2021 Mazda CX-5 Reliability: What To Know Before Investing In Your Purchase
2021 Mazda CX-5 by Calreyn88 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Mazda CX-5, often playfully called the “soccer mom” car, is much more than its nickname suggests. It has a sleek and modern design that challenges the typical family vehicle aesthetic. The performance is lively and engaging, making every drive enjoyable, whether a school run or a weekend adventure. The CX-5 has a spacious, upscale interior that balances comfort and practicality. Safety is a standout feature, with the latest protective technologies in the car for peace of mind.
What’s not to love?
If you’re considering the CX-5, the 2021 model year is certainly worth exploring. However, when purchasing used cars, reliability is a crucial factor. Fortunately, the Mazda CX-5 is known for its robust build and enduring quality – but does it apply to the 2021 CX-5? Today, we discuss the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliability and everything you need to know.
How Reliable is the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
Mazda is known for its reliable vehicles, including the CX-5. This is important since you don’t want to deal with major repairs early into the life of your SUV. Thankfully, things are looking good for the 2021 CX-5, reliability-wise. For starters, CarComplaints has received 109 complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. That’s a lot of complaints, but remember that the CX-5 is also a trendy model.
Meanwhile, Consumer Reports gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating for reliability, indicating that it is expected to be very dependable in the long term. This rating was based on surveys from vehicle owners, assessing various aspects of the car’s performance and durability.
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RepairPal has given the Mazda CX-5 a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, ranking it above its competitors as a reliable midsize SUV. Regarding maintenance costs, the CX-5 is also a winner, with an average annual repair cost of only $447, significantly lower than the average midsize SUV’s cost of $573 and the overall vehicle average of $652. This highlights the CX-5’s cost-effectiveness over time.
In addition, Mazda CX-5 owners usually experience a low frequency of unscheduled repairs, with an average of only 0.3 times per year, which is lower than the midsize SUV and overall vehicle average of 0.4 times. Moreover, the CX-5 has a lower likelihood of severe repairs, with only 8% of owners experiencing this issue, compared to 13% for midsize SUVs and 12% for all vehicle models.
Do these ratings bode well for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 reliability? Many signs point to a “yes.”
How Long Will a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Last?
Currently, limited data is available specifically for high-mileage instances of the 2021 Mazda CX-5, as it is a relatively recent model. However, we can analyze the historical data and longevity trends of the Mazda CX-5 line as a whole to estimate its potential lifespan.
That said, historically, these vehicles have reached high mileage thresholds with proper care and maintenance. With proper maintenance and care, it’s expected to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles. Considering the average driver covers about 15,000 miles annually, the CX-5 could provide reliable service for over 13 to 17 years.
For more details on the Mazda CX-5’s potential lifespan, feel free to read our previous longevity guide.
2021 Mazda CX-5 Reliability: Safety Recalls
Good news! As of this writing, no specific recalls have been issued for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. However, it’s important to note that recall information can change, especially for a relatively newer model like the 2021 CX-5. Hence, checking the latest details from reliable sources such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the manufacturer’s official website is always a good idea.
The lack of recalls for this model only reinforces its reliability, but as mentioned, it may be subject to recalls in the future.
MAZDA CX-5 RESALE VALUE: WHAT TO KNOW
Though the car is valuable if you’re looking for an advanced design, that’s not the only thing to ponder before investing. You might also want to take a look at the Mazda CX-5 resale value.
What are the Common Issues of the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
Despite no recalls, it doesn’t mean the 2021 CX-5 is without issues. In fact, some of its reliability issues are worth looking into if you’re buying used.
Excessive Oil Consumption
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has been plagued with significant engine problems, notably excessive oil consumption. Owners report the low oil light frequently activates well before the recommended 7,500-mile oil change interval, often around every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Mazda has yet to issue an official recall despite a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 01-012/21) and an ongoing class action lawsuit.
Freezing Navigation System
If you’re experiencing issues with the navigation system in your 2021 Mazda CX-5, such as freezing, you’re not alone. This problem is common and usually happens within the first 1,000 miles of use. However, there’s good news because software updates are available that can improve the system’s reliability. You can have these updates installed at most Mazda dealerships, sometimes for free or for a fee of around $50.
Fuel System Issues
According to a few complaints, the 2021 CX-5 has experienced fuel system issues, notably with the fuel/propulsion system. A Mazda dealership has reported a significant problem with the high-pressure fuel pump in their vehicles. This issue has caused the engine to shut down entirely while driving, resulting in the loss of power brakes and steering and posing a severe safety risk. Furthermore, there have been cases where the vehicle has unexpectedly surged forward and accelerated rapidly.
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Faulty Automatic Door Locks
It’s not the biggest deal, but the automatic door locks of the CX-5 may malfunction. If you own a 2021 CX-5 and are facing issues with the automatic door locks not working correctly, especially within the first 2,000 miles, there’s a simple fix you can try. Head over to the vehicle settings menu on your touchscreen, select ‘door locks,’ and ensure the “auto door lock mode” is set to “on.” Sometimes, this setting might get turned off accidentally when your stereo system resets.
2021 Mazda CX-5 Reliability: Final Thoughts
Overall, the 2021 CX-5 has received mostly positive ratings for its reliability. Plus, the lack of recall (as of now) is a huge confidence booster. It has a few reliability issues, but they’re primarily minor and easily fixable.
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