MODEL
Mazda CX-5
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.
At MotorCaliber, we focus on one question: how safe is this vehicle? For the Mazda CX-5 covering model years 2019 through 2025, the answer is largely reassuring. The CX-5 earns a best NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100 in the 2024 model year, landing in our Exceptional band. That headline figure is backed by real crash-test hardware: a 5-out-of-5 frontal rating and a 5-out-of-5 side rating in its best-performing year. Rollover protection scores 4 out of 5, which is solid for a compact SUV but worth noting if you operate in high-speed, high-swerve conditions. The recall picture is notably clean. Across seven model years, only 2 recalls have been issued, which is a low count for a vehicle sold in this volume. That restraint suggests Mazda has managed production quality carefully over this generation. Owner complaints total 684 across covered years, with 45 alleged crashes, 29 reported injuries, and 5 fire-related allegations among them. These are unverified claims, not confirmed incidents, but the injury figure warrants attention during your pre-purchase research. Zero reported deaths is a meaningful data point. On balance, the CX-5 presents a strong safety profile. The near-perfect crash scores and minimal recall history make it one of the more defensible choices in the compact crossover class from a pure safety standpoint.
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.