NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mazda CX-5 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 105 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 presents a strong federal safety profile, achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. It earns a 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA crash protection rating. This model year also features a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology and has no recalls on record.
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 ranks 18 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 105 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 marks a meaningful step forward in its federal safety profile. Its NHTSA Safety Index climbed six points to 90/100 in the Exceptional band, up from 84/100 in the Strong band for the 2019 model year. That gain reflects a combination of factors: a perfect crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70, a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, and a defect record subscore of 14 out of 20 supported by zero active recall campaigns. The five-star overall NHTSA result, anchored by five stars in both frontal and side testing, is the headline crash figure for this year. The four-star rollover rating with a 17 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result rounds out a picture that is strong across the board. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard for this model year, which is directly reflected in the perfect avoidance-tech subscore. The 105 unverified complaints on file, led by electrical system allegations, are the one area worth monitoring, though they do not affect the recall-clean defect record that contributed to the index rise.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mazda CX-5 perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2020 Mazda CX-5 five stars overall, with five stars in both the frontal and side crash categories. The rollover rating is four out of five stars, with a measured rollover risk of 17 percent and a dynamic tip test result of No Tip, making rollover the only category below a perfect score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14207
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been subject to a federal recall for this model year, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with it. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data is updated continuously.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA has received 105 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (30 reports), Unknown Or Other (24), Engine (17), Service Brakes (14), Forward Collision Avoidance (11), and Power Train (8). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
105 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
On the used market, this six-year-old vehicle warrants a thorough VIN lookup. Prospective buyers should confirm no new recall campaigns have been initiated since the original sale, and that any outstanding remedies have been completed by an authorized dealer.
- The 2020 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect record that directly contributed to its 14/20 defect-record subscore and the six-point index rise over the 2019 CX-5.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year five stars in both frontal and side crash tests, with the only sub-five result being a four-star rollover rating tied to a 17 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic outcome.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 crash-avoidance technology subscore in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA has logged 105 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System (30 reports) and Forward Collision Avoidance (11 reports) among the most frequently alleged problem components, warranting attention during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mazda CX-5 places
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mazda CX-5 safety questions
Was the 2020 Mazda CX-5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mazda CX-5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mazda CX-5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mazda CX-5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-5 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 105 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other CX-5 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14207), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-5 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 18 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.