Lemon Law Analysis

2022 Mazda CX-5

NHTSA Complaints · Active Recalls · California Lemon Law Data

✓ Reviewed by Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. · Updated June 2026
52
NHTSA Complaints
Active Recalls
2-4
Avg. Repair Attempts

The NHTSA tracks consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, and safety investigations for every vehicle sold in the United States. These publicly available records are a critical resource for California lemon law cases because they establish patterns of recurring defects.

As of June 2026, the NHTSA has logged 52 complaints against the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Each complaint is filed by a vehicle owner or lessee through the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline or online portal at SaferCar.gov. You can review all 2022 Mazda CX-5 complaints directly on the NHTSA complaint database.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has generated 104 NHTSA complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your 2022 Mazda CX-5 has experienced a defect that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple visits, you may qualify for a full repurchase or replacement under California lemon law. Mazda pays all attorney fees when we prevail. You pay nothing.

Exterior Lighting

High Claim VolumeSong-Beverly Strength: Very Strong

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has generated 30 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “I have a failed leveling motor on my led headlight assembly causing a constant noise as it is attempting to level. This is apparently a known problem and has had a TSA technical service bulletin of 09-015/23. My car is past the 3 yr warranty but under the 36,000 mile warranty period with only 33,000 miles. Mazda refuses to cover it since it has not had a recall yet even though it is a common and known problem. They are quoting a 1200 repair cost. Can you please help in any way and address this? Thank you” (NHTSA Complaint #11724163)

Other Systems

Moderate Claim VolumeSong-Beverly Strength: Strong

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has generated 12 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “Several times and most recently today 8/18/2025 at 5:30 PM my 2022 Mazda CX-5 accelerated while I had my foot on the brake and only the brake. Hard pressure on the brake kept the SUV from lurching forward. This has happened before but I did not think it would occur again. But it has and I find that this could easily cause an accident. The SUV in question has only 23,000 miles on it. An investigation and recall to fix the problem should be initiated.” (NHTSA Complaint #11681430)

Engine

Moderate Claim VolumeSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 8 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “I am submitting this report to document a persistent ticking noise in my 2022 Mazda CX-5, which appears to be the same issue outlined in Mazda Service Bulletin 01-002/21 for previous model years. This issue is commonly associated with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs), which maintain proper valve clearance. The noise occurs most prominently during cold starts and resembles the previously reported HLA ticking sound. Owners of earlier CX-5 models have attributed this issue to air bubbles or insufficient oil supply within the HLAs, with cold weather exacerbating the problem due to restricted oil circulation. Despite Mazda’s claim that revisions to the engine components have resolved this issue in newer models, my experience suggests it remains unresolved in the 2022 model year. I am concerned about the long-term reliability of these engine components and the potential repair costs if the issue leads to premature wear or failure. While Mazda has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the 2022 CX-5, multiple owners have reported similar ticking noises online, indicating that the problem may persist. I have a video recording of the noise but am unable to attach it to this submission. If further investigation is warranted, I would be happy to provide the footage upon request. Additionally, similar reports and video evidence from other owners can be found on online forums, including the CX-5 subreddit, where searching for “clicking” will yield multiple examples. I urge the NHTSA to review this issue, as it may indicate an unresolved mechanical defect affecting the reliability of the 2022 Mazda CX-5’s engine. Please advise on any potential investigations or next steps regarding this matter.” (NHTSA Complaint #11646392)

Power Train,Engine

Moderate Claim VolumeSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 6 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “The timing chain cover gasket failed and is leaking oil at 66,000 miles. It is currently being addressed at Borgman Mazda in Grand Rapids. No crash or safety risk. There were no warning lamps, it was found by an separate inspection not from the dealership.” (NHTSA Complaint #11670109)

Forward Collision System

Moderate Claim VolumeSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) defects — including malfunctioning forward collision warnings, lane keep assist failures, and erratic automatic emergency braking — can create dangerous driving conditions. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has 6 NHTSA complaints for this defect type. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, and the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of a busy intersection. The contact stated that there were no other vehicles or object nearby. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.” (NHTSA Complaint #11627600)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Mazda CX-5

As of the date of this review, no active recalls have been issued specifically for the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Recall status can change at any time. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls for the most current information. The absence of a recall does not mean your vehicle is defect-free — many lemon law claims proceed without a recall on file.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2022 Mazda CX-5:

  • 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
  • 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
  • 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Mazda to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Mazda must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2022 Mazda CX-5 qualifies as a lemon under California law, Mazda may be legally required to:

  • Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
  • Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
  • Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Mazda pays all legal fees if you prevail
  • Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Mazda willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2022 Mazda CX-5 Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Mazda a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Mazda dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Mazda pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Mazda a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2022 Mazda CX-5 Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2022 Mazda CX-5 as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Mazda pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Mazda is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2022 Mazda CX-5?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.

Think Your 2022 CX-5 Qualifies?

Get a free case evaluation. Mazda pays our fees if you win — you pay nothing upfront.

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