2022 Mazda CX-5 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Brake problems are the most common issue cited in complaints to the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

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Mazda has been manufacturing the CX-5 since 2012. It’s reputedly one of the most reliable SUVs on the market, and the CX-5 is Mazda’s biggest seller in the U.S. But it doesn’t come without problems, and there are consumer complaints about various issues with every model. The 2022 model is no exception, with brake problems topping the list of complaints. But there are other issues too, including electrical system malfunctions, airbags that don’t deploy, and sunroofs that explode.

Click on other model year to view more problems:  2018   2019   2020   2021

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Mazda CX-5

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Structure:body
3
Unknown Or Other
3
Engine
3
Service Brakes
3
Power Train
2
Vehicle Speed Control
2
Electrical System
2
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
1
Steering
1
Fuel System, Gasoline
1

Most Common Problems with the 2022 Mazda CX-5

Consumer complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) relate to 7 components and/or systems. Half of these complaints are about service brakes. And of these, 3 report crashes caused by faulty brakes.

There are also 2 complaints that address electrical issues and 2 that strongly criticize the structure of the SUV. There are also 2 complaints about airbags.

Another complaint is that the sidewall of a Mazda CX-5 tire in California shredded while driving on the highway.

Dangerous Brakes

It stands to reason that if a vehicle’s brakes don’t function correctly, or worse still, fail, this puts people’s lives in danger.

Brakes Failing

An owner from New York experienced brake failure in April 2022. While driving at about 25 mph, another vehicle stopped abruptly. But the driver couldn’t stop because the brakes failed.

The complaint states that “the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard, then the emergency braking system began chiming.” Then the inevitable happened … The SUV didn’t stop and it crashed into the vehicle in front. To make matters worse, the airbags did not deploy. Fortunately, there weren’t any injuries.

Automatic Braking Causes a Crash

An owner from North Carolina experienced the automatic emergency braking system kicking in for no obvious reason. This also resulted in a crash.

Traveling at only about 5-10 mph, when a vehicle in front slowed down. “So I applied brakes and began to slow as well. While I was on the brakes slowing at a normal rate with plenty of distance to the vehicle ahead, my vehicle unexpectedly activated automatic emergency braking. It abruptly applied full brakes and came to a complete stop, even though traffic ahead was still rolling. There was zero chance of collision, with ample following distance, minimal speed differential, and brakes already applied.” This caused a rear-end collision with significant damage to the vehicle in front.

CX-5 Accelerates Instead of Braking

The third crash was caused by a CX-5 accelerating when it should have been braking. The driver had been looking for a place to park and was driving very slowly. While attempting to put the car in Park, it “accelerated abruptly, lurched forward, crossed over the concrete curb at the end of the parking space, and was heading right for I-95, which was straight ahead. I had never taken my foot off the brake.”

Trying to brake harder didn’t help to stop the car, so the driver turned onto a service road to try and avoid a crash. But he couldn’t stop, slammed into a parked car and side-swiped a truck.

“I only took my foot off the brake when the car stopped. The airbags did not deploy.”

Malfunctioning Airbags

In the incident mentioned above where the vehicle accelerated instead of slowing down and stopping, the airbags failed to deploy when it crashed.

Ironically, the second complaint that mentions airbags describes a very different scenario. Unusually, it’s not that the airbags didn’t deploy but rather that the “passenger side curtain airbags randomly deployed.” Fortunately, there wasn’t an accident.

Electrical Issues

Two of the complaints mention electrical problems. One of these is from an owner in Pennsylvania who had a system malfunction that caused a dead battery on two occasions. Both times, “The car was in park and I received a notification on the Mazda app about 5 hours after being in the car that stated “Critical Vehicle Malfunction Alert.” I had to have my car towed and serviced at a Mazda dealer but they found no issue with the battery.”

Exploding Sunroofs

There are 2 complaints listed in the Structure category. The one, which also reported faulty brakes and malfunctioning airbags, is mentioned above. The other describes how a Colorado owner experienced the sunroof exploding while driving about 70 mph on a rural highway.

“There were no other cars nearby that could have kicked up a rock nor anything that could have fallen on the sunroof. The window buckled outward, not inward. The glass shattered and flew everywhere endangering the driver, passengers, and the car behind me when the window exploded. There was no warning, just a loud boom when the window gave way.”

What if your 2022 CX-5 is a Lemon? Your Lemon Rights

Nobody can predict whether a car will end up being a lemon. But we’ve had more than enough experience to know that all buyers need to be aware that this is always a risk.

If you suspect you have bought a lemon, contact Lemberg Law as soon as you can. We will assess your problems and advise whether you have a case and whether you should ask for a buy-back, cash settlement, or a replacement vehicle.

It’ll cost you nothing because the law holds Mazda responsible for legal fees.

What’s New for 2022?

The Mazda CX-5 hasn’t had a redesign since 2017. Every year, though, Mazda adds a few new features, makes trim level changes, and upgrades engines to make it look fresh and new.

The most noteworthy changes for this year’s model include an across-the-board change to standard i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) with no option of a front-wheel drive (FWD). The  Grand Touring Reserve trim is now Turbo, and the exterior design has significant changes.

The front and rear ends of this car have updates including reflective body surfaces and:

  • A new front bumper and signature wing that extends out from the front grille
  • Updated front grille with a 3D texture
  • New tailgate and rear bumper design complemented by larger dual tailpipes
  • Redesigned headlights and tail lights that feature horizontally spaced, rectangular-shaped LED lights with high-beam control

Seats also feature a redesign that improves stability and helps to create a more comfortable ride. Improved suspension also helps to create a smoother ride. This will also reduce road noise and improve ride comfort.

Other features include automatic  rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rear roof spoiler, and roof-mounted shark fin antenna.

What’s the fuel economy for the 2022 Mazda CX-5?

The CX-5 has two fuel-economy ratings based on the engine capacity.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy website, the automatic 2.5-liter is rated 24 MPH for city driving and 30 MPH on the highway. If you combine city and highway driving you’re likely to get about 26 MPG. The turbo engine uses more fuel: 22 MPG in the city, 27 on highways, and 24 in a combined driving environment.

Car and Driver, which undertakes its own comprehensive car testing procedures, came up with the same ratings independently.

What are the Trim Packages & Pricing for the 2022 CX-5 ?

There are eight 2022 Mazda CX-5 models. These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) excluding taxes, various additional fees, and the standard $1,225 destination and handling fee:

  • Base model: $25,900
  • Select: $27,900
  • Preferred: $29,160
  • Carbon Edition: $30,280
  • Premium: $32,310
  • Premium Plus: $33,950
  • Turbo: $36,400
  • Turbo Signature: $38,650

Three premium paint colors add between $395 and $595 to the basic price of each model.

  • Soul Red Crystal Metallic: $595
  • Machine Gray Metallic: $595
  • Snowflake White Pearl Mica: $395

What Technology does the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Have?

There are some great safety and driver-assistance features as well as high-tech infotainment and connectivity features and services.

Driver-Assistance Technology

Key safety features include several that come standard:

  • Automated emergency braking that incorporates pedestrian detection
  • Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
  • Adaptive radar cruise control with a stop-go system
  • Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Turbo Signature incorporates the top i-Activsense safety features for city driving, including a 360-degree view monitor that has front and rear parking sensors. There is also Rear Smart City Brake Support, Driver Attention Alert, and Traffic Jam Assist. Mazda Navigation System enables the use of Traffic Sign Recognition with the Active Driving Display.

Infotainment & Connectivity

All the 2022 Mazda CX-5 models have a 10.3-inch infotainment display that has a rotary controller and volume knob on the center console. You can also operate it via buttons on the steering wheel and through voice commands.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with all models.

The Premium Package comes with a Bose 10-speaker audio system, a 3-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio, paddle shifters, and a 7-inch LCD multi-information gauge display.

Turbo Signature offers a 3-year SiriusXM Traffic & Travel Link subscription. This provides useful information about fuel prices, nearby parking, traffic conditions, the weather, and even sports scores!

Mazda’s Connected Services enable access to various remote vehicle functions using a smartphone app and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. These services are free for the first three years.

Complaint Data

CategoryStructure:body, Unknown Or Other
DateMar 12, 2023
StateSD
Description
When driving in the wind at speeds greater than 50mph , there is an extremely loud high pitched reedy noise. I have many videos of this and mazda won't address it/says it's not an issue. I travel for work in sd, a very windy state, and often listen to this sound 2+ hours straight and can't hear any music/phone calls/audiobooks over the noise. It is dangerous because I can't hear anything but this, and it causes a lot of stress/anxiety/overstimulation. I wish I never bought this vehicle.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateFeb 22, 2023
StateTX
Description
My 2022 cx5 sunroof exploded while driving on highway, glass fragments were caught by the shade so no one was injured thankfully. But this could have easily caused bodily injuries if the shade was open. The loud explosion and glass fragments could have distracted/impair the driver, leading to a serious incident. I do not suspect it is caused by impacts from debris since there was no large vehicles around me at the time of explosion and no other impact noise was heard at the same time. There are other similar incidents regarding sunroof explosion that were posted online.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateFeb 21, 2023
StateMO
Description
I was driving down the highway and heard a loud bang, sounded like a gun had gone off. I looked at my windshield thinking maybe something hit, but nothing shot back at me and there was nothing on my windshield. I took a look at my back windshield and it was completely fine so I was under the impression maybe I ran something over, but about 45 seconds later I heard the airflow coming from the top of my car. I uncovered my sunroof shade and it is completely shattered. I took it up to my dealership and they are declining to cover the damages according to my car manufacturer. This has happened to multiple people who have the same make and model vehicle as me as there is a forum website for my exact vehicle, and others who have had this happen to them have reported it to their manufacturers as well.
CategoryVisibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
DateFeb 16, 2023
StateIL
Description
The contact owns a 2022 mazda cx-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the heater activated, the contact heard an abnormal explosion. The contact stated that the sunroof had exploded without impact. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
CategoryPower Train, Steering
DateFeb 03, 2023
StateNY
Description
The contact owns a 2022 mazda cx-5. The contact stated that while driving from a stationary position, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact indicated that the vehicle would not immediately respond and would drive very slowly before accelerating. Additionally, while driving around corners the steering wheel was very difficult to maneuver, making the vehicle difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to identify a cause for the failure of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 100.
CategoryEngine, Vehicle Speed Control
DateJan 11, 2023
StateOH
Description
Unexpected acceleration ___ while stopped on a slight downgrade, rpm suddenly increased and vehicle lurched forward. Applying more pressure to brake stopped movement. I forced transmission into park. Took foot off brake, rpm still high. Tapped accelerator, rpm dropped to normal idle. Fortunately, there were no vehicles in front of mine and cross traffic was not present. Vehicle did not enter intersection. I drive single footed and shoe did not overlap brake and accelerator. The day was clear 37f, dry. Vehicle had made 3 short trips prior so engine was up to temperature, 35 miles total over 2 hours. Cruise control was not engaged and had not been used in two days. This issue has not been reported to dealer. There were no warning lights or other indications of problems. The vehicle has driven normally since. I have not been able to reproduce the issue. ____ a similar issue happened two months prior. Circumstances were not the same. Intersection was flat, engine was not up to temperature, removing pressure from brake pedal was enough to stop high rpm. Attributed instance to the shoes I was wearing. The running shoes were thicker and wider than I normally wear while driving. I believed I may have pressed both brake and accelerator without realizing it since reducing pressure corrected the problem.
CategoryEngine, Power Train
DateJan 09, 2023
StateNC
Description
The contact owns a 2022 mazda cx-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved loudly while the rpm fluctuated above 5,000 rpm. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the control valve body assembly and control valve were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the transmission. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,963.
CategoryEngine, Fuel System, Gasoline
DateDec 23, 2022
StateNY
Description
The contact owns a 2022 mazda cx-5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that moments after the vehicle stalled, the vehicle independently accelerated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel and burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,314.
CategoryService Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control
DateSep 25, 2022
StatePA
Description
When coming to a stop, car accelerated and went over curb. From a search of the internet I found examples with this and other cars where people with larger shoes had the same problem of pressing the brake and unintentionally pressing the accelerator pedal at the same time. I read of one manufacturer that programed the car to brake if both pedals are pressed at the same time and ignore the accelerator. The same thing happened in my 2015 mazda cx5. In that case I had it checked at the dealer. The technician found nothing wrong but was able to reproduce the problem when his boot pressed both the brake pedal and accelerator because both pedals were so close together. Since this would probably be an inexpensive software change, it would be prudent for a safety recall by manufacturers that have pedals that are close to one another.
CategoryAir Bags
DateAug 29, 2022
StateIN
Description
Owner of the car was driving, baby in the back seat. Passenger side curtain airbags randomly deployed. No outside damage to the car, was not caused by an accident
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 16, 2022
StatePA
Description
I have had a system malfunction, that has caused a dead battery in may 2022 and then again aug 2022. The car was in park and I received a notification on the mazda app about 5 hours after being in the car that stated "critical vehicle malfunction alert." I had to have my car towed and serviced at a mazda dealer but they found no issue with the battery. This happened again in august. According to the mazda c-x5 manual, like all modern cars, even if something was left on (light on, door open, acc on) it should automatically turn off after 25 minutes.
CategoryTires
DateAug 01, 2022
StateCA
Description
P225/55/19. Sidewall shredded while driving on highway.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes, Structure:body
DateJul 26, 2022
StateNC
Description
On july 22, my sister and I were traveling on I-95 going south. We stopped at the maryland house near aberdeen, md. I was looking for a parking place and was driving very slowly. I slowed further to turn into a place on the right, near the south end of the parking lot and was attempting to put the car in park when the car accelerated abruptly, lurched forward, crossed over the concrete curb at the end of the parking space, and was heading right for I-95 which was straight ahead. I had never taken my foot off the brake. I tried to brake harder but that did not stop the car. I therefore turned right onto a service road to avoid crashing onto I-95. I then noticed a car coming toward me and swerved to the right back toward the parking lot, crossing over the curb at that parking spot, and slamming into a parked car and side swiping a truck. I only took my foot off the brake when the car stopped. The airbags did not deploy. After the car stopped, I was unable to turn the engine off. When I returned home, I looked on line to see if anyone else had reported a similar experience. Apparently there have been a number of similar occurrences with mazda cx-5s (see https://www. Carproblemzoo. Com/mazda/cx-5/car-accelerates-on-its-own-problems. Php) including a description of almost the same event with a car that also had low mileage. In several of the cases listed, the airbags likewise did not deploy. Note also that the police report may not include the origin of the incident but only the crash into the other car. I was in shock and was not able to give full information. I have asked for the complete information to be added to the report. Also of note, and possibly related: earlier in july, an alert ‘brake, brake, brake' sounded and there was a flashing on the dashboard that said ''brake'. I took the car to mazda, who could not find a problem and told me to return if it happened again.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateJul 08, 2022
StateNC
Description
I was driving in slow moving traffic with vehicles ahead and behind. The vehicle ahead of me slowed, so I applied brakes and began to slow as well. While I was on the brakes slowing at a normal rate with plenty of distance to the vehicle ahead, my vehicle unexpectedly activated automatic emergency braking. It abruptly applied full brakes and came to a complete stop, even though traffic ahead was still rolling. There was zero chance of collision, with ample following distance, minimal speed differential, and brakes already applied. The audible alert triggered at the same time as the emergency braking, providing no advance warning. The vehicle following me was unable to stop in time and caused a rear-end collision with my vehicle. My vehicle had moderate damage, and the following vehicle had more significant damage with airbag deployment. Collision speed was approximately 5-10mph. There were no injuries.
CategoryService Brakes
DateApr 11, 2022
StateNY
Description
The contact owns a 2022 mazda cx-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph when another vehicle abruptly stopped causing the contact to need to suddenly stop however, the brake pedal failed. The contact stated that the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard then the emergency braking system began chiming. The vehicle failed to stop causing the contact the crash into the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. There was no police report. There were no injuries reported. The contact had contacted the dealer however the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,546.
CategoryStructure:body
DateFeb 21, 2022
StateCO
Description
The sunroof exploded while driving 70mph on a rural highway. There were no other cars nearby that could have kicked up a rock nor anything that could have fallen on the sunroof. The window buckled outward, not inward. The glass shattered and flew everywhere endangering the driver, passengers, and the car behind me when the window exploded. There was no warning, just a loud boom when the window gave way. My best guess is that this resulted from temperature fluctuation. I was at about 10,000 ft altitude. It froze overnight. The temperature when the window exploded was about 40 degrees, but the sun was out and strong. There was only about a 2,000 ft change in altitude while driving. I can't imagine that the car seals well enough for the pressure change due to altitude to cause the window to burst, but that would be my second best guess, though a couple thousand feet shouldn't have cause that big of a pressure change.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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1 COMMENT
  • Edward S

    the dust or belly pan has failed, and they want me to pay for the repair. it came loose and was dragging on the ground. It was sitting overnight, and the next day went to drive it and it was dragging. Going today to get replaced by the dealer $300. 20000 Miles on car. Not happy. This in at least my 6th car from this dealer.

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