Ford Escape vs Mazda CX5
For 2012–2022 models, the Mazda CX5 has 17.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 53.3 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2012–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Escape
53.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
3.1× the Mazda CX5’s rate
- Complaints
- 14,811
- Sold
- 2,778,628
- Recall campaigns
- 63
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2013. Fewest: 2012 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Mazda CX5
17.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
68% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 2,292
- Sold
- 1,340,709
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2013–2014, 2016 and 2018. Fewest: 2012 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 59,000 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 82,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Infotainment, screen and software
Typically around 30,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 12,500 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 40,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Escape or the Mazda CX5?
For 2012–2022 models, the Mazda CX5 has 17.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 53.3, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Mazda CX5?
The most-reported problem on the Mazda CX5 is body control and other modules, typically around 59,000 miles.
Which Ford Escape and Mazda CX5 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Escape: 2013; Mazda CX5: 2013–2014, 2016 and 2018.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.