Mazda CX-5: best & worst years

No Mazda CX-5 model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every year (2013–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Mazda CX-5 year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 8 LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night.; Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night.; Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night.; Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 7 Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.; Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history.; Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.; Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history.; Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.; Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.; Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.; Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.; Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.; Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history.; Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.; Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.; The low-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing a strong gasoline odor and possible stalling, covered by a Mazda recall on affected 2018-2019 vehicles. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.; Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.; Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.; Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.; Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period. Full report ↗

Mazda CX-5 problems by year

2024 Mazda CX-5 Recommended

Among the most reliable, well-rounded compact SUVs you can buy used: minimal complaints, a premium cabin, sharp dynamics and top-tier safety. The cylinder-head and infotainment gremlins of earlier KF years are resolved. A standout pick.

  • LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night.
  • Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings.

2023 Mazda CX-5 Recommended

Refined, reliable and near-luxury for the money, with very few reported problems. Class-leading handling, available AWD and Top Safety Pick+ safety. One of the best used compact-SUV choices of its year.

  • LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night.
  • Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings.

2022 Mazda CX-5 Recommended

Freshened interior with the cylinder-head era behind it; complaints drop sharply to mostly headlight-fan and AEB false-braking gripes. RepairPal's top-ranked midsize SUV for reliability, an excellent, low-worry used buy.

  • LED headlight assemblies can develop a loud whirring or humming from an internal cooling fan that may fail, dimming or disabling the adaptive front lighting at night.
  • Smart Brake Support / forward-collision automatic emergency braking can activate unexpectedly with no obstacle present, jerking the car; owners report false braking and occasional power-loss warnings.

2021 Mazda CX-5 Caution

Mazda redesigned the cylinder head for 2021, improving durability, though some oil-consumption reports remain. Class-leading refinement and reliability make this a strong, lower-risk used CX-5; verify oil level and service records.

  • The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.
  • Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history.
  • Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.

2020 Mazda CX-5 Caution

Mature KF CX-5: plush, quiet and great-handling, with cylinder-head complaints easing but oil-consumption and infotainment ghost-touch still reported. A very good used SUV once the engine history checks out.

  • The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.
  • Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history.
  • Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.

2019 Mazda CX-5 Caution

Adds the 227 hp 2.5T turbo and lots of kit, but sees the most cylinder-head complaints (NA oil leak / turbo coolant leak) plus a fuel-pump recall. Turbos got an extended warranty. Excellent to drive; inspect the engine carefully before buying.

  • The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.
  • Excessive engine oil consumption and oil leaks from the timing-cover gasket on the 2.5L, often triggering a low-oil warning between changes; Mazda issued repair code P250F. Check the oil level and service history.
  • Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.

2018 Mazda CX-5 Caution

Refined KF CX-5 with a premium feel, but the 2.5L cracked-cylinder-head defect (oil leak) begins this year and repairs are costly. A strong drive and reliable otherwise; buy only after an engine oil-leak inspection.

  • The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.
  • Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.
  • The low-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing a strong gasoline odor and possible stalling, covered by a Mazda recall on affected 2018-2019 vehicles.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Recommended

Start of the upscale KF generation: quieter, more refined, with a near-luxury cabin and the new 2.5L. Largely free of the cylinder-head defect that affects later years; the main gripe is infotainment 'ghost touch.' One of the better used CX-5 values.

  • Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.

2016 Mazda CX-5 Caution

Last KE year, dominated by the daytime-running-light failure recall (4320A / 20V-063) and some brake wear. Mechanically reliable underneath; verify the headlight recall is done and the lights work. Otherwise a sharp-driving bargain.

  • LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.
  • Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.
  • Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period.

2015 Mazda CX-5 Caution

Mid-cycle KE CX-5 with fewer complaints than 2014; fun to drive and efficient. Watch for weak liftgate struts and complete the fuel-system and structure recalls. A dependable, value-priced used pick.

  • LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.
  • Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.
  • Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period.

2014 Mazda CX-5 Caution

The KE generation's roughest year: heavy electrical complaints centered on the won't-fully-power-off shifter-sensor fault, plus brake and minor engine gripes. Still mechanically durable and cheap; buy only with recalls completed and a clean inspection.

  • LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.
  • Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.
  • Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period.

2013 Mazda CX-5 Caution

First-year CX-5 (KE) with Mazda's best-in-class handling and efficient SkyActiv power. Generally sound, but early cars show a shifter/power-off electrical quirk and some brake wear. A solid budget buy if recalls are done and the battery checks out.

  • LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016.
  • Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years.
  • Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Mazda models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.