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Mazda · Mid-Size · 2005–2010

Mazda 5 CR

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

162–166 PS

2.3L MZR Benzin

Agile Family Van

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

116–120 PS

1.8L MZR Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mazda 5 CR is available with 4 engine variants — from 90 to 166 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L DiTD · Diesel· 110–143 PS Engine Change
2005 2010
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2005 2010
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L MZR · Benziner· 116 PS
2005 2010
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L MZR · Benziner· 145–150 PS
2005 2010
Good Choice 8 weaknesses
2.3L MZR · Benziner· 166 PS
2005 2010
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

The Mazda 2.0L DiTD (Diesel, 110–143 PS) comes with 2 different engines: RF (2005–2010, Be Careful) und RF (2005–2010, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L DiTD!

The Mazda 1.8L MZR (Benziner, 116 PS) has the L8 (1.8L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 2.0L MZR (Benziner, 145–150 PS) has the LF-DE (2.0L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 2.3L MZR (Benziner, 166 PS) has the L3C1 (2.3L MZR) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rust on Underside and Door Folds

The Mazda 5 CR is highly prone to rust: underside, door folds, tailgate and body panels show through-rust even at moderate mileage. A lift inspection is essential before purchase.

Symptoms: Paint blistering, visible rust on lower door edges and tailgate, through-rust on underside
from 70,000 km
Ad repair panel Mazda 5 CR rocker panelUnterbodenschutz Mazda 5 CR
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
326 complaints · 2005–2010
Steering
89 ⚠ 5
Suspension
54 ⚠ 1
Tires
51
Body Structure
24 ⚠ 3
Electrical
22 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (89 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (54 complaints)
⚠ Tires (51 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 5 CR (2005–2010) — 26 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Electronics, Suspension, Body. Considered reliable: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR).

5 (RF, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Interference Engine — Engine Damage on Timing Belt Failure, Leaking Injection Pump (Solenoid Valve), Injection Driver Module (IDM) Earth Fault. Power: 110 PS.

5 (RF, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Interference Engine — Engine Damage on Timing Belt Failure, Leaking Injection Pump (Solenoid Valve), Injection Driver Module (IDM) Earth Fault. Power: 143 PS.

5 (L3C1, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Conrod bearing failure due to oil starvation, Elevated oil consumption due to piston rings, Timing chain elongates. Power: 166 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mazda 5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda 5 CR have? +
The Mazda 5 CR has 26 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda 5 CR? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR). The most reliable engine is the L8 (1.8L MZR) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the L3C1 (2.3L MZR).
Which Mazda 5 CR engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda 5 CR. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mazda 5 CR engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda 5 CR — rated: "Decent". {description} Surprisingly nimble for a van with good suspension. Enough power for flowing progress, but no sports car.
Is the Mazda 5 CR worth buying used? +
The Mazda 5 CR is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda 5 CR? +
The Mazda 5 CR is available with engine variants from 90 to 166 hp. Petrol: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR), L3C1 (2.3L MZR). Diesel: RF (2.0L DiTD).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee