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Mazda · Compact SUV · 2012–2017

Mazda CX-5 KE

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.3 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

192–194 PS

2.5L SkyActiv-G 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. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.2L SkyActiv-D · Diesel· 150–175 PS Engine Change
2012 2017
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2012 2017
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L SkyActiv-G · Benziner· 160–165 PS
2012 2017
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
2.5L SkyActiv-G · Benziner· 184 PS
2012 2017
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Mazda 2.2L SkyActiv-D (Diesel, 150–175 PS) comes with 2 different engines: SH-VPTS (2012–2017, Stay Away!) und SH-VPTS (2012–2017, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.2L SkyActiv-D!

The Mazda 2.0L SkyActiv-G (Benziner, 160–165 PS) has the PE-VPS (2.0L SkyActiv-G) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 2.5L SkyActiv-G (Benziner, 184 PS) has the PY-VPS (2.5L SkyActiv-G) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known 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
Ad Unterbodenschutz Mazda CX-5 KEHohlraumversiegelung CX5 KEtailgate Mazda CX-5 KE
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,343 complaints · 2012–2017
Electrical
305 ⚠ 6
Other
193 ⚠ 11
Lighting
173
Powertrain
167 ⚠ 6
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