Owners filed 67 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 2 times.
When it fails
03900039,000 milesMedian miles at failure
60 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 10,000–20,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Steering
34
1
0
3
Tires
5
0
0
0
Visibility
3
0
0
0
Suspension › Rear
3
0
0
0
Suspension
3
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
2
1
0
0
Structure › Body
2
0
0
0
Power Train › Manual Transmission
2
0
0
0
Engine
2
0
1
0
Electrical System
2
0
0
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Steering › Electric Power Assist System10V374000
Filed Aug 12, 2010215,000 vehiclesMazda Motor Corp
Defect. MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
Risk. POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
Equipment09E011000
Filed Apr 2, 20092,323 vehiclesThule, Inc.
Defect. THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Risk. THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Apr 30, 2024AL
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation Also vibration in the steering wheel, and when I mean, the steering logs all the way up it locks all the way up, likes flicker and go out, but then it goes away after a few moments
Steering
Filed Feb 2, 2022IA
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation even more dangerous. The Mazda 5 is available for inspection upon request. My daughters life was put at risk when the steering fails intermittently potentially causing damage to the car, other vehicles, and injury or death of pedestrians. The car has not been repaired or inspected at this point. There is no warning before the power steering fails. The power steering indicator light is illuminated and occasionally also the check engine light when the power steering failure causes the engine to stall as well. The first occurrence of the issue was January 17, 2022, while my daughter was driving the vehicle. The vehicle recall history shows the power steering had been repaired previously for the same issue.
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 1, 2021IN
We bought 4 of these tires 1/23/2018. The first failed within 3 months (passenger rear). The tire distributor no longer carried them, so we fit the next best ... a different Primewell. Now, the driver side front tire has developed a bulge where the tread and sidewall meet - similar to the first failure. We cannot drive it and - still - the distributor no longer carries THAT tire. We have - as of 9/1/2021 driven the car a TOTAL of less than 14,000 miles since the purchase. The 50K warranty was ignored in the first failure; and we have been told that it is irrelevant in this second one. The size is 205/50R17 for both - all four. Both tires were continuously losing air and had to start carrying a portable air pump. Just noticed this weekend that the driver side tire was ONCE AGAIN low on air. When I went to fill it, noticed the bulge. Do not know hoe long ot has been there ... just noticed it this weekend.
Steering
Filed Aug 6, 2019179,889 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LOST CONTROL AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS BRIEFLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-2284518588. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,889.
Air Bags
Filed May 17, 2019149,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering
Filed Jun 21, 2018162,000 milesFL
I BOUGHT 4 KUMHO TIRES SIZED 205 50R17 FOR THIS CAR IN SEPTEMBER OF 2015. IN AUGUST OF 2017, AT ABOUT 25000 MILES ON THE TIRES, ONE OF THEM DEVELOPED WHAT WE LATER LEARNED WAS A BELT SEPARATION. THE SYMPTOMS WERE A SEVERE VIBRATION, AND SEVERE PULL. WE REPLACED TWO OF THE TIRES. 10 MONTHS LATER THE CAR DEVELOPED EXACTLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS, AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ANOTHER OF THE TIRES HAD A BELT SEPARATION. I REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH ANOTHER BRAND. I CALLED KUMHO TO REPORT THE ISSUE, AS THEY CLEARLY HAD A BAD RUN OF TIRES FOR ME TO HAVE TO OUT OF ONE SET. THE PERSON ANSWERING THE PHONE (WARRANTY DEPARTMENT) INSISTED THAT 'BELT SEPARATIONS ARE COMMON', THAT THE RECENT RECALL WAS A "VOLUNTARY RECALL BECAUSE THE ENGINEERS JUST WANTED TO SEE THE TIRES'. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE IN THEIR SAFETY OR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS. SHE SAID "WE DON'T HAVE ANYONE LIKE THAT".
Steering
Filed May 11, 2018141,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 23, 2017IL
2008 MAZDA 5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS AND THE OIL ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THE WHEEL RIMS CORRODED INTERNALLY, ALLOWING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. THE IGNITION SWITCH AND TRANSMISSION FAILED. UPDATED 08/23/2017*JS
Steering
Filed May 6, 2017IL
STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON STEERING GETS HEAVY
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 11, 2017130,000 milesOH
REAR SLIDING DOORS WILL NOT CLOSE IN COLDER TEMPERATURES THEY OPEN FINE AND THEN WILL NOT CLOSE, MEANING THE DOORS WILL NOT LATCH AND CAN COME OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT LOCK OR ALLOW SETTING THE ALARM FUNCTION WHEN PARKING. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE COLD,HAVING TWO KIDS THAT RIDE IN THE BACK MY DOORS SHOULD NO COME OPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 19, 2016120,000 milesTX
WHEN TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW FREEZING, REAR SLIDING DOORS HAVE DIFFICULTY LATCHING TO THE POINT WHERE THEY CAN'T BE PROPERLY CLOSED. THIS EXACT ISSUE IS DESCRIBED IN RECALL #06V463000 FOR WHICH MY VEHICLE'S VIN/YEAR IS NOT INCLUDED. I WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SO I CAN HAVE THE ISSUE ADDRESSED BY THE DEALER. *TR
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 19, 2016115,000 milesOH
REAR SLIDER DOORS FREEZE SHUT. THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW THAT THIS PROBLEM IS GOING TO OCCUR UNTIL IT'S ALREADY AN ISSUE. AT THE SAME TIME, THE REAR SLIDER DOOR LATCHING MECHANISM FREEZES IN 'OPEN' POSITION. IF THE DOOR IS ABLE TO BE OPENED AND NOT CLOSED, THE DOOR HAS TO BE TIED SHUT WITH BUNGEES. IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT NOTICE THE OPEN DOOR LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER DOES NOT NOTICE THAT THE DOOR DID NOT CLOSE AND LATCH, THE DOOR WILL SLIDE OPEN WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING. THIS HAPPENED TO MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR IN 2013 AND MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19TH. THE 2006 MAZDA 5 WAS RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON (4306K). *TR
Suspension
Filed Aug 4, 2015120,000 milesNH
GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT SOUNDS LIKE A ROCK BANGING IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL. IT TURNS OUT TO BE A BROKEN SHOCK MOUNT. THIS IS THE SECOND ONE THAT HAS BROKEN. ONE BROKE AT ~80,000 MILES AND NOW THIS AT ~120000. SEARCH THE INTERNET AND IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM.
EngineFire
Filed May 29, 2015166,000 milesLA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER HEARD A BANG SOUND NEAR THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A PRIVATE TOW COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 15, 201566,000 milesTX
THIS IS WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CAR. I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST BY REDUCING MY ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. MAZDA SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY CAR SO THEY CANT HELP ME. MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENCE: POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR
Seat Belts
Filed Sep 7, 201476,000 milesNC
REAR SEATBELT JAM AND WILL NOT UNLATCHED. SEATBELT LOCKUP AND CHILD WAS LOCK IN BELT AND HAD TO BE CAREFULLY PULLED FROM SEAT. SEAL BELT IS LOCK TO SEAT. CANNOT USED EXISTING BELT. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 10, 201496,000 milesMD
I WAS DRIVING MAZDA 5 AND STOPPED FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT AS IT WAS RED. AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I MOVED MY FOOT FROM BRAKE TO ACCELERATOR PADDLE, THE CAR STARTED GOING IN REVERSE DIRECTION. I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED BRAKES, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE AGAIN AND AGAIN THE CAR WAS GOING IN REVERSE. NO I DID NOT HAVE MY CAR ON REVERSE GEAR, THE CAR WAS ON "D" DRIVE ALL THE TIME. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND OUT THE CAR ON "D" AND AGAIN THE CAR WENT ON REVERSE. I TRIED THIS PROCESS AGAIN, THIS TIME ALL THE CAR DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR DID NOT START. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911, ON 5TH JULY (SUNDAY) AROUND 3:00PM. MY CALL DETAILS CAN BE RECEIVED. I TOWED MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE SUGGESTING ENGINE FAILURE. THE CAR CAN NO WAY HAVE ENGINE FAILURE. IF IT WAS ENGINE FAILURE HOW CAN THE CAR GO ON REVERSE? I AM THANKFUL TO GOD THAT I DID NOT HIT THE CAR BEHIND I HAD A 4 YEAR OLD CHILD IN MY CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS CAR. I WOULD SUGGEST PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THIS MAJOR ISSUE AS THIS CAN LEAD TO MAJOR ACCIDENTS. ALSO, I GOT IT SERVICED 3 MONTHS BACK AND NO ISSUE WAS IDENTIFIED. I LIKE MAZDA 5 MINI VAN I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS BUT THIS INCIDENT HAS GREAT SETBACK ABOUT MAZDA IN MY MIND. I ALSO HAVE MAZDA CX-7 THAT I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE. I CAN NEVER IMAGINE THE CAR GOING INTO REVERSE WHILE IN DRIVE MODE. THIS IS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT IN THE CAR. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU. P.S. THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS BETWEEN 0-5 MPH, THE SPEED WHEN YOU TA
Suspension
Filed Feb 1, 201390,000 milesVA
MAZDA5 2008 WEARING INSIDE OF TIRES PREMATURELY AND CUPPING. OUTSIDE EDGE OF TIRES REPORTED TO STILL HAVE 15000 MILES LEFT OF USE. SECOND SET OF TIRES PURCHASED WITH SAME PROBLEM. GRINDING NOISE EVERY TIME DEALER ROTATED AND ALIGNED THE TIRES EVERY 5K MILES DURING OIL CHANGE. I WAS ACCUSED OF NOT ROTATING TIRES ENOUGH; HOWEVER, NOW THEY ADMIT THE ALIGNMENT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MAZDA5. DEALER ONLY RECOMMENDS I GET A "SPECIAL" GERMAN ENGINEERING STYLE ALIGNMENT THAT COSTS $89 EVERY 10K MILES. I AM FORCED TO PAY FOR THEIR POOR DESIGN. *TR
Steering
Filed Jan 18, 201360,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE WEARING EXCESSIVELY DUE TO THE FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ALIGNMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Visibility
Filed Jun 27, 201218,549 milesFL
NOTICED THE SEAL THAT SECURES THE WINDOW TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAS AN 1/8 INCH OPENING, A BREAK IN THE SEAL LINING. ON A RECENT ROAD TRIP, IN MAY, DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEARD THIS POPPING NOISE, WE THOUGHT THAT SOMETHING WAS HITTING THE CAR TOP, APPARENTLY NOT, AS THE RIGHT WINDOW SEAL IS FURTHER STRETCHED OUT AND A BREAK HAS NOW OCCURRED. I AM CONCERNED THAT UNDER CONSISTENT USE AND PRESSURE THAT THE OPENING WILL CONTINUE TO STRETCH OUT EVEN FURTHER AFFECTING THE WINDSHIELD SECURITY AND THE DRIVER. MY MILEAGE IS LIMITED AND VERY LOW AT THIS TIME BUT VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. *TR
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Aug 12, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.