MODEL
Mazda CX-5 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Mazda CX-5 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Mazda CX-5 we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 93 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 84. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that has carved out a loyal following among buyers who want a premium-feeling drive without a luxury price tag. Sitting squarely in one of the most competitive segments in the American market, the CX-5 targets style-conscious adults and small families who refuse to sacrifice refinement. From the 2019 model year forward, it brings genuine safety credentials to that pitch.
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 93 out of 100. This places it among the safest vehicles reviewed. Crash testing by NHTSA supports this assessment, with the CX-5 earning 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, a solid performance for a compact SUV. Across its 2019-2025 model years, the CX-5's recall record is notably clean, with only 2 federal recalls issued. This low number suggests consistent manufacturing quality. Owner complaints total 684 for this generation, including 45 alleged crashes and 29 reported injuries. While these are unverified claims, the injury reports warrant consideration. There are 5 fire-related allegations among the complaints. No fatalities have been reported for the Mazda CX-5. This combination of strong crash-test results and a minimal recall history positions the CX-5 as a highly defensible choice for safety in its segment.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the CX-5 as one of the more polished and driver-focused entries in the compact crossover segment, praising its upscale interior feel and composed handling. Most professional assessments position it as a benchmark competitor, with critics occasionally noting that cargo space and powertrain options lag some rivals.
- The 2024 CX-5 achieves a 93 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is the strongest result across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover.
- Frontal and side crash-test ratings both reach 5 out of 5 stars in the best-performing year, but the rollover score of 4 out of 5 is one step below perfect, a relevant consideration for any SUV body style.
- Only 2 recalls have been issued across seven model years of coverage, a notably low count that suggests consistent manufacturing discipline throughout this generation.
- Owner complaints include 45 alleged crashes and 29 reported injuries across covered years. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but shoppers should review the specific complaint details on NHTSA's database before purchasing.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Mazda CX-5 with 2 recalls.