2015 Mazda Mazda5 Safety Report

The 2015 Mazda Mazda5 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to limited crash test data and a small number of complaints that highlight significant potential hazards. With only 7 total NHTSA complaints, 3 of which involved crashes and 4 resulting in injuries, the data is sparse. However, the complaints describe serious issues such as unintended acceleration, sudden loss of power steering, and a liftgate recall that, if not addressed, could lead to injury. The vehicle has only one recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 17V393000, concerning the liftgate supports, which could fail and cause the liftgate to fall unexpectedly. This recall specifically affects 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles. NHTSA has not provided overall, frontal, side, or rollover safety ratings for the 2015 Mazda5, making it difficult to assess its crashworthiness based on official government tests. This lack of data is a significant gap for potential buyers. Despite the low complaint volume, the nature of the reported problems—including a high-speed rollover crash with four children and issues with adaptive mobility equipment for disabled users—suggests that when problems do occur, they can be severe. The most frequently cited components in complaints include EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, ENGINE, STEERING, AIR BAGS/SEAT BELTS/SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, PARKING BRAKE, and SERVICE BRAKES, each with one complaint. The recall for the liftgate supports is a known structural issue that Mazda has attempted to address. While the low number of complaints might suggest a generally reliable vehicle, the severity of the reported incidents, coupled with the absence of comprehensive crash test ratings, means potential buyers should exercise caution and thoroughly investigate the vehicle's maintenance and recall history.

Our recommendation: Given the lack of comprehensive crash test data and the severity of some reported issues despite low complaint volume, thoroughly inspect any potential 2015 Mazda5 for recall completion and mechanical soundness, especially regarding steering and liftgate functionality.