2023 Mazda Cx-5 Safety Report

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 presents a generally strong safety profile based on NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving a perfect 5-star overall rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, despite these excellent ratings, the vehicle has accumulated 51 complaints, with 6 crashes and 5 injuries reported. A significant concern arises from one complaint detailing an airbag failure in a collision, resulting in severe driver injuries (fractured sternum, two cervical fractures), which directly contradicts the high crash test performance. Analysis of the 51 complaints reveals several recurring patterns. 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' is the most frequent complaint category with 8 reports, followed closely by 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING' with 7 complaints. The exterior lighting issues predominantly involve the adaptive LED headlight assemblies, specifically cooling fan failures causing loud noises and vibrations, with multiple owners reporting these issues just outside warranty and referencing Mazda Service Alert SA-013-23 or TSB 09-015-23B. Engine-related complaints, totaling 4, include serious issues like a cracked cylinder head causing catastrophic oil loss at 35,000 miles and a leaking hydraulic tensioner for the serpentine belt at 15,759 miles, both described as known issues within the community. Furthermore, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' and 'LANE DEPARTURE' systems are cited in 2 complaints each, with reports of random autobraking activation and system malfunctions. Other notable issues include 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE' (2 complaints) with reports of battery drain and starting problems, and 'STEERING' (2 complaints) with one owner experiencing extremely heavy steering causing fatigue. The vehicle has no open recalls, which is positive, but the consistent nature of certain complaints, particularly regarding headlights and ADAS malfunctions, suggests underlying design or manufacturing issues that may not be fully addressed by current service bulletins or warranty repairs. The discrepancy between high crash test scores and an airbag non-deployment incident is particularly alarming and warrants further investigation.

Our recommendation: While the 2023 Mazda CX-5 boasts excellent crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues with adaptive LED headlights, ADAS malfunctions, and some serious engine complaints. Consider an extended warranty and thoroughly inspect headlight function and ADAS system performance during a test drive.