2021 Mazda CX-5 Engine Problems

82 owners have reported engine & cooling problems with the 2021 Mazda CX-5 to NHTSA — 55% of all 148 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 46,000 miles. That ranks #3 of 13 CX-5 model years for engine complaints (a typical year has 18). No engine recall has been issued for this model year.

82complaints
46ktypical miles
0related recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries

Which parts fail

  • Engine › Oil/lubrication
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    333%
  • 25k–50k
    222%
  • 50k–75k
    111%
  • 75k–100k
    111%
  • 100k–150k
    222%
  • 150k+
    00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Mazda CX-5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who confirmed that there was a defect with cylinder#1. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

124,000 miles · Sep 2026

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.

114,000 miles · Mar 2026

My car appears to consuming oil excessively. I bought this car new in March of 2021 at I have had to top off my oil between oil changes at almost every single oil change since I have owned it. The car only has 33900 miles on it and usually about two months in from my oil change the check oil light comes on and the dipstick shows the oil at the lower end of the dipstick. I have purchased oil on my own and have had to have the dealer top it off. After topped off it will usually make it fine until my next oil change but a brand new car should not be burning oil like this and I was told they have known about a valve stem defect since September of 2021 but still have not done a recall or have a fix for it.

34,000 miles · Jul 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the Front Brake System Malfunction, Forward Brake Malfunction, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating as if the wheels would lock up. The steering wheel vibrated while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to retrieve a diagnostic code; however, the DTC number was unknown. The dealer was unable to identify the exact cause of the code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

81,000 miles · Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact restarted the vehicle and corrected the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer performed a Special Service Program (SSP) Recall #: SSPC7 (TCU Connect Concern CV/Battery) where the TCU software was updated; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no additional recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

0 miles · Sep 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated he stopped at a local gas station and purchased a quart of oil and topped off the oil level. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The contact stated that after servicing the vehicle, the dealer informed him that the manufacturer had denied the repair because the check engine light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

19,000 miles · Jun 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure had recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic tests. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

57,000 miles · Dec 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that after driving for 1,000 miles the vehicle needed an oil change. The oil level warning light would be illuminated. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to the dealer the contact was informed that the engine was a quart low on engine oil. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.

Engine › Oil/lubrication · 4,000 miles · Mar 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer to continue adding oil to the engine as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,465.

46,000 miles · Mar 2026

On 17-MAY-2021 after sitting unused for 1 day my Mazda CX-5, mfg year 2021 with about 1,500 miles did not start. All electrical systems failed, there was no indication of any power present. The vehicle is presently at the dealership it was purchased at about 90 days ago, 495 Mazda in Lowell MA and is available for inspection. The sudden loss of all electrical systems has the potential for stranding the driver and passengers in dangerous locations. The problem has not yet been reproduced. The vehicle has been inspected by the service department of 495 Mazda in Lowell MA who advised they had charged the battery and tested it as ok and offered to return the vehicle to me. There were no warning lights or other indication of this problem. …

May 2021

Engine complaints in other CX-5 years

2013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025202643391539171821341882131277
Engine complaints per model year, Mazda CX-5.

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

NHTSA has 82 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2021 Mazda CX-5, 55% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is engine › oil/lubrication (1 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2021 Mazda CX-5 engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 2021 Mazda CX-5 engine problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.