Mazda 5
Ford-based 1.6-litre common-rail diesel. Solid output for compact cars, well-known from the PSA/Ford family.
Solid family hauler
Adequate power for family daily driving. More nimble than the competition, but ultimately a practical transport vehicle.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Soot deposits block the oil supply to the turbo radial bearing. The structurally tight oil quantity (380 instead of 500 ml/min) accelerates wear. A short cool-down period after hard driving helps.
Symptoms: Whistling noise from turbo, power drop, limp mode, exhaust smoke
The high-pressure pump metering valve fails and the pump seizes. Metal particles reach all injectors — total failure of the injection system. The entire system must be replaced.
Symptoms: Engine won't start, all injectors failed simultaneously, power drop to zero
The DPF does not fully regenerate with short-trip driving. Eolys additive must be topped up every 60,000 km. A clogged DPF also stresses the turbocharger through increased exhaust backpressure.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, elevated consumption, limp mode
The PSA diesel injectors and their copper sealing rings leak. Individual repair is usually not possible; replacing all injectors is expensive. Clean installation is critical.
Symptoms: Soot accumulation around injectors, exhaust smell inside the cabin, rough running, starting difficulties
The EGR valve of the 1.6 CD clogs and sticks due to heavy soot loads. Especially common with short-trip drivers. An ECU software update can help.
Symptoms: Power drop above 2,000 rpm, idle fluctuation, limp mode, ESP warning light
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
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.
As with the predecessor CR, the central locking actuator motors in the sliding doors fail. Left and right motors are not interchangeable. Aftermarket replacements are available at low cost.
The AC compressor or its magnetic clutch fails, and the air conditioning stops cooling. More common on vehicles with neglected refrigerant levels or condenser damage.
Particles in the hydraulic system damage the power steering pump. Power assistance fails, making the vehicle very heavy to steer. Affects petrol models.
The rear brake calipers seize, causing the brake pads to drag permanently against the disc. The cause is corrosion on the piston guides, especially after periods of inactivity. The brake discs become warped in the process and must be replaced.
Standard batteries discharge early and cause starting problems, especially in winter. Frequent short-trip use accelerates battery wear.
Rear wheel bearings wear prematurely and produce typical driving noise. Quality replacements are available cheaply; the replacement process is straightforward compared to other vehicles.
The CW is also prone to rust: underside, screws and sliding door brackets corrode within a few years. Additional underbody rust protection is recommended.
Seat upholstery, especially the driver's seat, shows significant wear and sagging on vehicles from around 100,000 km. The family van with sliding doors invites intensive use, which puts heavy demands on the cushioning.