2021 Mazda CX-5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 11%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Mazda CX-5, 11% of the 148 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“the “trailing link shaft” broke/split/tore apart at the right rear wheel. my car only has 16,500 miles. the vehicle was inspected by auto manufacturing dealer (mazda). mazda refused to admit it’s realting to manufacturing defect(s). i did not report it to police or my auto insurance carrier at that moment because i did not know what the issues were not until i dropped it off to my local dealer”
NHTSA complaint #11677457, filed 2025-07“Low oil level between oil change cycles with over 1,000 miles remaining before oil change is required. This has happened between both oil changes so far and I have to add oil myself to ensure oil level isn’t low. The oil consumption seems extremely high and is concerning that at only 12,000 miles I’ve had this problem happen twice.”
NHTSA complaint #11495577, filed 2022-12“It appears that my car has the check oil level light coming on at approximately 3000 to 4000 miles after an oil change. This seems like a safety issue to me because a brand new car should not be burning a quart of oil at this interval.”
NHTSA complaint #11501756, filed 2023-01“-My rear differential needs replaced with just 24,000 miles on the car. I have the video from the technician at the Mazda dealership if needed. -My safety was not at risk because I took the car in at the first sign of issue. -Mazda Dealer technician has confirmed problem. -Mazda has been contacted to approve the part/fix since it is still under warranty. -No warning lamps appeared. I noticed a noise that was not something I had heard/noticed before. -I have searched many forums and this is a known/common issue with this make/model.”
NHTSA complaint #11570801, filed 2024-02“I got this suv in 2023 and I kept up with oil changes and I take it in for a oil change and not even 2 days later the oil light came on so I topped it off and I go in for another oil change not even 2 days later I'm running hot so I take it back to the dealer to find out I have either a cracked head or a blown gasket??!!! There is coolant visible and mazda told me they are aware of this problem but why aren't they doing something about it bc ppl are barely making ends meet and they continue to sell these cars with these engine problems without fixing the issue...”
NHTSA complaint #11588667, filed 2024-05Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 11029625Feb 26, 2026Some vehicles may display some (or all) of the following symptoms: • Check engine light on with DTC P061B • Light increase in engine rpms during acceleration • Transmission will…
- 11026354Nov 27, 2025When inspected, the differential or PTO oil is dark or black. This is considered normal and NO repair should be performed. During production, differential ring and pinion gears…
- 11026350Nov 8, 2025Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three…
- 11026351Nov 6, 2025Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
- 11009654Oct 24, 2024The SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses “Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ”. Only use “ATF-FZ” to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in…
- 11009630Oct 22, 2024Some customers may complain of a shift shock when shifting from 2nd to 3rd when the engine is cold. This is caused by improper TCM control logic. To eliminate this concern, the…
- 11009629Oct 9, 2024Some customers may complain of a shift shock when shifting from 2nd to 3rd when the engine is cold. This is caused by improper TCM control logic. To eliminate this concern, the…
- 11009628Oct 3, 2024Some customers may complain of a shift shock when shifting from 2nd to 3rd when the engine is cold. This is caused by improper TCM control logic. To eliminate this concern, the…
- 11007010Aug 7, 2024Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 6% |
| 2025 | 3 | 10% |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 5 | 8% |
| 2021 | 17 | 11% |
| 2020 | 8 | 7% |
| 2019 | 32 | 12% |
| 2018 | 42 | 12% |
| 2017 | 11 | 7% |
| 2016 | 51 | 10% |
| 2015 | 19 | 14% |
| 2014 | 50 | 13% |
| 2013 | 38 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2021 Mazda CX-5
80 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsForward collision avoidance
11 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsLane departure
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTires
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Mazda CX-5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology