2020 Mazda Cx-5 Safety Report
2020 Mazda CX-5: Excellent crash safety, but plagued by infotainment glitches and some engine/transmission concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Mazda Cx-5
Reliability Score
The 2020 Mazda Cx-5 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2020 Mazda Cx-5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Mazda Cx-5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment 'Ghost Touch' / Malfunction Touchscreen randomly selects menu items, changes settings, makes calls, or reboots, causing significant driver distraction and potential safety hazards. |
High | Common | all miles |
| Smart Brake Support (Sbs) Malfunction System malfunctions, causing unexpected braking, loss of power, or vehicle entering 'limp mode', creating dangerous situations in traffic. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Transmission Issues (Chirping, Jerking, Failure) Reports of chirping noises, jerking, iron deposits in transmission due to bad torque converter, and outright transmission failure requiring replacement. |
High | Common | 30000-60000 miles |
| Engine Oil Leaks / Cracked Cylinder Head Burning oil smell, oil leaks from seals/timing cover, and cracked cylinder heads reported, leading to potential engine failure and smoke in cabin. |
High | Occasional | 30000-60000 miles |
| Steering Column Knocking/Rattling Known defect in the steering column nut causing knocking/rattling/clunking noises, acknowledged by Mazda with TSBs but not classified as a safety recall. |
Medium | Occasional | all miles |
| Sunroof Exploding Reports of sunroofs spontaneously shattering or 'exploding' without impact or extreme temperature changes. |
Medium | Rare | all miles |
| Airbag Unintended Deployment Passenger side curtain airbags deploying without collision or impact, causing shock and disorientation to the driver. |
High | Rare | all miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Mazda Cx-5:
General complaints not fitting specific categories, often related to overall vehicle behavior or multiple system interactions.
Issues including infotainment malfunctions ('ghost touch', reboots), sensor problems, and general electrical glitches.
Reports of burning oil, cracked cylinders, oil leaks, and engine stalling.
Transmission-related problems such as chirping noises, jerking, and failures.
Malfunctions of the Smart Brake Support system, leading to unintended braking or loss of power.
Complaints including sunroof explosions and steering column noises.
Issues with the system's sensors causing false warnings, unintended braking, or vehicle stalling.
Reports of airbags deploying without cause.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Mazda Cx-5
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 received excellent crash test ratings (5-star Overall, Frontal, Side; 4-star Rollover), indicating strong passive safety. However, 97 complaints, including 8 crashes and 6 injuries, highlight concerns with active safety systems like Smart Brake Support and significant distractions from infotainment 'ghost touch' issues.
What are common problems with the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
The most reported issues are related to the electrical system (11 complaints), particularly the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' and random reboots, engine problems (9 complaints) like oil leaks and cracked cylinders, and power train issues (7 complaints) including transmission chirping and failure. The Smart Brake Support system also has 4 complaints for malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
No, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 has 0 recalls issued by NHTSA, despite a number of recurring complaints about specific components and systems.
How does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star rating for Overall, Frontal Barrier, and Side Barrier tests, and a 4-star rating for Rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the infotainment system in the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
Yes, there are numerous complaints (part of the 11 electrical system complaints) regarding the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' and random malfunctions. Drivers report this as a significant and dangerous distraction, with the screen making unintended calls, changing settings, or rebooting while driving.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2020 Mazda CX-5 offers excellent crash safety, be aware of widespread infotainment 'ghost touch' issues and potential engine/transmission problems; consider an extended warranty or thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Mazda Cx-5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Mazda Cx-5. The data includes 97 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Mazda Cx-5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.