Mazda5 (3rd)
Engine Reliability Comparison
PE
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L5X
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mazda Mazda5 regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (1)
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 problems?
The 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 has accumulated 78 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Wheels/Tires, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mazda Mazda5 engine is most reliable?
The 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 a good used car?
The 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 78 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 have?
The 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 has 78 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5?
There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda5?
Before buying a used Mazda Mazda5, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Wheels/Tires, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 78 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-06.