NHTSA has received 267 owner complaints about the 2019 Mazda CX-5, or 34.8 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.83, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #44 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 188% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 44% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2019-07-07 and 2026-08-28. Median delay from incident to filing: 10 days.
267Complaints
34.8Complaints per year on the road
0.83Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
2Recalls
3.4%Share involving a crash or fire
55Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2018) drew 13.5 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2020) drew 15.9 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2019 model collected 21 complaints, 74% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (49.8% of complaints), followed by Electrical (15.0%) and Interior & equipment (10.5%). Engine complaints are 2.2 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “cylinder head”, “cracked cylinder”, “oil”, “leak” and “smoke”. 9 reports (3.4%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 5 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 61 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (52% of incidents). In the last 12 months 55 new complaints were filed, versus 71 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for this model year. 54% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.83
vs. other Mazda models2.88
vs. other 2019 models0.76
vs. other Compact SUVs0.56
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (21)0.26
My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.
Electrical · 2025-08-15 · ODI 11680964 · Fire
On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle.
Transmission / powertrain · 2025-03-05 · ODI 11646520 · Crash
2019 Mazda CX-5 developed P0192-00 fuel-pressure-related fault and significant loss of acceleration/limp mode. Mazda dealership diagnosed fuel rail/injector-seal issue and performed approximately $2,836 in repairs. The condition was not corrected.
Engine · 2026-08-28 · ODI 11760472
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH and turning into a driveway, smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and inspected.
Engine · 2026-08-26 · ODI 11759696
In early 2025, my 2019 Mazda CX5 automatic would not shift always shift when it should - - it would take several seconds. This was especially concerning when I merged onto freeways and when I drove up hills or steep roads, and needed to pass a slower vehicle.
Interior & equipment · 2026-08-10 · ODI 11755884
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2019 Mazda CX-5?
267 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Mazda CX-5, or about 34.8 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2019 Mazda CX-5?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 49.8% of complaints.
Does the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2019 Mazda CX-5 still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 55 new complaints were filed, versus 71 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
How does the 2019 Mazda CX-5 compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 267 owner complaints about the 2019 Mazda CX-5, or 34.8 per year on the road — a typical number of complaints for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.83, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #44 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Mazda models its rate is 188% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 44% lower.