2022 Mazda Cx-5 Safety Report

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 demonstrates a strong overall safety profile based on NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving a perfect 5-star rating in Overall, Frontal, and Side crash tests, and a respectable 4-star rating for Rollover. This indicates excellent performance in protecting occupants during various collision scenarios. However, despite these high ratings, the vehicle has accumulated 52 complaints, including 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury, suggesting some areas of concern outside of direct crashworthiness. A significant pattern in these complaints revolves around the EXTERIOR LIGHTING system, accounting for 15 complaints, primarily concerning noisy or failing LED headlight assemblies, often just outside of warranty. This issue, while not directly a crash safety defect, can impact nighttime visibility and driver distraction. Beyond the prevalent headlight issues, other notable complaint categories include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (6 complaints), ENGINE (4 complaints), and POWER TRAIN/ENGINE (3 complaints). Specific engine complaints mention ticking noises, timing chain cover gasket leaks, and even cylinder head cracks, indicating potential long-term reliability concerns for some owners. The Forward Collision Avoidance system also has 3 complaints, with one instance of erroneous activation causing the vehicle to stop in an intersection, which is a critical safety concern. The absence of any recalls for the 2022 model year is positive, but the recurring nature of certain complaints, particularly the headlight issues, suggests a need for manufacturer attention. The overall safety picture is one of strong passive safety, as evidenced by crash test results, but with active and component-related issues that could affect driver confidence and long-term ownership. The high number of complaints regarding exterior lighting, often described as a 'known problem' by owners and dealerships, points to a design or manufacturing flaw that Mazda has yet to address via recall. While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, the real-world complaint data highlights specific areas where safety and reliability could be improved, particularly concerning the durability of critical components like headlights and certain engine elements.

Our recommendation: The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offers excellent crash safety, but potential buyers should be aware of widespread LED headlight issues and some reported engine concerns; a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.