2009 Mazda Mazda5 problems
The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 has 64 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2009 Mazda Mazda5 has 64 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 17 complaints, typically surfacing around 22,406 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mazda5 | 78 | 2 |
| 2007 Mazda5 | 61 | 0 |
| 2008 Mazda5 | 67 | 0 |
| 2009 Mazda5 (this page) | 64 | 0 |
| 2010 Mazda5 | 57 | 1 |
| 2011 Mazda5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 Mazda5 | 36 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2009 Mazda Mazda5? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 17 owner reports · tends to show around 22,406 mi · ~$700 to fix
- tires — 11 owner reports · tends to show around 42,770 mi · ~$150 to fix
- suspension — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 41,800 mi · ~$900 to fix
- electrical — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 87,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 22,406 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2009 Mazda Mazda5
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mazda 5. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. On one occasion, the vehicle broke down in the middle of a street and was towed to the contact's home. The contact had a mechanic inspect the vehicle who stated that the fuel pump could be…
The headlights on this car are dangerously dim. Like the turn signals overpower them levels of dim. I’ve replaced the bulbs, the battery, cleaned all the connections, replaced the alternator, nothing makes a difference.
I purchased a used 2009 mazda5 knowing that it needed tires. After buying new tires I had the car aligned. I was told the alignment was "within spec" despite the fact that the rear camber was set in such a manner that the tires shop said I'd be lucky to get 15,000 miles out of…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mazda 5. While the contact's son was driving 45 MPH, the driver heard a grinding and clunking noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the motor mounts failed and shifted the engine forward, which caused the…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2009 Mazda Mazda5?
On the NHTSA data, the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Mazda Mazda5?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 17 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 22,406 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2009 Mazda Mazda5 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 64 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 22,406 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mazda Mazda5?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 17 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 22,406 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 22,406 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda Mazda5 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Mazda Mazda5?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 64 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.