Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driving approximately 40 - 50 MPH. The contact stated that due to the crash, the driver's seat unexpectedly reclined, and the driver's head restraint detached and landed in the car seat in the rear seat. The contact also stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the crash. A Police report was filed. The contact was transported to a local emergency room and was treated for a fractured right fibula and whiplash. The vehicle was towed to a service center for an insurance claim and inspection. The contact was concerned that the air bags did not deploy and stated that the failure could have resulted in more catastrophic injuries. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
My 2021 Mazda CX-5 has developed a persistent rattling/vibration noise from the A-pillar and upper corner of the windshield. The noise appears to originate from the windshield/A-pillar attachment area and may be related to improper adhesion, mounting, weatherstripping, or other components near the top of the windshield. I have found numerous similar owner reports involving Mazda CX-5 and other fourth-generation Mazda models describing rattling, clicking, or vibration from the same windshield/A-pillar area. Because this issue appears to affect a significant number of vehicles, I believe NHTSA should investigate whether there is a common manufacturing or assembly defect and determine whether a manufacturer repair campaign or recall is warranted.
While traveling on an Interstate highway, my passenger side curtain airbag suddenly deployed without any warning while I was driving. There was no collision or impact, there was no debris on the road, or any significant bumps in the road. There was a very loud explosive sound and then my entire passenger side was covered in blue. The sound was so loud that it left my ears ringing and left me badly shaken up. I lost all visibility out of my passenger side as all of my side windows and mirrors were obscured, and I knew there was traffic in that lane along side of me. It felt very dangerous and I had to rely on my lane change sensors to safely pull to the side to assess any damage. There was no evident sign of any impact to my car. All of the glass was intact, there were no scratches, dents or missing paint. …
-Passenger side air bags deployed for no reason on May 19, 2025 at 1945h. -Driver safety compromised due to shock, momentary loss of hearing, disorientation while driving. -Other drivers safety compromised due to driver having to react, re-orient themselves and drive to safety. -Culver City Mazda dealership ran diagnostic. Conclusion: air bags deployed due to pressure. NO OTHER conclusions regarding system error, software error, ignitor, sensors or vehicle impact. -Police inspected vehicle at time of incident. No damage was observed or reported. -NO warning lamps or messages appeared prior to passenger air bag deployment.
Tuesday, 5/3, I was parking my car in the New Leaf Grocery parking lot in Aptos, CA. I pulled into the lot and made slow right into an available space. I had my foot on the accelerator, tapped down on it gently to ease into the space. My car lurched forward at such high speed that I was unable to remove my foot from the accelerator. I swerved to the right as the car went over a partition and hit another parked car on the other side of the partition. My airbag did not activate. I've replayed the experience in my mind and tried convincing myself that this could have been a matter of human error on my part. I am beyond convinced that what I experienced yesterday was a case of sudden unintended acceleration. I am concerned and afraid to drive my car now. Had circumstances been different, someone could have been killed. Had I not swerved right, I was headed to crash into a building. …
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not provided information the diagnostic test results. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the air bags warning light was no longer illuminated. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Entire drivers side air bags deployed, with only the driver in the vehicle, after striking a curb, (after striking a coyote, then swerving). Front central air bag did not deploy-only the side, and then for the entire side of a four door SUV, Mazda CX-5. Air bag slammed into neck and chest of driver nearly striking jugular with sharp impact. There does not appear to be any reason for side air bag to deploy, without front center deploying.
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by her husband with a DTC code reader that the passenger's side air bag sensor was faulty and the passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Related recalls (1)
Air bags › Side/window
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-5 years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (19), 2018 (9), 2014 (8), 2019 (7) and 2015 (5) model years. Airbag complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Mazda CX-5 airbag problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-426 (side/window, Jun 25, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda CX-5 airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles; 67% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the sensor › occupant classification (1 mentions), followed by the sensor › occupant classification › front passenger (1).
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.