then would not be able to push a large pickup truck out of the space in front of me, and continue out of the parking space landing sideways in a 12-14 inch space between the front of the 2 vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11612399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mays Landing, NJCrash2 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
2021 Mazda CX-5. On 8/6/24, I turned right into a parking space between 2 parked vehicles at the DMV parking lot. I turned right and eased into the parking space facing a large Ford F 150 white pickup truck. I was approximately 1-1.5 feet from the front of the white truck. I had my foot on the brake, suddenly the vehicle accelerated by itself and I heard the car revving at a very high rpm and the car took off. My sister was a passenger and she heard it as well. None of the collision or brake notification avoidance features came on the screen or were implemented as a safety measure or accident prevention. I had my foot on the brake and I had no control over the vehicle. The car lurched forward hitting the right side near the headlight of the car on my left and the pickup that was in front of me. My car hit the white pickup so hard that it pushed it out of the parking space in front of me and perpendicular to the parked cars in the row. We both were injured, my sister in ICU and had to have emergency cervical surgery for fractures impinging her cervical spinal cord. The Mazda was totaled. It is impossible for a Mazda to push the Ford F 150 pickup truck, that was facing me , out of the parking space and perpendicular to the row of parked cars with just 12- 14 inches between the pickup truck and my vehicle unless it was revved up to a very high rpm. The police report has some inaccuracies, it states I was turning left into the space but was actually turning right and says I possibly passed out but that is not true. I was in shock when the police questioned me. I have also relived every second of this accident in slow motion many times since. I am a 5 foot women and would have had to floor the gas peddle and even then would not be able to push a large pickup truck out of the space in front of me, and continue out of the parking space landing sideways in a 12-14 inch space between the front of the 2 vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11612399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homer, GACrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Will driving on the interstate, using the adaptive cruise control feature, vehicles were slowing down to a stop ahead and my car accelerated instead of slowing down. I then pressed the brake and simultaneously, the car breaks locked down (automatic braking). Unfortunately I wasn’t able to avoid an accident as I rear ended the vehicle in front of me. My vehicle has been turned over to the insurance company to assess damage. I’m sure it can be inspected by nhtsa. Mine and others safety were at risk due to the malfunction of the cruise control accelerating instead of stopping. It caused an accident. Luckily no one was extremely injured. I have neck and back pain from the collision that will hopefully heal in a few days. Time will tell. But this could have been much worse had I not reacted as quickly as I did. This could cause a fatal accident. The care isn’t drivable so it has not been reproduced by anyone. I have notified the insurance company about the issue and It is my hope that they will inspect this. There were no warning lights or messages displayed prior to the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11610548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gorham, ME
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
In under 36 months failure of the front sensing camera disabled parking brake, traction control, emergency braking assistant, traction control, lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning
NHTSA complaint #11585855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gorham, ME
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
In under 36 months failure of the front sensing camera disabled parking brake, traction control, emergency braking assistant, traction control, lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning
NHTSA complaint #11585855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In under 36 months failure of the front sensing camera disabled parking brake, traction control, emergency braking assistant, traction control, lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning
NHTSA complaint #11585855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration incident. I pulled into my driveway and stopped the vehicle with my foot firmly on the brake since my driveway is sloped. I pushed the garage door opener remote when suddenly the vehicle accelerated and shot forward hitting the garage door. There was no brake action and all backup systems failed. There was no Automatic Emergency Braking or Forward Collision Warning. There were no warning lights displayed. No airbags were deployed. If the garage door had been open, the vehicle would have hit a concrete wall in the garage. The vehicle was taken to the Mazda dealership and a full circle inspection and diagnostic check. Mazda found no codes and everything was working as designed in vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11502968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Old Bridge, NJ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Feb 2,2022 received Critical Vehicle Malfunction Warning, all vehicle systems affected told to call roadside assistance and not to drive vehicle. Received same warning again February 11,2022 after vehicle had been inspected by dealer service again had vehicle towed to dealer. April 14, 2022 Critical vehicle malfunction again. October 30, 2022, again Critical vehicle malfunction warning. All vehicle systems affected.
NHTSA complaint #11491757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Old Bridge, NJ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Feb 2,2022 received Critical Vehicle Malfunction Warning, all vehicle systems affected told to call roadside assistance and not to drive vehicle. Received same warning again February 11,2022 after vehicle had been inspected by dealer service again had vehicle towed to dealer. April 14, 2022 Critical vehicle malfunction again. October 30, 2022, again Critical vehicle malfunction warning. All vehicle systems affected.
NHTSA complaint #11491757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While Driving the car in highway and you turn signals to change lanes and that moment you start changing the automatic brake system activated and car suddenly brake almost making me get in to a rear collision this happens twice in highway, it also happens twice in city driving while cruising street and theres is nothing in front of you the emergency brake light shows brake as emergency and car suddenly brake without having anything on front
NHTSA complaint #11491522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Urbandale, IACrash
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I bought a 2021 Mazda CX-5 from Ramsey Mazda of Des Moines, IA. It offered comparable comfort & features. A selling point was the safety features touted by the salesman. Odd things occurred during the first few months but I attributed it to a learning curve. I saw some odd messages but I really did not think it was relevant until June 28, 2022. I was backing out from a parking space. The Blind Spot Monitoring failed to indicate a car approaching from the right that then stopped in my blind spot. I hit the car behind me. Despite the fact, I understand personal responsibility, I never would have had the BSM worked correctly. I dropped the car off on July 15, 2022 to the Ramsey Mazda Service Center after the BSM failure and a Check Engine Light appeared. I already had the Ramsey Mazda Collision Center look at the car and told them of the of the BSM failure. That man doing the estimate said he had heard of those failures before. On July 15, I dropped the car off at the Ramsey Mazda Service Center to look at the BSM, a Check Engine light, the door locks and the hatch opening on its own. I tried to tell the Service Center that there was something severely wrong with the electrical system in this vehicle. I have a witness to its erratic behavior, but I was continually dismissed. There is more wrong now with my car than when I left it with the dealership. They kept my car for 19 days. During the 19 days, I continually had to call and check on the status of my vehicle. Ramsey Mazda was not and is still not initiating conversation with me or responding to voicemails. The manager of the Ramsey Mazda Dealership on Hickman in Des Moines, IA (JD) is supposed to be handling this issue personally with Mazda Corporate because it now “appears” to be affecting multiple systems in his words. Multiple issues include but are not limited to the BSM, Seat Belt notifications, power driver’s seat, camera system, cruise control system, entertainment system, & hands free communications.
NHTSA complaint #11481503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vero Beach, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
BSM Does not see all vehicles in the blind spot. It is very inconsistent. I have taken it to the dealer who told me that they could not repair it because no fault code shows up. Mazda has not been helpful.
NHTSA complaint #11453753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vero Beach, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The blind spot monitoring system does not function properly. While on the freeway some vehicles show up and some do not. I took it to the dealer, and they test drove it and said it was working properly and there were no codes. I contacted Mazda and they made a second appointment for me, and I took it back. I told them that it only does it on the freeway and I sent them a video showing the problem. They said they drove it again (not on the freeway) and told me it worked fine and since there was no code, they could not fix it. I called Mazda again and they told me they could make an appointment at another dealer. The nearest dealer is an hour away and they had my vehicle for 7 days the first time and three days the second time. I don't have the ability to take it an hour away and leave it for days. This is a safety issue and needs to be repaired. I had the same vehicle only it was a 2018 and never had this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11446862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.