Wrench.Pro

2013 Mazda Mazda5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Mazda Mazda5 carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering hatchback/liftgate. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear hatch and door handle recall delays.” Mazda's Skyactiv engines use unusually high compression ratios (13:1 to 16:1) and require strict adherence to oil intervals — extending oil life on a Skyactiv engine accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Mazda's published Schedule 1 (severe) covers most US driving conditions. Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50 share the Skyactiv-G platform.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #16V644000 · Jun 9, 2016

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Mazda Mazda5.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear hatch and door handle recall delays

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2025-11

“WHILE TRYING TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IN THE WINTER THE HANDLE OF THE DOOR BROKE. A PLASTIC CONNECTOR ON THE FORWARD SIDE OF THE HANDLE, INSIDE THE DOOR BROKE OFF. AS I CALLED TO GET A QUOTE ON REPAIR I HEARD THAT THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. ONLY AFTER I GOT A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985826
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE) WAS RECEIVED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10981677
“THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL ON MY VEHICLE INVOLVING THE REAR HATCH. IT MAY DROP RANDOMLY AND WITH 2 CHILDREN I FIND IT EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED SINCE 9/2016. I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE IS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME MANUFACTURERS HAVE TO FIX A RECALL BUT, I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064601

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering warning light and loss of assist

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2017-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXERT FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND RESUMED NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915295
“POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION: UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE (IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB, TO GO HOME) THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION LIGHT LIT UP IN THE DASHBOARD. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL TO SEE IF IT WAS LOW - IT WAS NOT. I CHECKED THE FUSES THAT MIGHT BE RELATED TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10881305
“I HAVE HAD AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING LIGHT COMING ON IN MY CAR. THERE WERE TIMES THAT I HAVE HAD MY CAR PARKED OVERNIGHT, GOT UP THE NEXT MORNING TO LEAVE FOR WORK, THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON FROM THE PREVIOUS AFTERNOON. THE LIGHT HAS COME ON WHILE I HAVE DRIVEN ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021027

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine surge while braking at low speed

SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2019-08

“I HAVE GONE TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS WITH NO HELP. MY VEHICLE SURGES OR REVS ANY TIME THE AC IS ON TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. THIS OCCURS IN NEUTRAL, DRIVE AND PARK. IT SPECIFICALLY OCCURS WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN, STOPPING, OR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244077
“AFTER REPEATEDLY GOING TO VARIOUS MECHANICS TO GET A DIAGNOSIS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, THEY WERE ALL UNSUCCESSFUL TO FIND ANY REPORT THROUGH THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER. HOWEVER, MY CAR'S ENGINE IS CONSTANTLY REVVED UP EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AN SLOWING DOWN CAUSING IT TO JERK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11229841

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Head restraint forward tilt with no adjustment

SEATS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2014-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ABRUPTLY, THE CONTACT'S SKULL HIT THE TOP OF THE HEAD RESTRAINT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD RESTRAINS FAILED TO ADJUST INTO A FORWARD OR BACKWARD MOTION. THE HEAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10606192
“MAZDA HEADRESTS TILT TOO FAR FORWARD. WE WERE READY TO BUY A MAZDA5 BUT WHEN MY WIFE GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL IN THE TEST DRIVE THE HEADREST PUSHED HER HEAD FORWARD; CANNOT ADJUST TILT. SHE GOT A HEADACHE AFTER THE TEST DRIVE. THIS IS NOT SAFE. SHOULD SUPPORT FROM BOTTOM OF HEAD AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10510014

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake failure and vehicle rollaway

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2016-10

“THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED. MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT STATIONARY, PARKED IN A PARKING LOT ON ONLY A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER WAS PULLED UP AND ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE NOT MOVING AS ALL OCCUPANTS EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WALKED AWAY. UPON RETURNING TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914119
“THE EMERGENCY BRAKES OF MAZDA 5 DO NOT WORK. MY CAR SLID OFF WHILE PARKED AND CRASHED AGAINST A MAILBOX. BOTH CAR AND MAILBOX WERE DAMAGED. MAZDA CLAIMS IT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE AS IT STATES IN ITS MANUAL THAT YOU NEED TO ALWAYS LEAVE THE CAR ON GEAR WHEN YOU PARK EVEN ON A FLAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661587
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 5. WHILE PARKED WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10643803

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation from sidewall

TIRES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2021-07

“OUR 2013 MAZDA5 MINIVAN HAVE THE TOYO A20 ALL-SEASON RADIAL TIRE. TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES HAVE THE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE SIDEWALL ALONG THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. THERE IS ACTUALLY A LINE AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. WE HAD TO BE JUST A FEW MILES FROM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10819470
“The tire blow up and causing lost control and hit curbs and it’s causing accident and it’s damaged front and damaged engine, trans pan , transmission and steering gear and linkage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424198

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2 (highway-only): 7,500 miles. Mazda CX-50 Turbo and CX-9: 5,000 miles regardless of schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD CX-5, CX-50, and CX-9: 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from front-biased AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Mazda3 and CX-5 front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Skyactiv-G direct injection is sensitive to airflow restriction — inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace ATF every 60,000 miles severe / 100,000 normal. Use Mazda FZ ATF — substitutes cause harsh 1-2 shifts and torque converter shudder.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 60,000 miles on Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L. CX-50 Turbo and CX-9 Turbo: 45,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

FL-22 Long-Life Coolant

Every 60,000 mi

Mazda FL-22 (yellow): first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000. Do not substitute — silicate-free formula prevents water pump damage on Skyactiv engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

AWD CX-5, CX-50, CX-9: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Mazda3, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

12 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Mazda Mazda5 reflects Mazda's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →