2015 Mazda Cx 5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Mazda Cx 5 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering filler pipe and cap and hatchback/liftgate. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Liftgate support recall parts unavailable.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Campaign #16V064000 · Mar 2, 2016

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Risk: A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 9216B.

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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Campaign #16E002000 · Jan 19, 2016

Issue: Pilkington North America, Inc. (Pilkington) is recalling certain replacement windshields, model FW04026 GTY, manufactured November 23, 2015, to December 16, 2015 for use in Mazda CX-5 vehicles that are equipped with the Smart City Brake Support system. The affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system. These brackets were improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen.

Risk: If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Pilkington will contact the wholesalers and retailers that purchased the windshields to try to identify the affected customers. The affected windshields will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact Pilkington at 1-844-278-7230.

STEERING

Campaign #16V203000 · Nov 4, 2016

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Mazda Cx 5.

Reported to NHTSA

Liftgate support recall parts unavailable

STRUCTURE

19 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2022-12

THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE INDEPENDENTLY FELL AND STRUCK THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER IN THE HEAD. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10981706
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11004047
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2015 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that while his daughter was loading groceries in the trunk, the liftgate dropped unexpectedly and the corner of the liftgate hit her in the head, causing a laceration
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496770

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracks without apparent impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

13 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2017-08

VEHICLE PARKED. GOT INTO VEHICLE AND NOTICED LARGE CRACK IN WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK WAS NOT THERE 2 HOURS EARLIER WHEN I GOT OUT OF IT. THE CRACK STARTS AT TOP CENTER IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND RUNS DOWN TO THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND FORMS A 'S' SHAPE AND STOPS BENEATH THE MIRROR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10641377
I WAS DRIVING MY NEW 2015 CX 5 GRAND TOURING TODAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. I LOOKED DOWN AND SAW A 24 INCH CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD EXTENDING FROM THE LOWER DRIVERS SIDE TO THE MIDDLE. THERE IS NO SIGN OF A CHIP AND THE WINDSHIELD APPEARED TO BE IN PERFECT CONDITION
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10677042
I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE GARAGE LAST NIGHT, WHEN I NOTICED A FRACTURE LINE PROPAGATING FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD (ABOUT 6 INCHES LONG). IN MY ENTIRE HISTORY OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS WITH A VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO STONE CHIP OR INDENTATION
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10648268

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure and hard shifting

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2022-09

2015 Mazda CX-5 with 91,000 miles on it. Automatic transmission has failed. When I attempted to pull out into traffic the vehicle would not shift into 2nd gear and instead jerked hard and the engine RPMs revved up. I was not able to get the vehicle past 10mph
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11483555
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 63,537 MILES. AFTER BEING TOLD THE REPAIR WOULD COST $5,400 I ASKED WOULD I BE GETTING THE SAME TRANSMISSION THAT FAILED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR HAD CONTACTED MAZDA TECH SUPPORT AND SAID "NO, WE'VE DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM IN YOUR TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS BEEN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11080147
MY CAR'S TRANSMISSON WOULD JUST BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY 69 AT PRESCOTT, ARIZONA AND FINALLY STOP THERE AND CANNOT MOVE AROUND OR PULL OVER AT ALL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363474

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and rim-related air loss

TIRES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2023-09

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR G91A, P225 65/R17, D.O.T. FDF5-PC51414 OEM TIRE: ON JULY 6, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 12:30PM EST, MY DAUGHTER WHILE DRIVING OUR 2015 MAZDA CX-5, EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC TIRE FAILURE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10732547
ON OCTOBER 6, 2015, I WAS TRAVELING ON I-70 IN SOUTHERN UTAH WHEN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TIRE WAS A YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER G91, DOT FDF5 PC50814, SIZE P225/65R17/60H. THIS TIRE WAS ON MY 2015 MAZDA CX5 WHEN I PURCHASED IT IN LATE AUGUST 2014
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10794398
The contact stated the tires deflating abnormally. The contact stated that the tires needed to be inflated on a weekly basis. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rims were improperly fitted to suit multiple tires, causing
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545786

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden unintended acceleration while braking or parking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2025-07

I WAS PARKING MY MAZDA CX5 IN A SPOT AT A SHOPPING CENTER AND WHEN I TOUCHED THE BRAKE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT AND WENT TO SHIFT CAR INTO PARK, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULL SPEED, MAKING A VROOM SOUND, JUMPING THE CURB AND SMASHING INTO A BRICK POST (LUCKILY I HIT THE POST AND NOT A
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11203922
MY FOOT WAS SOLELY ON THE BRAKE AS MY CAR WAS COMING TO A STOP IN A PARKING SPACE. THEN SUDDENLY WITH NO REASON, THE CAR ACCELERATED, JUMPING THE CEMENT TIRE STOPPER, HIT AGAINST THE CONCRETE PARKING COLUMN, WENT DOWN A SLIGHT HILL AND HIT ANOTHER CONCRETE PARKING COLUMN BEFORE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072788
Occasionally have sudden unintended acceleration. Went to dealer, no codes shown. Replaced battery and did throttle service. Happens 1 or 2 times a month generally within first 5 minutes of trip when attempting to stop
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling or loss of power while driving

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2024-08

While driving on the freeway the check engine light came on. I was able to drive the car home the remaining 20 minutes but there was some noticeable difficulty accelerating. When I went to turn on the car later that day the engine would not turn over and there was an audible
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605868
WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS AND/OR SOUNDS, VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING POWER AT AROUND 30 MPH IN THE CITY AND ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED. AAA WAS CALLED TO START THE VEHICLE TO NO AVAIL, BATTERY CHECKED OUT OK. TOWED TO MAZDA DEALERSHIP IN WICHITA, KS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11416089
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST POWER COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND SEVERAL BSM OFF, TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, TCS/DSC INDICATORS REMAINED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11058373

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 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)

16 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.

11

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 2015 Mazda Cx 5 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.