Mazda Mazda5 research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Mazda5 offers minivan-style sliding doors and three rows of two seats in a footprint close to a compact car, with car-like handling. The 2012-2015 model uses a 157-hp 2.5L four with a 6-speed manual on the Sport or a 5-speed automatic, rated about 21/28 mpg. The third row suits children or short trips, and cargo space is small with all seats up. Mazda dropped it in the U.S. after 2015.
Model years covered: 2012–2015. The Mazda5 was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2015 model year; there are no 2016 or later U.S. Mazda5s (Canada sold 2016-2017 models).
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Sliding rear doors in a compact footprint
- Six seat flexibility
- Nimble car like handling
- Rare manual transmission in a minivan
- Low purchase price used
Things to know before you buy
- Third row best for children
- Limited cargo with all seats up
- Modest power when fully loaded
- Liftgate strut recall
- Rear tire wear and alignment check
- Rust check in salt states
- No 2011 US model year
- Discontinued in US after 2015
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 2 (2012–2015)
The second-generation U.S. Mazda5 (the third-generation Premacy in Japan, sold in the U.S. for 2012-2015) brought new styling and a 157-hp 2.5L four-cylinder replacing the earlier 2.3L. U.S. models seat six in three rows of two, with sliding rear doors, a 6-speed manual on the Sport and a 5-speed automatic, rated about 21-22/28 mpg.
Buyer takeaway: A budget-friendly choice for small families who want sliding doors and occasional third-row seating. Check the liftgate-strut recall, rear tire wear and rust; consider a crossover or full minivan if you need more space.
Mazda Mazda5 by model year
2015 Mazda Mazda5
The 2015 Mazda5 is the last sold in the U.S.; Mazda stopped importing it after slow sales and focused on crossovers. It keeps the 157-hp 2.5L, and EPA data lists only the 5-speed automatic for 2015 (about 21/28 mpg), so confirm the transmission by VIN. Parts and service remain available through Mazda dealers. Confirm the liftgate-strut recall.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 157 hp
- Transmissions: 5 speed automatic; Manual availability verify by VIN
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door compact minivan with sliding doors
What changed:
- Final US model year
- EPA lists only the 5 speed automatic for 2015
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Liftgate strut recall completion; Sliding door operation and tracks; Rear suspension alignment and tire wear; Rust on rocker panels and rear wheel arches; Automatic shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Third row seat folding; Brakes; Maintenance history.
2014 Mazda Mazda5
The 2014 Mazda5 continues with the 157-hp 2.5L, a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, and Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims (about 21/28 mpg). Its third row is best for children or short trips, and cargo space is limited with all seats up. Inspect rear tire wear and suspension alignment, which owners often mention, and the sliding doors.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 157 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual sport; 5 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door compact minivan with sliding doors
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2013
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Liftgate strut recall completion; Sliding door operation and tracks; Rear suspension alignment and tire wear; Rust on rocker panels and rear wheel arches; Automatic shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Third row seat folding; Brakes; Maintenance history.
2013 Mazda Mazda5
The 2013 Mazda5 carries over the 2012 design: a 157-hp 2.5L four, a 6-speed manual (Sport) or 5-speed automatic, and six seats with sliding rear doors in a car-sized footprint (about 22/28 mpg automatic). It suits small families who want minivan doors and occasional third-row seating without a full-size minivan. Check the liftgate-strut recall.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 157 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual sport; 5 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door compact minivan with sliding doors
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2012
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Liftgate strut recall completion; Sliding door operation and tracks; Rear suspension alignment and tire wear; Rust on rocker panels and rear wheel arches; Automatic shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Third row seat folding; Brakes; Maintenance history.
2012 Mazda Mazda5
The 2012 Mazda5 began the redesigned U.S. model (there was no 2011 Mazda5). It is a compact six-seat 'mini-minivan' with two sliding rear doors, three rows of two seats, and a 157-hp 2.5L four-cylinder. The Sport offers a 6-speed manual; a 5-speed automatic is optional on Sport and standard on Touring and Grand Touring. It is rated about 21/28 mpg.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 157 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual sport; 5 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door compact minivan with sliding doors
What changed:
- Redesigned mazda5 arrives after no 2011 model year
- New 2.5 liter 157 hp engine replaces 2.3 liter
- Six seats in three rows with sliding rear doors
- New nagare design styling
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Liftgate strut recall completion; Sliding door operation and tracks; Rear suspension alignment and tire wear; Rust on rocker panels and rear wheel arches; Automatic shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Third row seat folding; Brakes; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- Liftgate Support Strut Corrosion Recall (2012-2015) (2012–2015)
Recall 16V-644 covers 2012-2015 Mazda5s built October 2010 to June 2015 (along with other Mazdas). The liftgate support struts can corrode and break, letting the heavy liftgate drop unexpectedly. Dealers replace both struts free of charge.
What to do: Confirm the strut recall is complete and that the liftgate holds open on its own. - Sliding Door Operation and Tracks (2012–2015)
The Mazda5's manual sliding rear doors see heavy family use. Check that each door opens, closes and latches smoothly, that rollers and tracks are not worn or noisy, and that child locks work.
What to do: Operate both sliding doors several times during the inspection. - Rear Suspension Alignment and Tire Wear (2012–2015)
Owners have reported premature or uneven rear tire wear on the Mazda5, often linked to rear alignment. A careful alignment check and good tires help; budget for alignment if wear is uneven.
What to do: Look closely at rear tire wear and ask for alignment records. - Age-Related Corrosion Inspection (2012–2015)
Now a decade or more old, Mazda5s from salt-belt states should be inspected for rust on rocker panels, wheel arches, the sliding-door lower tracks and the subframe and suspension mounts.
What to do: Have the vehicle inspected on a lift if it has lived in a snowy state. - Manual Clutch and Automatic Transmission Check (2012–2015)
The Mazda5 offered a 6-speed manual on the Sport and a 5-speed automatic. Check clutch engagement and synchros on manuals, and smooth, timely shifts on automatics; fluid-change records are a plus on higher-mileage vehicles.
What to do: Test drive through every gear and in stop-and-go traffic. - Model Years, Seating and Canadian Models (2012–2015)
This record covers the 2012-2015 U.S. Mazda5 with a 157-hp 2.5L and six seats. There was no 2011 U.S. Mazda5; the earlier 2006-2010 model used a 2.3L. Mazda5s sold elsewhere seat seven, and Canada continued sales for 2016-2017, so a 2016-2017 Mazda5 is a Canadian-market vehicle.
What to do: Confirm year, market and transmission before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date and VIN. Check the VIN with NHTSA and Mazda for open recalls, including the liftgate support strut recall.
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Questions this guide answers
- How many people does the Mazda5 seat?
- Does the Mazda5 have sliding doors?
- Why is there no 2011 Mazda5?
- Does this Mazda5 have a manual or automatic?
- What fuel economy does the Mazda5 get?
- What should I inspect on a used Mazda5?
- Is the liftgate recall done on this Mazda5?
- Why did Mazda stop selling the Mazda5?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar vehicles should I consider?