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2013 Mazda CX-5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 133.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

141 reports with mileage · 53 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

194 reports
49,000 miles · Oct 21, 2016
Service BrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA CX-5. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH IN TRAFFIC, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA CX-5. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH IN TRAFFIC, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000.

NHTSA ODI #10917857

38,000 miles · Sep 8, 2016
Power Train

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO TRAFFIC. WHEN CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 15KM/HR, IT SUDDENLY/VIOLENTLY STOPPED AS IF SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND. AFTER STOPPING, I APPLIED GAS AGAIN, BUT CAR WAS VERY SLUGGISH AND NEVER CHANGED GEARS (FELT LIKE I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE STARTING WITH THE 6TH GEAR - I WAS IN "D"). EVERY …

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I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO TRAFFIC. WHEN CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 15KM/HR, IT SUDDENLY/VIOLENTLY STOPPED AS IF SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND. AFTER STOPPING, I APPLIED GAS AGAIN, BUT CAR WAS VERY SLUGGISH AND NEVER CHANGED GEARS (FELT LIKE I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE STARTING WITH THE 6TH GEAR - I WAS IN "D"). EVERY TIME I LET GO OF GAS PEDDLE, IT WOULD INSTANTLY JERK THE CAR TO A STOP. FEELS EXACTLY LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHEN YOU ARE IN FIRST GEAR AND DON'T GIVE ENOUGH GAS AND SUDDENLY LET GO OF YOUR CLUTCH - THE ENGINE SLAMS SHUT. NO ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION LIGHT WAS INDICATED ON THE DASH. THE CAR CAN TURN ON/OFF WITHOUT PROBLEMS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MAZDA. TOOK THEM 1 WEEK TO DETERMINE AND FIX THE CAR: THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION (UNDER WARRANTY). I ONLY HAVE 38000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE INVOICE SAYS: K0101XRX TRANSMISSION COMPLETE, R&R (0000-23-ATF-FZ 6SP.A/T FL, FW7A-03-000R-V0 T/MISSION). MAZDA TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL FOR THIS. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY!! THANKFULLY I WAS ALREADY ON THE SLOW LANE DUE TO THE TRAFFIC... THIS WAS ON A 5 LANE HIGHWAY! IF I WAS ON THE FAST LANE, IT WOULD BE A FATAL ACCIDENT!!!

NHTSA ODI #10904857

120,000 miles · Jul 10, 2016
Electrical System

DOOR LOCKS FAILING. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK HAS FAILED TWICE: ONCE DUE TO LOCK ARM MISALIGNED AND NOW HAS JUST FAILED AGAIN. THE REAR HATCH HAS FAILED FOUR TIMES WITHIN MONTH. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE DOOR LOCK, BATTERY AND REAR CONTROL BOARD. THE ONLY WAY TO GET INTO HATCH IS WITH FOB, AS THERE IS NO KEY SLOT SO UNABLE TO OPEN…

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DOOR LOCKS FAILING. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK HAS FAILED TWICE: ONCE DUE TO LOCK ARM MISALIGNED AND NOW HAS JUST FAILED AGAIN. THE REAR HATCH HAS FAILED FOUR TIMES WITHIN MONTH. HAVE HAD DEALER REPLACE DOOR LOCK, BATTERY AND REAR CONTROL BOARD. THE ONLY WAY TO GET INTO HATCH IS WITH FOB, AS THERE IS NO KEY SLOT SO UNABLE TO OPEN REAR HATCH. THE CAR IS IN FLORIDA AND IS PARKED OUTSIDE.

NHTSA ODI #10883828

39,000 miles · May 25, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

IN GARAGE (THANK GOODNESS & NOT ON ROAD). PUSHED BUTTON TO START ENGINE, IT TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT STAY STARTED, LIKE NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. TRIED 5 MORE TIMES TO DO THIS WITH SAME RESULT. THE KICKER IS, ONCE IGNITION WAS PUSHED TO TURN ON, I COULD NOT GET IT OFF SO THAT ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WOULD SHUT DOWN. WAS TOLD B…

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IN GARAGE (THANK GOODNESS & NOT ON ROAD). PUSHED BUTTON TO START ENGINE, IT TURNED OVER BUT WOULD NOT STAY STARTED, LIKE NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. TRIED 5 MORE TIMES TO DO THIS WITH SAME RESULT. THE KICKER IS, ONCE IGNITION WAS PUSHED TO TURN ON, I COULD NOT GET IT OFF SO THAT ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WOULD SHUT DOWN. WAS TOLD BY MAZDA SERVICE PER CALL TO DISCONNECT NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE ......WHICH SHUT EVERYTHING OFF. CAR WAS TAKEN ON A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK TO DEALERSHIP. STILL UNDER A CERTIFIED PRE OWNED WARRANTY, BIG JOKE! I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $110. JUST TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. WAS TOLD THIS AM BY SERVICE MANAGER PROBLEM WAS A MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOW CAN THAT BE WHEN MY EXTENDED WARRANTY PAPERWORK READS, ".....WITH NO DEDUCTIBLE ON COVERED COMPONENTS." AND THIS IS AN EXTENSION OF THE 36 THOUSAND MILE WARRANTY, I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 27. EMISSION RECALL FIXED IN FEB. 2016. THIS IS COSTING ME ALMOST $500. I WILL BE TRADING THIS 4 CYLINDER SKYACTIV SLUG ASAP.

NHTSA ODI #10870750

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeats

THE POWER DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINES SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. WILL GO FROM ORIGINAL POSITION TO COMPLETELY LAID BACK WITHOUT STOPPING. I CAN'T LET ANYONE TALK SIT BEHIND ME FOR FEAR OF CRUSHING THEIR KNEES OR LEGS. ALSO HAPPENS AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE. WILL WALK BACK TO CAR TO FIND THE SEAT FULLY RECLINED. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVE…

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THE POWER DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINES SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. WILL GO FROM ORIGINAL POSITION TO COMPLETELY LAID BACK WITHOUT STOPPING. I CAN'T LET ANYONE TALK SIT BEHIND ME FOR FEAR OF CRUSHING THEIR KNEES OR LEGS. ALSO HAPPENS AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE. WILL WALK BACK TO CAR TO FIND THE SEAT FULLY RECLINED. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR BUT ESPECIALLY ON DAYS WHEN RUNNING ERRANDS AND IN AND OUT OF CAR MULTIPLE TIMES. CAR ALSO HESITATES WHEN ENGINE IS "COLD". SUDDEN LOSSES OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. CAR JUST SEEMS TO NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE AT TIMES.

NHTSA ODI #10840086

20,000 miles · Feb 5, 2016
SeatsInjury

THE CX-5 COMES EQUIPPED WITH A POWERED DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS. AT 20,000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED SPONTANEOUSLY RECLINING, AFTER YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE, STEP OUTSIDE, AND CLOSE THE DRIVER DOOR. WARNING: IT IS VERY POWERFUL MOTOR IN TERMS OF TORQUE, AND A HUMAN CANNOT PREVENT ITS DESCENT BY PUSHING BACK ON IT. THE SEA…

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THE CX-5 COMES EQUIPPED WITH A POWERED DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS. AT 20,000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED SPONTANEOUSLY RECLINING, AFTER YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE, STEP OUTSIDE, AND CLOSE THE DRIVER DOOR. WARNING: IT IS VERY POWERFUL MOTOR IN TERMS OF TORQUE, AND A HUMAN CANNOT PREVENT ITS DESCENT BY PUSHING BACK ON IT. THE SEAT CONTINUES TO RECLINE, AS THOUGH THE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED -- EVEN WHEN IT MAKES CONTACT WITH A SOLID OBJECT -- OR A PERSON. SMALL CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DOOR WERE BRUISED AND TERRIFIED FOR DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT (HAPPENED 2-3 TIMES BEFORE WE STOPPED USING IT). IT HAPPENS AFTER YOU TURN OFF ENGINE AND LEAVE THE CAR. NORMALLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS, QUICKLY JUMPING BACK INTO DRIVER SEAT AND PUSHING THE BUTTON TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, WILL REVERSE THE SITUATION. HOWEVER, ON ONE OCCASION, THIS WOULD NOT WORK, AND UPON RETURNING TO THE CAR TO FIND THE SEAT IN THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION, I HAD TO DRIVE HOME THIS WAY. AGAIN, IT DOES NOT STOP RECLINING UPON SENSING THAT IT HAS MADE CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT (AS AN ELEVATOR MAY DO). THE EVENT HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN PARK, WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, AND THE DOOR IS CLOSED. THERE ARE NO OBJECTS LODGED IN THE VICINITY OF THE CONTROLS, THAT MAY BE INADVERTENTLY DEPRESSING ON THEM. THE SHOCK OF THE DOOR BEING CLOSED, APPEARS TO BE TRIGGERING IT. NOTE, THERE IS NO SEAT MEMORY ON THIS MODEL, SO IT IS ALSO NOT A CASE OF THE SEAT PRESETS BEING ADJUSTED FOR A DIFFERENT DRIVER. WE DO NOT HAVE VIDEO OF THE EVENT, AS EACH TIME IT HAPPENED, WE WERE FOCUSED ON SAVING THE CHILDREN INSTEAD. A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SEAT IN FULLY RECLINED POSITION CAN BE PROVIDED, BUT DOES NOT DOCUMENT OR PROVE HOW THE SEAT ARRIVED INTO THIS POSITION, UNFORTUNATELY.

NHTSA ODI #10824413

52,700 miles · Jan 5, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train

DURING A LONG HOLIDAY TRIP, WHILE DRIVING DOWN US 19 AT 65 MPH OVER THE NEW RIVER GORGE BRIDGE THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING / SURGING, WITH RPMS GOING UP AND DOWN, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DECELERATED RAPIDLY. THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) LIGHT WAS ON SOLID AND THE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM (TPS) LIGHT WAS FLASHING. …

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DURING A LONG HOLIDAY TRIP, WHILE DRIVING DOWN US 19 AT 65 MPH OVER THE NEW RIVER GORGE BRIDGE THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING / SURGING, WITH RPMS GOING UP AND DOWN, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DECELERATED RAPIDLY. THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) LIGHT WAS ON SOLID AND THE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM (TPS) LIGHT WAS FLASHING. WE HAD JUST LEFT A REST AREA AND WERE LESS THAN A MILE DOWN THE ROAD FROM WHERE WE PULLED ONTO THE HIGHWAY, JUST GETTING UP TO SPEED. I MAY HAVE JUST TURNED ON THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT I CANNOT REMEMBER. THE WEATHER WAS WARM AND DRY. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 52,700 MILES ON IT. I PUT ON THE FLASHERS AND PRAYED THAT MOMENTUM WOULD CARRY ME OVER THE BRIDGE TO WHERE I COULD PULL OFF, THAT THE SEMI-TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCK BARRELING DOWN ON ME WOULD GET IN THE OTHER LANE SOON, AND THAT NO ONE WOULD REAR END ME. MY MOM AND MY HUSBAND WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME. WE TURNED OFF THE CAR, WALKED AROUND THE OUTSIDE TO LOOK AT THE TIRES, LOOKED THROUGH THE MANUAL, AND TRIED TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES, I STARTED IT UP AGAIN, THERE WERE NO INDICATORS LIT UP ON THE DASH, AND THE CAR SEEMED TO BE BACK TO NORMAL, SO WE CONTINUED OUR TRIP. SINCE THEN WE HAVE DRIVEN ABOUT 800 MILES AND IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO CONTACT THE DEALER YET.

NHTSA ODI #10818063

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2015
Service Brakes

REAR BRAKES (ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS) PREMATURELY WORN OUT AT ~35K THIS LOOKS LIKE A DESIGN ISSUES AS THERE IS A TSB FOR IT, DO TO RUST FORMATION THAT MAKES THE BRAKE PADS STICK. MAZDA SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRO-ACTIVE. ALL THEY NEEDED TO DO WAS TO REMOVE RUSTED SPOTS AND APPLY SOME GREASE. NOW I HAVE A CASE OPEN WITH MAZDA CUSTOMER…

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REAR BRAKES (ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS) PREMATURELY WORN OUT AT ~35K THIS LOOKS LIKE A DESIGN ISSUES AS THERE IS A TSB FOR IT, DO TO RUST FORMATION THAT MAKES THE BRAKE PADS STICK. MAZDA SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRO-ACTIVE. ALL THEY NEEDED TO DO WAS TO REMOVE RUSTED SPOTS AND APPLY SOME GREASE. NOW I HAVE A CASE OPEN WITH MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SEE IF THEY WILL COVER IT AS WARRANTY ITEM.

NHTSA ODI #10808403

43,250 miles · Nov 25, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

RUNNING ERRANDS ON WAY HOME ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE ON A HILL SUDDENLY INCURRED LOSS OF POWER, CHECK ENGINE AND DRIVING STABILITY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. PRESSED GAS AND NO CHANGE IN SPEED. SPEED DROPPED FROM 45 TO 20 AND HAD TO MOVE TO SHOULDER. OTHER THAN LOSS OF POWER EVERYTHING ELSE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. MANAGED TO RETURN HO…

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RUNNING ERRANDS ON WAY HOME ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE ON A HILL SUDDENLY INCURRED LOSS OF POWER, CHECK ENGINE AND DRIVING STABILITY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. PRESSED GAS AND NO CHANGE IN SPEED. SPEED DROPPED FROM 45 TO 20 AND HAD TO MOVE TO SHOULDER. OTHER THAN LOSS OF POWER EVERYTHING ELSE FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. MANAGED TO RETURN HOME VIA BACK ROADS AND AVOIDANCE OF HILLS. SPEED IMPROVED SOMEWHAT ONCE COMPLETED CLIMBING HILL BUT AS NEARED HOME CAR'S SPEED TOPPED OUT AT 20 MPH, TOTAL TRIP 4 MILES OR SO. ONCE IN DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF CAR AND THEN STARTED AGAIN NEITHER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOR THE DRIVING STABILITY CAME ON AGAIN. CAR WELL MAINTAINED FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 2 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. WILL BE TAKING IT IN FOR SERVICE AND SEE IF PROBLEM CAN BE DIAGNOSED.

NHTSA ODI #10806701

60,000 miles · Oct 5, 2015
Service Brakes

WITHOUT ANY ADVANCE WARNING MY REAR BRAKES BEGAN SCREECHING. I AM NOW OPERATING WITH REAR BRAKES THAT ARE METAL ON METAL.I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND HE SAID IT'S NORMAL FOR BRAKES TO WEAR OUT AND IT IS PROBABLY NOT FROM A STUCK CALIPER. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING ONE WEEK AGO D…

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WITHOUT ANY ADVANCE WARNING MY REAR BRAKES BEGAN SCREECHING. I AM NOW OPERATING WITH REAR BRAKES THAT ARE METAL ON METAL.I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND HE SAID IT'S NORMAL FOR BRAKES TO WEAR OUT AND IT IS PROBABLY NOT FROM A STUCK CALIPER. THIS BEGAN HAPPENING ONE WEEK AGO DURING NORMAL USAGE.

NHTSA ODI #10779824

Official recalls

1

16V644000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Sep 6, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Mazda CX-5 problems