Are there open safety recalls?
None
No open recalls, but there’s an open government investigation — check nhtsa.gov.
FREE VEHICLE RESEARCH
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has no open NHTSA safety recalls on file, 140 owner complaints, and gets about 26 mpg combined. Here's the full free record from NHTSA and the EPA.
FREE PUBLIC RECORD · U.S. GOVERNMENT DATA
Should you worry?
Something in the public record needs a closer look before you buy.
Are there open safety recalls?
None
No open recalls, but there’s an open government investigation — check nhtsa.gov.
What do owners report?
7 injuries reported
7 of 140 reports (~5%). On a high-volume model that alone isn’t unusual — look for patterns below.
How did it score in crash tests?
5 out of 5 stars
5 is best. This model scored well in government crash tests.
Open recalls · nearby years
Same make and model. This car is the 2021.
Based on free U.S. government safety data · checked August 2, 2026.
SAFETY
These are government crash-test scores. 5 stars is best. They rate this year and model, not your exact car.
Factory safety & driver-assist equipment
Tested as: 2021 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD · 2 versions tested
A recall means the manufacturer must fix a safety problem for free at a dealer. Ask the seller for proof the work was done.
No open safety recalls on file for this year and model.
The government also has an open investigation on this model. Look it up on nhtsa.gov before you buy.
From NHTSA (U.S. safety agency) · checked August 2, 2026.
OWNERS
People file these with the government when something goes wrong. They show patterns, not a diagnosis of any one car for sale.
Owner reports · nearby years
Same make and model. This car is the 2021.
140 owner reports on file
Parts mentioned most often. Longer bar = more reports. Counts are out of 140 total reports.
The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle
Engine developed a major oil leak at 70,000 miles, with multiple seals leaking. This appears to be a known defect with these vehicles and owners should not be bearing the cost for repairs.
LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on about 1000 miles from last oil changed. Dealer fixed the Mazda recall code: P250F on July 30, 2025. Now is same issue of LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on again on November 19, 2025.
The vehicle's Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) suffers from a severe, persistent electronic hardware malfunction that causes the central information display and dashboard telemetry to blink, cycle, and drop signals erratically. This specific
2021 Mazda CX5 AWD- Non Turbo Engine. Sunny Day, Dry. My Car was clean. No Precipitation. Some shadows of the interstate light poles across the road 200-300 feet in front of me, but they were thin shadows. Sun Was to my Left. I was dr
The car has 21000 miles and is driven lightly when applying the brakes the steering wheel started shaking and the car made noises - the brakes could have failed at any time and at any speedl The dealer said the rotors were warped. no warnin
Bars are sized relative to the most-mentioned part on this list, not to 100% of all cars.
From NHTSA owner complaints · checked August 2, 2026. Anyone can file a report; they are not verified repairs.
FUEL COST
EPA estimates for this year and model. Your real cost depends on gas prices, how you drive, and how far you go.
Combined MPG · nearby years
Same make and model. This car is the 2021.
$2,350
estimated fuel cost per year if you drive about 15,000 miles
Miles per gallon. Higher is cheaper to drive.
Over 5 years, compared to an average new car
This model is estimated to cost about $750 more on fuel.
From EPA fueleconomy.gov · checked August 2, 2026.
HOW IT WAS BUILT
What’s on the build record for this VIN or model.
Engine
4-cyl 2.5L
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Fuel
Regular
From EPA and NHTSA vehicle records · checked August 2, 2026.
What this free check does not include
We only show free U.S. government data: safety recalls, owner reports, crash tests, and fuel economy. We do not show prior accidents, flood or salvage titles, odometer rollback, insurance history, or a “should you buy” verdict on a specific listing. For that kind of check on one car for sale, use the VINly app.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Have a mechanic check the engine
Owners report problems with the engine more than anything else on this model. Call it out specifically during a pre-purchase inspection.
Watch for a pending investigation
NHTSA has an open investigation covering this model. A recall can follow an investigation, so check nhtsa.gov for the latest before you commit.
Test-drive the basics
Cold start, full-lock steering both ways, firm brakes with no pulsing, smooth shifts, and every electronic feature. Warning lights should come on at key-on, then go out.
Check the title and the VIN
Confirm the title status in hand matches the listing, and that the VIN matches across the dash, door jamb, and title. VINly does not show ownership or accident history, for that, run a paid report like Carfax.
Ask the seller the right questions
Why they are selling, any service records, accident or panel-repaint history, how many owners, and whether any open recalls were completed.
See the full used-car inspection checklist. None of this replaces a hands-on inspection by a mechanic.
FOR SALE NEAR YOU
No open NHTSA safety recalls are on file for the 2021 Mazda CX-5. Recalls can be issued at any time, so confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy.
The EPA rates the 2021 Mazda CX-5 at 26 mpg combined (24 city / 30 highway), about $2,350 a year in fuel.
NHTSA's NCAP program gives the 2021 Mazda CX-5 5 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Owners have filed 140 complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda CX-5, including 8 involving a crash. The most-reported area is engine.
FREE IN THE APP
Comparing a few cars? Save the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and line it up against the others in the app.
No account. Saving and comparing cars is free.
FREE ON iOS
Scan any VIN with your camera, save cars you’re comparing, and browse listings near you. All free. Same NHTSA and EPA data you see here, plus a camera-first VIN scanner.