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.
Comfortable All-Rounder
Solidly powered and with a good chassis — above average for an SUV, but not a corner carver.
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
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).