Mazda

Mazda5 (3rd)

2012-2015 · Compact Sedan · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.9)
78 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
10 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Mazda Mazda5 → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

L5X

2.5L
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
67 complaints 16.8 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
14
wheels tires
11
body
11
steering
11
fuel system
9

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (14 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (11 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (11 complaints)

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mazda Mazda5 regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (15 complaints)
brakes critical
Wheels/Tires Issues (11 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Body/Trim Issues (11 complaints)
body critical
Steering Issues (11 complaints)
steering critical

Recalls (1)

16V644000Jun 8, 2016serious
Structure

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.

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.

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. 78 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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