Mazda5 (3rd)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
L5X
2.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mazda Mazda5 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mazda Mazda5, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5
On a used 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (18), the body and structure (13) and the wheels and tires (12). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 about the brakes.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 about the body and structure.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 about the wheels and tires.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 about the steering.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 about the seats, seat belts and interior.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 complaints?
Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the body and trim and the wheels and tires.
Is the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 have?
NHTSA has 81 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda5?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the body and trim and the wheels and tires, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Mazda5 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2012-2015 Mazda Mazda5. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 81 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.