Used Mazda CX-5 2012-2017 reliability
Category: Large SUV
The first-generation Mazda CX-5 has always been one of our favourite large SUVs, and now it's a great used buy if you're on a tight budget.
What should I look for in a used Mazda CX-5 estate?
The CX-5 is most commonly used as a family workhorse, so look for the usual telltale signs of a hard life in the form of scuffed bodywork and damaged interior plastics. Note that if it has been serviced within the Mazda dealer network, you’ll be able to obtain a digital copy of its service history from a dealer.
An unusually high number of stress fractures have occurred on the windscreens of CX-5s, which led to a supply shortage of replacement screens early in the car’s life. While the supply issue has been resolved, it does seem that CX-5 windscreens are more vulnerable than others.
The Bluetooth can also be a little temperamental when pairing with your smartphone, and the TomTom live traffic updates can stop working if the SIM card hasn't been used in a while. Finally, some diesels can suffer from fuel entering the sump if the engine is switched off when the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is regenerating. If you notice the engine oil level rise, this will be why. In the event of this happening, it’s important to have the oil changed.
What are the most common problems with a used Mazda CX-5 estate?
Boot struts
Mazda issued a recall for boot struts that could fail due to water ingress. This affected CX-5s built from the start of production up to 26 December 2015. You can find out whether your car has had this work carried out by contacting your local Mazda dealership.
Vacuum pump
The vacuum pump that works as part of the braking system could wear out on examples made from 26 January 2012 to 21 January 2016 and could result in reduced braking assistance. If your Mazda CX-5 is affected by this, it will need to have a new pump fitted.
Stalling engine
A software issue with the fuel injection system on examples built from 26 January 2012 to 21 January 2016 could result in the engine stalling. Speak to a Mazda dealer for further information, because you will need to go to have the software updated in order to prevent future issues.
Soot build-up
A soot build-up in the intake shutter valve in the engine could cause problems on models made from 26 January 2012 to 30 June 2018. Contact a Mazda dealer to find out if this applies to your car, because the valve will need to be cleaned out and a software update performed to prevent this from occurring again.
Fuel injectors
The fuel injectors on some examples that were made between 26 January 2012 and 21 January 2016 might not have been tightened down correctly. Any Mazda dealer will be able to tell you if your car is affected by this and will check the tightness of the injectors for you if it is.
Is a used Mazda CX-5 estate reliable?
The first-generation CX-5 didn't feature in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, however, in the latest one it did appear in, it finished 19th out of 23 other large SUVs; that isn't as good as the Ford Kuga or Honda CR-V. The latest second-generation model finished in second place with a petrol engine and eighth place with a diesel engine.
Mazda as a brand finished in 8th place out of 30 manufacturers, which is impressive.
If you'd like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
