NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mazda CX-5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 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 137 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category: Overall, Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover. This strong performance, combined with its standard crash-avoidance technology, contributes to its Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. Furthermore, the 2021 CX-5 has no recalls on record with NHTSA, a noteworthy distinction.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 AWD SUV received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 ranks 25 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 | 137 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 25 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 achieved a 5-star overall rating, with perfect frontal and side crash scores. Its crash protection earned 66 out of 70, with a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. Standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control drive this strong avoidance-tech result. No recalls are on record for the 2021 CX-5, a distinguishing factor that contributes significantly to its defect record sub-score of 14.25 out of 20. This model year maintains an Exceptional Safety Index score of 90 out of 100, mirroring the 2020 model's performance. The only measured limitation in its safety profile is a 4-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 17 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. Owners have filed 137 complaints, with 76 reports specifically citing engine issues; these remain unverified allegations in federal data.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mazda CX-5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 AWD SUV achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash tests both yielded perfect 5-star ratings. Rollover protection, however, earned 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 17 percent and a dynamic tip result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15172
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open recall components to flag, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive warnings associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check against the NHTSA database to confirm that status remains current.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA has received 137 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 CX-5. The top alleged problem areas are the Engine (76 reports), Power Train (16), Unknown Or Other (14), Service Brakes (11), Electrical System (11), and Forward Collision Avoidance (9). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
137 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
Zero open recalls currently exist for the 2021 CX-5. Used-market buyers should nonetheless run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database prior to purchase, confirming no new campaigns have been issued and that any future remedy has been completed.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mazda CX-5, a distinguishing feature of this specific model year that supports its 14.25 out of 20 defect-record sub-score.
- NHTSA crash tests produced a 5-star overall rating for this model year, with perfect 5-star frontal and side scores, and a 4-star rollover rating accompanied by a 17 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- All three key crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2021 CX-5, contributing to a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Of the 137 unverified NHTSA complaints logged for this model year, 76 allege Engine-related issues, making it by far the most reported component category and one worth reviewing in detail before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mazda CX-5 places
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mazda CX-5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mazda CX-5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Mazda CX-5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 137 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15172), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda CX-5 2021.
- 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 25 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.