Mazda CX-5 problems, reliability and years to avoid
If you are considering buying a used Mazda CX-5, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 3 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
The Mazda CX-5 has 3 known faults in our database, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (DPF regenerations causing oil dilution, premature camshaft wear) and engine (early 2.2 SkyActiv-D engines suffer exhaust camshaft wear). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
Which Mazda CX-5 years should you avoid?
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
2012 to 2016, 2.2 SkyActiv-D (SH-VPTS): early 2.2 SkyActiv-D engines suffer exhaust camshaft wear
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Generation 1 of 13 known faults · 34 owner reports · 2 good notes
Mazda CX-5 BM / GJ / KE (2012 to 2016) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
DPF regenerations causing oil dilution, premature camshaft wear, and oil strainer blockage leading to catastrophic engine failure
Rough guide
£2500-5000
Typical symptoms
oil level rising above the 'X' mark on dipstick
low oil pressure warning
turbocharger failure
engine seizure
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.2 SkyActiv-D
Typical mileage:
50000-100000 miles
3 more owner reports back this up
October 2019A 2012 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel broke down with a red oil warning light due to a blocked oil strainer, costing £500.
August 2018A Mazda CX-2 2.2 Skyactiv diesel engine failed at 63,000 miles due to an oil pressure problem, possibly a blocked sump strainer.
February 2015A 2013 CX-5 Skyactiv diesel needed a new i-eloop capacitor at 25,000 miles and had a rising oil level from over-fuelling.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity🏛️ Official recall
Early 2.2 SkyActiv-D engines suffer exhaust camshaft wear, and the metal debris it sheds circulates through the oil system. DVSA recall R/2018/236 (cars built 26/01/2012 to 21/01/2016) covers the consequence Mazda treated as safety-critical: the vacuum pump, which is driven off the intake camshaft, wears prematurely and reduces brake servo assistance when you press the pedal quickly at low revs. Specialists and owners report the same debris taking out the turbocharger, and the wear is driven by the oil dilution these engines are already prone to. The recall fix is free, but camshaft, turbo and oil-system damage is not
Rough guide
£1000-4000
Typical symptoms
brake pedal feeling hard or needing more effort when pressed quickly at low revs
whistling from the turbo, power loss or black smoke
rattle or ticking from the top of the engine
oil level rising on the dipstick (dilution) between services
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.2 SkyActiv-D (SH-VPTS)
Typical mileage:
50000-110000 miles
3 more owner reports back this up
April 2018A 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel needed camshaft and turbo replacement at 52,000 miles; Mazda paid 50% of the £1,760 cost.
January 2018A used Mazda CX-5 lost power and wouldn't restart; a camshaft and turbo issue was identified, costing £2,762.09 to fix.
November 2017A 2012 CX-5 2.2 diesel AWD had turbo failure after a vacuum pump recall; Mazda stripped camshafts as part of the rebuild.
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity🏛️ Official recall
Soot can build up around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the 2.2 SkyActiv-D diesel. DVSA recall R/2019/187 covers Mazda3, Mazda6 and first generation CX-5 diesels built from 26/01/2012 to 30/06/2018: the valve is checked, cleaned or replaced and the engine software updated. Separately, one owner of a 2014 Mazda3 diesel reported carbon build-up inside the engine costing £3,000 to remove at 70,000 miles, and a dealer suspected carbon build-up behind juddering on a 2016 car.
Typical symptoms
juddering or rough running from the engine
an outstanding recall showing on the GOV.UK recall checker
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.2 SkyActiv-D diesel (CX-5 first generation only)
Typical mileage:
unknown miles
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What owners report on the BM / GJ / KE
34 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Electrics · January 2023A CX-5's Smart Brake Support system activated an emergency stop on the motorway at 70mph due to a non-existent obstacle.
Engine · October 2021A 2015 CX-5 experienced turbo failure, with the owner quoted around £2,000 for repairs, but no contribution from Mazda.
Engine · September 2021A 2016 CX-5 AWD diesel experienced turbocharger malfunctions twice, occurring at 50,000 and then 90,000 miles.
Engine · September 2021A 2016 CX-5 diesel had two turbo failures, with new turbos fitted at 50,000 and 90,000 miles by a Mazda dealer.
Engine · August 2021A 2015 CX-5 diesel with 55,000 miles experienced carbon build-up, causing stalls and limp mode, requiring a manifold clean.
Engine · December 2019A 2014 Mazda CX-5 experienced cylinder head and head gasket failure at five and a half years old, costing £5,000 to repair, with Mazda contributing £340.
Engine · November 2019A 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D had turbo failure at 86,000 miles after a carbon clean, costing £2,000 for replacement.
Engine · November 2019A 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D had cylinder head warping and gasket failure at 67,000 miles, with a £5,000 repair quote.
Engine · October 2019A Mazda CX-5, subject to a July 2019 recall, later indicated low oil pressure, with Mazda suggesting a repair procedure.
Engine · October 2019A 2016 Mazda CX-5 Sport diesel at 93,000 miles suffered oil pump failure and a snapped oil chain; Mazda refused assistance.
Engine · July 2019A 2015 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D required a decoke under warranty in March 2018 and again in July 2019, both free of charge.
Engine · July 2019A 2016 Mazda MX-5 Skyactiv D automatic engine failed at 82,000 miles due to oil pump chain failure; Mazda refused goodwill.
Fuel system · April 2019A 2013 Mazda CX-5 diesel had a misfire in July 2018 due to fuel injector problems, costing £800 at a local garage.
Engine · March 2019A 2013 Mazda CX-7 Skyactiv D received a new engine under goodwill following a technical service bulletin recall.
Engine · January 2019A Mazda CX-5 had white smoke and shuddering after an injector recall; a compression test showed no power in the third cylinder.
Brakes · December 2018Front brake caliper pins on a 2016 Mazda CX-5 failed at 30,000 miles; Mazda replaced the calipers under warranty but not the discs or pads.
Engine · December 2018A 2013 Mazda CX-5 suffered cylinder head gasket failure at 86,000 miles; a Mazda dealer quoted £2,600 for repairs.
Engine · October 2018A 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2d AWD lost power and illuminated the engine management light; turbo and cams were damaged, costing £3,000.
Engine · August 2018A 2015 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv D experienced turbo failure with a sheared internal part; Mazda paid 100% of the repair cost.
Exhaust · June 2018A 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel at 22,000 miles had a faulty exhaust pressure sensor, costing the owner £138.
Engine · April 2018A 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel lost turbo power when accelerating, becoming slow until 3,000rpm.
Engine · February 2018A used 2014 Mazda CX-5, purchased at 108,000 miles, produced clouds of white smoke from the exhaust.
Interior · February 2018The heater in a 2014 Mazda CX-5 failed, requiring investigation and repair.
Interior · December 2017A 2015 Mazda CX-5 driver's seat felt misaligned to the steering wheel and pedals, causing back pain.
Brakes · July 2017A September 2016 Mazda CX-5 at 9,300 miles showed severe corrosion on the rear brake discs.
Cooling · March 2017A 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2d at 32,000 miles had its heater stop working, leading to overheating and limp mode.
Interior · October 2016A 2013 Mazda CX-5, bought used, had its leather seat stitching coming apart.
Electrics · July 2016A used 2014 CX-5's alarm activated spasmodically, suspected to be a faulty door sensor.
General · February 2016A 2012 Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav 175 AWD experienced terrible unreliability over two years, requiring seven garage visits for various issues.
Interior · January 2016Early CX-5 diesels experienced heater problems, leading to a Mazda technical service bulletin.
Gearbox and clutch · December 2015A February 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel had clutch judder at 15,000 miles, especially in lower gears.
Bodywork · August 2015The exposed outer edge of a CX-5's bonded windscreen is vulnerable to stone chips, causing stress cracks.
Electrics · January 2015An 8,000-mile, 13-month-old Mazda CX-5's battery drained overnight, possibly due to moisture affecting the hatch lock solenoid.
What owners like about the BM / GJ / KE
2 notes
September 2019A Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D 2WD has been driven over 100,000km, offering good driving and towing performance.
The Mazda CX-5 achieved a 5-star NCAP safety rating, with high scores for adult and child occupant protection.
Other years0 known faults · 3 owner reports · 1 good note
Other Mazda CX-5 years: owner reports
What owners report
3 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Bodywork · July 2019A 2017 Mazda CX-5 at 13,000 miles developed a horizontal crack spreading across its windscreen.
Electrics · June 2018A 2017 Mazda CX-5 infotainment system had problems with satellite navigation postcode entry and Bluetooth phone connection.
Engine · May 2018A 2018 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv diesel automatic, with 2,270 miles, developed a severe banging noise from the engine.
What owners like
1 note
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with strong scores for adult and child occupant safety.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 8 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Mazda CX-5 advert and we check it in seconds.
Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 8 DVSA recalls for the CX-5, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
🏛️ January 2022Cars built May 2018 to September 2020
Catalytic reduction (SCR) system wiring may become damaged by contamination
Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system wiring may become damaged by contamination
Put right by: Inspect the SCR harness repair if necessary and fit protector.
DVSA R/2021/4392,187 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2022Cars built April 2018 to October 2018
Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed
The impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump may become deformed causing fuel pump failure.
Put right by: Replace the low-pressure fuel pump with an improved part.
DVSA R/2021/43526,974 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2020Cars built December 2014 to December 2015
One or both LED daytime running lamps may flicker flash or fail completely
One or both LED daytime Running Lamps may flicker flash or fail completely.
Put right by: Replace sealing gaskets and install gas absorbing sheets on affected units that operate normally. Replace any faulty units.
DVSA R/2020/0584,566 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2019Cars built January 2012 to June 2018
Soot may accumulate around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the engine
Soot may accumulate around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the engine.
Put right by: Check clean or replace the intake shutter valve and update software.
DVSA R/2019/18770,435 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2018Cars built January 2012 to January 2016
Vacuum pump may wear prematurely.
The vacuum pump may wear prematurely meaning that in some applications where the brake pedal is pressed quickly whilst at low engine speed the servo assistance provided by the vacuum system in decreased. This could cause a momentary decrease in braking performance. Braking assistance available to the driver can be reduced
Put right by: Vehicles affected will be fitted with a modified Vacuum pump.
DVSA R/2018/23611,498 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2018Cars built January 2012 to January 2016
Fuel injector software does not control the electric current correctly
The Software controlling the fuel injectors does not control the electric current correctly. This may cause the injector control circuit to short circuit and cause the engine to stall. Results in possible Engine Stall without Warning
Put right by: Vehicles affected will have the injector control software re-programmed
DVSA R/2018/28848,875 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2018Cars built January 2012 to January 2016
Injector mounting nuts tightening force may be insufficient
The tightening force of the injector mounting nuts may be insufficient. This could cause combustion gas to leak from the injector and contaminate the engine oil within the cylinder head. This in turn could cause the engine oil strainer to become blocked. This could cause the engine to stall. Engine Pressure Oil Light appears along with the engine malfunction indicator. Possible Engine Stall without Warning
Put right by: Vehicles affected will have the engine checked for contamination and repaired / replaced if necessary. The Fuel injectors will also be re-tightened to the appropriate torque.
DVSA R/2018/28911,021 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2017Cars built November 2011 to December 2015
Tailgate may drop down without warning
Water may penetrate the tailgate strut cylinder. This may cause corrosion which may affect the strut's attachment.
Put right by: Replace both tailgate struts on affected vehicles
DVSA R/2017/163121,812 vehicles affected in the UK
Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.
Mazda CX-5 timing chain, and service intervals
A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used CX-5, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
2.2 SKYACTIV-D, 2.2 DIESEL
No fixed replacement interval
Mazda SkyActiv engines use a timing chain. On the 2.2 diesel, watch out for oil dilution from DPF regens which can cause premature wear to the engine internals.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Mazda CX-5 buying questions
What are the most common Mazda CX-5 problems?
Three stand out. Engine: DPF regenerations causing oil dilution, premature camshaft wear (typically 50000 to 100000 miles). Engine: early 2.2 SkyActiv-D engines suffer exhaust camshaft wear (typically 50000 to 110000 miles). Engine: soot can build up around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the 2.2 SkyActiv-D diesel. The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid?
No Mazda CX-5 year is a write-off, but the BM / GJ / KE (2012 to 2016) carries the most serious faults: engine. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Mazda CX-5?
Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for oil level rising above the 'X' mark on dipstick, brake pedal feeling hard or needing more effort when pressed quickly at low revs and juddering or rough running from the engine. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 3 known faults before you travel. Check a Mazda CX-5 advert →
Are there any recalls on the Mazda CX-5?
The DVSA lists 8 safety recalls for the Mazda CX-5 issued between 2017 and 2022. The most recent, from January 2022, is "Catalytic reduction (SCR) system wiring may become damaged by contamination". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.
What is the real MPG of a Mazda CX-5?
Owners report 41.7 mpg on average across the Mazda CX-5 engines with data, about 86% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 1,201 owner submissions. Mazda CX-5 Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Mazda CX-5 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.