There are no safety recalls for the 2020 Mazda CX-5, but owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA.
2020 Mazda CX-5 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 31 | |
| Unknown or Other | 25 | |
| Engine | 18 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 17 | |
| Service Brakes | 14 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 8
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 6
- Structure › Body — 5
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 4
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
- Electrical System › Adas › Blindspot › Warning › Chime — 1
- Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 3,200 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2020 Mazda CX-5 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Power Train · reported Nov 1, 2026
The vehicle's component that fails seems to be the transmission locking up in first gear after accelerating from a stop. During wet conditions, the car will fish tail and the traction control will kick in.
Power Train · reported Oct 30, 2026
I am filing a defect complaint regarding a severe drivetrain safety hazard on my 2020 Mazda CX-5 (currently at 62,800 miles). The automatic transmission has begun slipping and hesitating during acceleration, specifically producing a high-pitched chirping/squeaking noise during the 3rd-to-4th gear upshift. This issue is fully documented by the manufacturer under Technical Service Bulletin TSB 05-005/23. Mazda's internal bulletin admits that the root cause is an inherent manufacturing defect where the torque converter lockup clutch friction material degrades prematurely, contaminating the…
Service Brakes · reported Oct 25, 2026
Car stalls and 3 warning lights flash on the dashboard- âfront radar sensor system malfunctionâ, âforward smart city brake support malfunctionâ, âsmart brake system malfunctionâ and check engine light turns on. Car still drives but gas pedal and brake pedal donât seem to work as well. Have to pull over, turn engine off and restart. Check engine light still on but other warning lights disappear. Check engine light turns off overnight. Has happened twice in the last month. Concerned about safety as gas and brake pedals seem off until turning the engine off and on again. Concerned…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Sep 27, 2026
When coasting into a parking space the car suddenly accelerated. At a high rate of speed, the car jumped the curb and planting area of median separating the parking area. The car struck 2 other cars on the other side of the median. The car directly in front of my car was moved several feet. My air bag deployed.
Engine · reported Jun 19, 2026
Cylinder Head has failed at 53,000 miles. Mazda has a technical service bulletin acknowledging that this is a common occurrence with this part. They have an extended warranty for the turbo engine but not for the standard engine. Looking through online forums, there are hundreds of not thousands of these issues for this model year and engine. Mazda has clearly acknowledged there is an issue and should repair these manufacturing defects that are not normal wear and tear items.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2020 Mazda CX-5 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (31 reports), followed by unknown or other (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 3,200 miles.
Are Mazda recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.