Mazda CX-5
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.
Strongest KE Diesel — SUV with Power
The 129 kW diesel gives the CX-5 KE strong shove and, combined with the agile chassis, delivers real driving pleasure even with a diesel. Direct handling, strong torque and good road grip — the best diesel KE.
Engine Weaknesses 7
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.
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.
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.
The particulate filter reaches its capacity in frequent short-trip and city driving because regeneration temperature is not achieved. DPF cleaning or replacement required.
Symptoms: Warning light 'DPF check required', DPF message on display, noticeably elevated consumption during regeneration phases up to 18.5 l/100 km, bluish smoke.
The 2.2D has two EGR valves, both of which clog with soot deposits. Above 100,000 km, centimetre-thick soot layers in the intake tract and on the intake valves are possible.
Symptoms: Power loss, heavy blue smoke above 3,000 rpm, fault codes P1412, P0404, P042E, engine warning, failed emissions test.
Eine fehlerhafte Steuerungssoftware führt zu Rußablagerungen an der Einlassschließklappe des SkyActiv-D 2.2. Blockiert die Klappe im geschlossenen Zustand, stirbt der laufende Motor ab. Mazda rief 348.617 Fahrzeuge in Europa zurück (Modelle 3 BM, 6 GJ, CX-5 KE/KF, Produktion 2012–2018).
Symptoms: Unerwartetes Motorabsterben ohne Vorwarnung; Motorkontrollleuchte; betroffene Fahrzeuge springen nach Neustart meist wieder an.
Der Schrittmotor der Drosselklappe (Teilenr. SH01-136B0) verschleißt oder bricht an seinem Kunststoffgetriebe. Hohe Abgasrückführungsrate und Ölnebel beschleunigen die Verkokung, was den Aktor mechanisch belastet und zu Fehlercode P2118 führt.
Symptoms: Schlechte Gasannahme; mehrere gleichzeitige Warnleuchten (Motor, DSC, Traktionskontrolle); geringer Leistungsverlust; manchmal Geräusch des Stellmotors.
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.
Reports & Tests
1343 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2012–2017). Most reported: Electrical (305), Other (193), Lighting (173).