2008 Mazda 5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Steering
Steering leads by volume: 37 of 67 complaints (55%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 61 in 2007 to 67 in 2008.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | vs. 2008 Minivan - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–2,950 | 2,850–2,950 | 2,600–2,700 | 2,600–2,700 | 2,600–2,700 | |
| Combined MPG | 21–22 | 21–22 | 23–24 | 23–24 | 23–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19 / 24–25 | 19 / 24–25 | 21–22 / 27–28 | 21–22 / 27–28 | 21–22 / 27–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–423 | 404–423 | 370–386 | 370–386 | 370–386 | |
| Complaints filed | 78 | 61 | 67 | 64 | 57 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda 5 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Mazda 5?
Steering: 37 of 67 NHTSA complaints (55%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mazda 5 get?
EPA rates it 23–24 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 Mazda 5?
EPA estimates $2,600–$2,700 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minivan - 2WD | 22 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 2.3L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Minivan - 2WD | 21 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | $2,700 (high) | 386 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 37 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 10V374000 · Aug 13, 2010
Defect: MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 09E011000 · Apr 3, 2009
Defect: THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.