Mazda CX-5
2.5-litre SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation from 2018. Top of the naturally aspirated range with strong pull.
Agile Compact SUV
Surprisingly sporty for an SUV — direct steering and a taut chassis set the standard in the segment. A strong engine rounds off the package.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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
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
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
Direct injection without port injection — PCV oil vapour deposits on unswept intake valves. Higher thermal load from the turbo accelerates buildup. Walnut blasting from 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, cold-start misfires, sluggish throttle response, slight power loss
Der hydraulische Riemenspanner des SkyActiv-G 2.5 verliert ab ca. 65.000–85.000 km Hydraulikflüssigkeit durch den Gummibalg. Ohne ausreichend Dämpfung flattern Riemen und Spanner, was zu vorzeitigem Riemenverschleiß und Geräuschen führt.
Symptoms: Quietschen oder Flattern des Keilrippenriemens; sichtbare Feuchtigkeit am Gummibalg des Spannrollengehäuses; Riemen schlägt bei Gaswechsel.
Der Klopfsensor des SkyActiv-G 2.5 fällt bei älteren Fahrzeugen aus und löst die Motorkontrollleuchte aus. Das Motorsteuergerät wechselt in den Schutzmodus mit verzögerter Zündung, was zu erhöhtem Verbrauch und reduzierter Leistung führt.
Symptoms: Motorkontrollleuchte dauerhaft an; leichte Leistungsreduktion und erhöhter Verbrauch; keine weiteren Fahreinschränkungen im Normalbetrieb.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The aluminium rear strut mounts corrode from road salt. Affected vehicles: VIN JMZKE*100107–565480 (11/2011–02/2017). According to TSB R037/18 the complete damper must be replaced as the mount is not available separately.
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.
On vehicles produced 12/2014–12/2015, the connector seal on the LED daytime running lights releases sulphur, causing corrosion in the LED circuit. Mazda recalled around 17,000 vehicles in Germany (recall AL006A).
The power folding motor on the exterior mirrors fails, often after a car wash or in wet conditions. The gear inside the mirror drive breaks or gets contaminated. Individual part replacement is not possible; the entire mirror must be replaced.
The front brake discs on the KE wear faster than on comparable SUVs. With regular use they need replacing every 50,000–60,000 km. The brakes are regarded as a weak point based on MOT findings.
On vehicles before April 2013 the front strut top mounts can develop wear patterns and cause noise. Mazda issued service bulletin R070/13 covering warranty replacement.