Mazda CX-5 KE
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
184 PS
CX-5 · Benzin
Agile Compact SUV
Fun to Drive!116–120 PS
1.8L MZR Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good Choice150–184 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.
2.2-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. - !! 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. - !! 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.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - ! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
TÜV Report 2026
The first-generation CX-5 shows significant wear to suspension components and steering joints from year eight onwards.
2025-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2025
The CX-5 KE is one of the most reliable compact SUVs in the ADAC breakdown statistics.
2025-04Top Reported Issues
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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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee