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Mazda · Compact SUV · 2012–2017 Custom Search

Mazda CX-5 KE

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.3 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

184 PS

CX-5 · Benzin

Agile Compact SUV

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

116–120 PS

1.8L MZR Benzin

5 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

150–184 PS

2.2L SkyActiv-D Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Mazda CX-5 KE is available with 3 engine variants — from 90 to 194 hp.

2.2L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 150–175 PS
2012 2017

2.2-litre SkyActiv-D with extremely low compression ratio (14:1) for a diesel. Clean combustion without a NOx storage catalytic converter, long-lived with regular oil changes.

  • !! Camshaft Seized from 80,000 km

    Insufficient surface hardening of the exhaust camshaft leads to heavy wear with metal particles in the oil. Secondary damage to the vacuum pump and turbocharger is possible. Primarily affects build years 2012–2015.

    Symptoms: Warning 'Low oil pressure – engine damage possible', fault code P0056F, jerky gearbox, metal particles visible in oil on change.
    500–5,000 $
  • !! Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress from 30,000 km

    DPF regeneration injects fuel into the cylinder, which passes the piston and enters the oil. Dilution rates of up to 20–25% are possible. Increased engine wear and turbocharger bearing damage can follow.

    Symptoms: Oil level rises above MAX mark, fuel smell in oil, onboard computer shortens oil change interval, up to 20% diesel detectable in oil analysis.
    100–400 $
  • !! Leaking Injector Seals from 100,000 km

    Failed flame protection seals on the injectors allow hot combustion gases into the oil system. The oil cokes up and blocks the oil sump strainer, leading to pressure loss and engine damage.

    Symptoms: Rapidly ageing oil with fuel smell, elevated oil consumption, engine oil warning light, in severe cases oil pressure loss and piston damage.
    400–8,000 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L SkyActiv-G · Petrol· 160–165 PS
2012 2017

2.0-litre SkyActiv-G with 13:1 compression ratio and chain drive. Core engine of the SkyActiv fleet with a wide power range from 88 to 121 kW.

  • !! Carbon build-up on intake valves from 110,000 km

    Direct-injection carbon build-up on intake valves from crankcase breather oil mist. Typically occurs between 100,000–160,000 km. Walnut blasting is the only lasting solution.

    Symptoms: Rough cold start with misfire codes P0300–P0304, sluggish throttle response, increased fuel consumption
    185–800 $
  • !! Low oil pressure — oil pump pressure relief valve from 80,000 km

    Particularly on early build years 2012–2014, contamination in the oil pump pressure relief valve can reduce oil pressure. Persistently low oil pressure accelerates bearing wear considerably.

    Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light illuminates, knocking noises from the engine, increased engine noise at low revs
    350–700 $
  • ! Defective coolant control valve (thermostat)

    A manufacturing deviation in the electric coolant control valve allows coolant to enter the dry chamber. The valve opens too early. TSI R054-21 affects all SkyActiv-G engines.

    Symptoms: Extended warm-up phase, blue coolant warning light, poor heater output at idle
    150–400 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.5L SkyActiv-G · Petrol· 184 PS
2012 2017

2.5-litre SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation from 2018. Top of the naturally aspirated range with strong pull.

  • !! Cylinder Head Crack (Exhaust Side) from 60,000 km

    Micro-cracks form on the exhaust side of the cylinder head due to thermal stress. Primarily affects 2019–2020 CX-5 and Mazda6. Mazda extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles. Revised head design from 2021.

    Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell after shutdown, dropping coolant level with no visible puddle, steam from engine bay
    2,000–8,000 $
  • !! Recall: Cylinder Deactivation Valve Lash Adjuster

    PCM software incorrectly controls hydraulic valve lash adjusters during the transition out of cylinder deactivation. Intake valve rocker arm can contact engine components. CX-5 KF 2017–2019, approx. 58,000 vehicles in Europe.

    Symptoms: Misfires, power loss, rough running when upshifting out of cylinder deactivation
    0–0 $
  • !! Fuel Pump Impeller Fracture

    Recall for 2019–2020 CX-5: the low-pressure fuel pump impeller can fail due to cracking. Mazda notified owners in November 2021. Engine stall possible.

    Symptoms: Engine won't start, power loss, irregular engine running, engine warning light
    300–800 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Inadequate Rust Protection on Underside and Tailgate

Mazda cut corners on underbody protection and cavity wax treatment on the KE. The underside longitudinal rails, tailgate and lower door edges rust early. Retroactive preservation is strongly recommended.

Symptoms: Rust on underside rails and brake line brackets, paint blistering on tailgate, rust spots on lower door edges
from 60,000 km
Medium

Test Reports

tuev

TÜV Report 2026

Below average

The first-generation CX-5 shows significant wear to suspension components and steering joints from year eight onwards.

2025-11
pannenstatistik

ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025

Above average

The CX-5 KE is one of the most reliable compact SUVs in the ADAC breakdown statistics.

2025-04
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,343 complaints · 2012–2017
  1. 01 Electrical
    305 ⚠ 6
  2. 02 Other
    193 ⚠ 11
  3. 03 Lighting
    173
  4. 04 Powertrain
    167 ⚠ 6
  5. 05 Engine
    146 ⚠ 10

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (305 complaints)
Other (193 complaints)
Lighting (173 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda CX-5 KE (2012–2017) — 37 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G), SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Electronics, Brakes. Considered reliable: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G).

CX-5 (SH-VPTS, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Camshaft Seized, Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 150 PS.

CX-5 (SH-VPTS, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Camshaft Seized, Severe Oil Dilution from Fuel Ingress, Leaking Injector Seals. Power: 175 PS.

CX-5 (PY-VPS, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Cylinder Head Crack (Exhaust Side), Recall: Cylinder Deactivation Valve Lash Adjuster, Fuel Pump Impeller Fracture. Power: 184 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mazda CX-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 CX-5 KE have? +
The Mazda CX-5 KE has 37 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda CX-5 KE? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G). The most reliable engine is the L8 (1.8L MZR) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G). Problem engine: SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D) — stay away!
Which Mazda CX-5 KE engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda CX-5 KE. 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 CX-5 KE engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda CX-5 KE — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} Surprisingly sporty for an SUV — direct steering and a taut chassis set the standard in the segment. A strong engine rounds off the package.
Is the Mazda CX-5 KE worth buying used? +
The Mazda CX-5 KE is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda CX-5 KE? +
The Mazda CX-5 KE is available with engine variants from 90 to 194 hp. Petrol: L8 (1.8L MZR), LF-DE (2.0L MZR), PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G), PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G). Diesel: Y6 (1.6L CD), SH-VPTS (2.2L SkyActiv-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee