Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Mazda Mazda5 suspension problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
When does it fail?
Of the 10 suspension complaints filed for the 2007 Mazda Mazda5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Mazda Mazda5 in our records for suspension problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Suspension problems dominate complaints on 2007 Mazda 5 models. Rear shocks leak and fail repeatedly—typically first failure occurs around 40,000 miles, then recurs every 40,000–50,000 miles. When shocks fail, the rear end becomes unstable over bumps, and owners report loud clunking, swaying, and rattling.
The most consistent issue is excessive inner tire wear caused by excessive negative camber (rear wheels tilted inward). Owners replace tires at 24,000–37,000 miles, only to see the same wear pattern on replacement tires within 5,000 miles. Mazda service acknowledged this as a known design issue and indicated longer rear upper control arms could fix it, but no recall or technical service bulletin was issued for the Mazda 5—only for the Mazda 3. Mazda corporate told one complainant the issue is real but declined to cover the $400 parts cost.
Tire cupping (scalloped wear) occurs prematurely and recurs after replacement. One owner reports Mazda identified this as a "design flaw" and told owners they would simply have to accept frequent tire replacement.
Front suspension bushings crack in cold weather, causing excessive noise. Rear trailing arms wear out, creating clunking and knocking over bumps. One owner had both replaced but paid $398 for parts listed at $45 at the dealer.
Same Mazda Mazda5 suspension reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Shock Failure / Leaking
Rear shocks leak fluid and lose damping capability. Multiple owners report the same shock(s) failing repeatedly within 40,000–50,000 mile intervals after initial failure in the 40,000-mile range. One owner had shocks replaced, then fail again at 89,000 miles. Leaking shocks cause rear-end instability, clunking, swaying, and knocking noises over bumps.
When: 40,000–89,000 miles; initial failures in 40,000-mile range, recurring every 40,000–50,000 miles thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Rear end unstable over bumpy roads; Clunking sound from rear; Swaying and knocking noises over bumps; Loud rattling and thudding of tires; Noise in back end
Repairs/costs cited: Shock replacement with Mazda original parts cited as solution; owners report costs vary but recurrence every 40,000–50,000 miles is costly
Excessive Inner Tire Wear / Negative Camber Misalignment
Rear wheels develop excessive negative camber (inward tilt) causing severe inner tread wear, exposing steel belts. Multiple owners report tire replacement at 24,000–37,000 miles, then same wear recurring within 5,000 miles on new tires. Mazda service acknowledged this as a known alignment issue in Mazda 3, attributed to factory upper control arm geometry. Mazda indicated longer upper control arms for rear suspension could correct alignment but no recall or TSB issued for Mazda 5. Owner reported Mazda corporate acknowledged issue is not an anomaly but declined assistance.
When: 24,000–37,000 miles for first tire failure; recurs within 5,000 miles of replacement if suspension not modified
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual wear on inner areas of tire tread; Grooves carved into inner tire sides, exposing steel belt; Vibration at 60 mph; Recurring tire wear pattern immediately after replacement and realignment
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement $700+ annually cited; realignment performed at dealer; longer upper control arms (~$400 parts for rear) suggested by Mazda service as permanent fix but not covered under recall or TSB
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda corporate acknowledged issue is not an anomaly but declined to assist; no recall or TSB issued for Mazda 5 despite known issue in Mazda 3 line
Tire Cupping
Tires develop cupping (scalloped wear pattern on tread) prematurely. One owner replaced tires at 24,000 miles due to cupping; same defect appeared on replacement tires within 5,000 miles. Owner reports Mazda identified this as a 'design flaw' and stated owners must accept frequent tire replacement.
When: 24,000 miles initial failure; 5,000 miles after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Cupping of tire tread; Noise from tires; Vibration (noted at 60 mph after dealer service)
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement cited as recurring cost (~$700+/year); owner indicated alignment check at local garage showed no misalignment issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda dealer identified cupping as 'design flaw' and stated owners must accept frequent tire replacement as cost of ownership
Rear Trailing Arm / Bushing Wear and Noise
Rear trailing arms and front bushings wear prematurely, causing knocking and clunking noises, especially over bumps. One owner reported front bushing and rear trailing arm failure at 37,000 miles (purchased as used); dealer charged $398 for parts listed at $45. Service Bulletin #02-001/08 available from Mazda site addresses this issue but dealer did not follow it. Another owner reports front suspension bushing cracking when cold, causing excessive noise.
When: 37,000–68,000+ miles for front bushing and rear trailing arm issues; cold weather for bushing cracking
Symptoms owners cite: Terrible knocking noise over bumps; Car swaying over bumps; Loud rattling and thudding of tires; Squeaky noise from rear; Clunking sound from rear end; Excessive noise in cold weather (front bushing)
Repairs/costs cited: Front bushing + rear trailing arm replacement cost $398 (parts ~$45); Mazda original replacement shocks available at local garages at lower cost than dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #02-001/08 published but dealer did not reference or follow it; no recall issued
Rear Wheel Tracking / Handling Anomaly
Rear tires do not rotate properly when turning; instead they 'swing' and appear to lock in place, staying still while steering. One owner reports this behavior occurs at any speed and is accompanied by loud rattling and thudding. Another owner reports persistent rightward steering pull.
When: Throughout ownership; noted at various mileages from 37,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Rear tires 'swing' and lock instead of rotating when turning; Loud rattling sound and thudding of tires; Steering pull to the right; Unsafe handling
Repairs/costs cited: Rear shock replacement and alignment attempted; issue persisted in at least one case
General Suspension Deterioration / Multiple Component Failures
One owner reports all suspension arms diagnosed as defective and requiring replacement at under 68,000 miles. Mechanic stated suspension 'could blow out at any time while driving.' Owner notes similar 2007 Mazda 5 units were recalled for suspension issues and requests inspection of similar vehicles in different manufacturing timeframes.
When: Under 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling sound; Thudding of tires; Rear tires do not rotate properly when turning; Overall rear-end instability
Repairs/costs cited: Complete suspension system replacement recommended
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
After just 24,000 miles, I had to replace the tires on my 2007 mazda5 due to "cupping." with just 5,000 miles on the new tires, the same thing is happening again. When I contacted Mazda regarding this, I was told it was a "design flaw" , and that if I didn't like the noise and the vibration from the tires, then I would just have to replace them frequently. This is not acceptable, due to the…
Had suspension trouble with your 2007 Mazda Mazda5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2007 Mazda Mazda5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 22,000 and 66,000 miles, with the median around 37,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 66,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Mazda/Mazda5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.