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.
Strongest KF Petrol — Very Convincing
With 143 kW and the refined KF chassis, the CX-5 delivers the strongest driving pleasure package. Torque, steering and cornering all harmonise excellently. A compact SUV that's genuinely good to drive.
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
On 2.5 Skyactiv-G models (2017–2019), faulty cylinder deactivation software programming can cause power loss or sudden engine cut-out. KBA recall affects several thousand vehicles.
The gear in the electric exterior mirror folding mechanism breaks. The problem has been known since the KE generation. Failure occurs especially after high-pressure washing or car washes. Repair requires complete mirror replacement.
On KF models from 2019 onward, moisture enters the LED headlights, particularly on the passenger side. This leads to condensation inside the headlights and failure of the lighting unit. Goodwill repair may be available from Mazda.
The brakes are regarded as a weak point on the KF. MOT inspectors flag them regularly. Rear pads have been flagged as little as 42,000 km with only 1 cm of material remaining. New front discs are due every 50,000–60,000 km.
MOT reports show that springs and dampers on the KF are flagged sooner than expected. The firm suspension setup results in higher wear, especially on vehicles with 80,000+ km.
On the KF too, the battery is the most frequent cause of breakdown according to ADAC statistics. In short-trip or stop-start operation the battery does not recharge sufficiently. Replacement interval approximately 4–5 years.
Reports & Tests
830 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2017–2024). Most reported: Engine (315), Other (146), Electrical (141).