At the shop, Mazda transmission and driveline issues have a recognizable signature. 969 documented complaints across 79 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 9 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Across the 560 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 58,595 miles. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin MAZDA / POWERTRAIN
79 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Mazda powertrain problems
969 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Mazda vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
969
Recalls
0
Year-models
79
Avg fix
$2,500
26crashes
9fires
16injuries
Worst-affected Mazda model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2005 Mazda RX-8
50 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Mazda CX-5
49 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 Mazda CX-5
49 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 Mazda Mazda3
39 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Mazda Mazda3
36 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2013 Mazda CX-5
35 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Mazda CX-7
30 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Mazda CX-5
29 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2010 Mazda CX-9
23 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2006 Mazda Mazda6
23 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Mazda Tribute
22 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Mazda CX-9
22 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2011 Mazda CX-9
21 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Mazda Tribute
21 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Mazda Mazda6
20 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 Mazda CX-5
19 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 Mazda Mazda6
19 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2006 Mazda Mazda3
18 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 Mazda CX-5
17 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Mazda Mazda3
17 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Mazda Mazda6
16 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2021 Mazda CX-5
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 Mazda CX-9
15 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2008 Mazda Mazda3
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Mazda Tribute
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Mazda powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
969 complaints across 79 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Mazda.
Which Mazda model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2005 Mazda RX-8 leads with 50 complaints in this category. Next: 2016 CX-5 (49) and 2014 CX-5 (49).
What does it cost to fix Mazda powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Mazda lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mazda powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Mazda vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Mazda.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.