Mazda CX 5 Problems: Common Issues, Years To Avoid, Complaint

Mazda CX 5 Problems – A Good Purchase Or Not?

Harry Gibson on February 23, 2023 No Comments

So, you are on the market for a Mazda CX-5 and you want to learn the Mazda CX problems? If this is the case, then you are at the right place because we are going to cover everything you need to know when it comes to this Mazda model.

CX-5?

First Gen

1st Gen Reliability
Second Gen

2nd Gen Reliability
Alternatives

Conclusion

Performing good research before you purchase a new or used vehicle is really important for you as a future owner. You just don’t want to deal with vehicles that are of poor quality and vehicles that will make you lose a ton of money in the process.

Buying a car is an investment and you as a future buyer need to make a good investment. Imagine that you purchase a used car for $10,000. Then immediately something breaks and after a few months, something else breaks. Almost immediately, you can be $5,000 deep into that car only for repairs.

That’s why learning all the possibilities that are out there when it comes to problems will give you that extra edge and a bit of security when it comes to knowing what to expect from this vehicle. And we are going to help you out with that.

First, we are going to learn what is the Mazda CX-5. Then we will cover both generations of this model. We will discuss the specs, fuel economy, safety, and the Mazda CX 5 problems. Then we will give our overall reliability score for each of these models. Lastly, we will discuss the alternatives that are out there. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.

What Is The Mazda CX-5?

So, before we learn the specs and the Mazda CX 5 problems. Let’s first focus on the basics. What is the Mazda CX-5 and what are its main characteristics? Let’s elaborate.

The CX-5 is Mazda’s take on the compact crossover SUV market. This model is one of the few models that Mazda is selling in the US market and this model is competing with the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. As you can see, the competition in this market is something insane and is difficult to beat all these car makers in all of the categories.

The CX-5 is performing fairly well when it comes to sales and steadily improves the numbers year by year. Starting from 43,000 units sold in 2012 when this model was introduced to about 168,000 units sold in 2021. A really hefty number of cars are sold here in the states. This tells you a lot about the popularity of the CX-5 in the US and the growing demand for this model.

What is important to note is that there are two generations of this model. The first generation was introduced in 2012 and was produced until 2016. In 2016, Mazda introduced a new generation for the 2017 model year. This is the generation that is currently in production. Meaning that the current model of the CX-5 is about 7 years old. But as of 2021, there was a facelift of the model with new styling and improved performance.

These models are including the Skyactiv technologies developed by Mazda that focus on the fuel economy and efficiency of these vehicles while delivering the best performance out there. But what about the Mazda CX 5 problems? We will get there, let’s first learn the specs of the CX-5.

First Generation Mazda CX-5, 2012 – 2017

Before we dive into the Mazda CX 5 problems. Let’s first discuss the specs of the first generation of the CX-5. Knowing the specs will make your life easier in terms of purchasing a car since you will be able to tell if this model is the right one for you or maybe not based on the power it makes and also the features it implements.

Nevertheless, the first generation of the CX-5 was introduced in 2011 for the 2012 model year. This model implemented advanced Kodo design language along with the Skyactiv technologies invented by Mazda. The first model was a good looker I must admit. It looked much more attractive than anything else back in the day.

This model was available with both FWD and AWD. Normally, for the AWD you had to pay some extras to get it. But if you were not an off-road enthusiast FWD is the way to go.

In terms of trim levels, there were a few of them. The base trim was the Sport, then there was the Auto Sport, Auto Touring, with the Auto Grand Touring as the top trim.

In 2016 there was a facelift update for the Mazda CX-5 and here come the biggest problems for the Mazda CX-5.

So, what are the Mazda CX 5 problems? We will cover them in a bit. Let’s first learn what engines and transmissions were used in this model.

Engines And Transmissions

Before we learn the Mazda CX problems, let’s discuss more the engines and transmissions that were offered with this model. They are important to know if you want to purchase one of these models.

There were two engines on the Mazda CX-5. The first was the 2.0L straight-4 engine. This engine was introduced in the base model and is producing about 155hp and 150lb-ft of torque. Not a powerhouse. But it gets the job done.

The second engine was more powerful. This engine was a 2.5L straight-4 engine that produces 184hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. If you want something more powerful, this is the engine you need. Both of these engines are using the Skyactiv technologies by Mazda and also use direct injection.

In terms of transmissions, there were two of them available. One was a 6-speed manual transmission with an overdrive on the base model. The second transmission was a 6-speed automatic with an overdrive (to learn more about this, check out our guide on the meaning of O/D off). The automatic is probably the one you want if you want comfort. And the manual if you want reliability.

But what about the Mazda CX problems? We will get there in a bit. Let’s first learn more about the fuel economy this Mazda gets.

Fuel Economy

Now before we discuss the Mazda CX problems. Let’s first learn more about the fuel economy that you will get with this model. Fuel economy is one of the most important aspects that future buyers look for in a vehicle.

The 2.0L engine had a fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. These are healthy numbers, to be honest.

The 2.5L on the other hand is getting quite similar numbers. With 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined fuel economy. Not that bad since this is a much more powerful engine that produces 30 hp more than the base one.

Overall, these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt since these are the EPA numbers and were performed in laboratory tests. The real-world numbers are based on your driving and they can differentiate in a few mpg.

Safety

Now before we talk about the Mazda CX 5 problems. Let’s learn more about the safety of this model. According to the NHTSA, this model has an average safety score of 4 stars.

This model performed well in its tests but it wasn’t one of the best performers in its class. So, if you are picky, you might want to look for other models. Now let’s focus on the Mazda CX 5 problems.

Mazda CX 5 Problems

Now let’s discuss the Mazda CX 5 problems. Since we are here to learn more about these issues that this model has. We studied the internet and we gathered some important pieces of data on the model and now we are going to share it with you.

The early models of the CX-5 were troubled by faulty ignition coils. Many owners reported that they lost power while they were driving the car and the check engine light popped on. They reportedly solved this problem by installing new coils.

Another problem with this model was the rotors and pads that were not well up to spec from the factory and many owners have reported increased wear and tear on these components.

Another problem was the electrical components. The engine would shut off but the radio and headlights were still on. People had to place the car in park position a few times to solve this problem.

Another issue was with the engine that was lurching forward at a complete stop. This was attributed to the vapor purge solenoid.

The 2016 model has a problem with the daytime running lights. More than 49 complaints on this topic. The bulbs were simply flickering and malfunctioned very often. The price to pay for this problem was $1,000+ since the whole headlight has to be replaced.

The 2016 model also has premature brake wear and problems with the brakes. With more than 31 complaints.

Also, some owners reported that the windshields on this model are breaking too easily. With 22 complaints on this matter.

Some owners also reported Mazda CX problems with the automatic transmission. The transmission simply failed and had to be replaced with a new one.

Reliability Score Of The Mazda CX 5

We learned the Mazda CX 5 problems, now let’s see the overall reliability of this model. How good of a model the CX-5 is and is it worth purchasing?

The short answer is yes, the CX-5 is a relatively good model that has some downsides but still, it has great overall reliability. The engines if maintained perform really well as well as the transmission used in this model. Meaning that you will not have big problems with it.

The biggest downside is the problem with the headlights with the facelifted model from 2016. This problem can cost a grand to fix. That’s why you need to be aware of this and make sure that before you purchase the model had this issue is sorted.

The overall reliability by some reputable magazines is 4 out of 5 for the CX-5 and we understand why is this the case. Still, there are some minor Mazda CX 5 problems that attribute to this score and if they are not a deal-breaker for you, this model is perfect for you.

Second Generation Mazda CX-5, 2017 – Present

Now let’s talk about the present generation of the CX-5 and the Mazda CX 5 problems. This generation of the CX-5 was introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year.

This generation of the CX-7 had an overhauled design and a lot of new technologies. This model although carries the same design language, it carries some bolder design lines that accentuate the front grille even more. Improving the overall presence of the model. Overall, a great improvement in comparison to the previous generation in terms of looks.

In terms of trim levels, the new generation kept the same trim levels. Meaning that a lot from the previous generation was carried through to the present one. You could choose between the Sport model, Touring and Grand Touring.

There is also an option to choose in terms of the drivetrain. There is a FWD option and a more advanced AWD for the ones who want to pay more and get the best. The AWD version of it is a decent off-roader. But are these Mazda CX 5 problems seem bigger than the ones in the previous generation? We will get to that in a bit. Let’s first learn the engines and transmissions used in the CX-5.