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Mazda · Mid-Size · 2010–2015

Mazda 5 CW

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

136–160 PS

2.0L MZR Benzin

Decent Family Van with the Best CR Engine

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

116–120 PS

1.8L MZR Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mazda 5 CW is available with 3 engine variants — from 90 to 160 hp.

1.6L CD · Diesel· 116 PS
2010 2015
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.8L MZR · Benziner· 116 PS
2010 2015
Good Choice 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L MZR · Benziner· 144–150 PS
2010 2015
Good Choice 8 weaknesses

The Mazda 1.6L CD (Diesel, 116 PS) has the Y6 (1.6L CD) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

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, 144–150 PS) has the LF-DE (2.0L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 8 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: Tailgate Gas Struts Breaking

Mazda recalled over 211,000 vehicles in Germany because the end caps of the tailgate gas struts can crack due to corrosion, causing the tailgate to fall shut uncontrolled.

Symptoms: Tailgate no longer holds in the open position, drops suddenly downward; risk of injury
Ad Gasdruckdamper tailgate Mazda 5 CWtailgatendamper CW recall
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
136 complaints · 2010–2015
Brakes
20 ⚠ 5
Body Structure
18 ⚠ 2
Airbags
17 ⚠ 3
Engine
16 ⚠ 3
Steering
16 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Brakes (20 complaints)
⚠ Body Structure (18 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (17 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda 5 CW (2010–2015) — 18 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Suspension, Rust. Considered reliable: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR).

5 (Y6, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Turbocharger Damage from Insufficient Oil Supply, High-Pressure Pump Generating Metal Particles, Diesel Particulate Filter Blocked. Power: 116 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 CW have? +
The Mazda 5 CW has 18 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda 5 CW? +
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 LF-DE (2.0L MZR).
Which Mazda 5 CW engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda 5 CW. 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 CW engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda 5 CW — rated: "Decent". {description} The 2.0-litre is the strongest option in the Mazda 5 CR and makes family journeys genuinely relaxed. Road behaviour is solid for a van — safe, tracking well, with direct steering. No sports car, but you arrive genuinely satisfied.
Is the Mazda 5 CW worth buying used? +
The Mazda 5 CW is a good choice as a used car — 2 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda 5 CW? +
The Mazda 5 CW is available with engine variants from 90 to 160 hp. Petrol: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR). Diesel: Y6 (1.6L CD).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee