Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Cars are a need in today’s world, and owning a comfortable SUV for daily use is what everyone desires. Mazda CX-5 is one of those cars that offers a comfortable ride, along with a beautiful interior and fuel efficiency.
Since its launch, the Mazda CX-5 has attracted numerous customers due to its compact size and reliability. It is a good alternative for people looking for a reliable used car, comparable to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Despite all the customer attractions, not all the Mazda CX-5 models deliver the same level of reliability.
So, in case you are planning to buy a used Mazda CX-5, it is important to know the problematic model years. In this article, we will go into the details of the Mazda CX-5 years to avoid, the years that you can consider, and some helpful buying tips so that you can make an informed decision before buying a used car.
Overview of the Mazda CX-5
The first Mazda CX-5 was released in 2013. It is a compact SUV that has gained the attention of many people around the world. It is because it was the first brand vehicle that fully adopted the Skyactiv technology. This technology is Mazda’s engineering philosophy that is focused on improving the fuel efficiency, performance, and reliability without relying heavily on hybrid and electrical systems.
Moreover, the Mazda CX-5 crossover offered both Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD), making it suitable for both in-city drives and light off-road drives.
Some of the features that the Mazda CX-5 offered over the years are as follows.
- 2.0L and 2.5L naturally aspirated engines
- A 2.5L turbocharged engine in newer trims
- A 6-speed automatic transmission
- Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist
In the vehicle market, RAV4, CR-V, and Tucson are the top competitors of the CX-5. However, the CX-5’s reputation for driving dynamics and reliability sets it apart from its competitors.
Yet, it is not wrong to say that early years with the newest technology and mid-years with the technology updates caused some reliability issues. It makes certain years less attractive than others. We’ll discuss it further: the Mazda CX -5 years to avoid.
Mazda CX-5 Generations Explained
Here are the two generations Mazda CX-5 can be divided into, along with the common problems in them.
First Generation (2013-2016)
The first-generation Mazda CX-5 was an important addition to the vehicle market. The car turned out to be compact and was fully built on Skyactiv technology. The car models in this generation were aimed to deliver better fuel efficiency, lighter weight, and engaging driving dynamics. The concept behind this car was amazing; however, like all early years of the first generation, the Mazda CX-5 also experienced some initial reliability challenges.
Some of the common problems that came up in the Mazda CX-5 are as follows:
- Engine oil consumption, particularly in 2013–2014 models
- Rough idling and engine misfires reported by some owners
- Electrical and infotainment glitches, including freezing screens
- Road and wind noise due to lighter body construction
- Premature brake and suspension wear.
These were the issues that popped up, but Mazda worked hard on resolving these complaints in further model years.
Second Generation (2017-Present)
The 2017 model of the Mazda CX-5 marked the start of the second generation. The major redesign was done to give customers improved interior design, smooth ride quality, and reliability. All the issues reported by the owners of the first-generation models were fixed, and a refined model was released. The second-generation models retained the same basic platform and Skyactiv philosophy, but the upgrades helped CX-5 give a more premium feel compared to competitor SUVs.
However, being more reliable than the first generation doesn’t mean it’s perfect. There were some complaints reported by the second-generation owners, but they were minor.
- Freezing of infotainment screens at times
- Bluetooth or phone connectivity issues
- Harsh shifting at low speeds.
- Vibration in cold temperatures (reported by a few owners)
- Interior rattles or trim noise on uneven trains
These issues were minor and were reported by very few owners. So we cannot say that they were present in every car model. In short, the second generation of the Mazda CX-5 is generally considered reliable.
Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid
2014 Mazda CX-5 – Why It’s Risky
The Mazda CX-5 2014 is considered the riskiest model to buy if you are looking for a used car. A lot of owners reported the major issue of engine oil consumption. This issue required frequent top-offs between oil changes (learn about the oil change cost), and in case it was left unaddressed, the issues led to engine damage. That was very expensive to fix.
Here are some other common problems reported in the 2014 model.
- Engine misfires and rough idling complaints
- Electrical malfunctions
- Infotainment glitches
- Wind noise and build-quality concerns
These issues seem minor at first, but their repair costs can significantly add up over time. We can clearly say that if you are planning to buy a used car and want it for a longer time period, then avoid getting the Mazda CX-5 2014 model.
2016 Mazda CX-5 – Most Complained-About Year
The Mazda CX-5 2016 was the model with the most complaints. Although Mazda improved a lot of mechanical issues that occurred in the previous model years, the owners were not satisfied.
The complaints were high because it combined the end-of-generation design issues and unresolved component defects. Simply, we can say that some problems overlapped in the same model year.
Here are a few of the most reported problems.
- Jerky or delayed transmission
- The infotainment system is freezing or rebooting.
- Windshield cracking
- Premature brake wear
- Faulty LED daytime running lights
2016 wasn’t bad overall, and these issues were not so big, but this year still received the most complaints. It was because owners expected some improvements that really never arrived.
2018 Mazda CX-5 – Mixed Reliability Record
The 2018 model of Mazda CX-5 is not a total ‘avoid’ year, but requires a good inspection.
This year has mixed reliability records. Some owners reported some recurring problems seemingly very frustrating, but some owners also reported long-term smooth experiences.
The most common issues reported in this model are as follows.
- Reports of infotainment and software problems
- A/C system failures in some units
- Fuel system and sensor issues
2018 is not a disaster year, but with these issues, many owners treat it with caution compared to later second-generation CX-5 years.
Common Problems Found in Problematic Mazda CX-5 Years
These are the common ones found in Mazda CX-5 years to avoid.
- Engine oil burning and leaks.
- Transmission hesitation or rough shifting
- Infotainment screen freezing, ghost touch issues
- Electrical sensor failures
- Brake and suspension wear
- Windshield cracking complaints
These problems affect the long-term ownership cost.
Mazda CX-5 Years You Can Consider Instead
Here are some honest year suggestions you can consider buying instead.
2015 Model Year Improvements
- Many first-generation issues were addressed, including engine oil consumption and electrical glitches.
- Transmission behavior is refined for smoother shifting.
- Reduced reports of infotainment or dashboard problems.
2017 Redesign Advantages
- Introduction of the second-generation CX‑5 with the updated Skyactiv platform.
- Sharper exterior styling and quieter, more refined interior.
- Improved suspension and handling, making it more comfortable on longer drives.
- Advanced safety features became standard or widely available.
2019–2022 Reliability Reputation
- Fewer mechanical complaints and improved infotainment stability.
- Owners report higher satisfaction due to stronger build quality.
- The 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and transmission proved reliable over time.
Tips for Buying a Used Mazda CX-5
Here are some tips to keep in mind before buying a used Mazda CX-5.
- Importance of a vehicle history report
- Get a pre-purchase inspection.
- Check for recalls and software updates.
- Warning signs during test drive
- Avoid a bad year car because it can end up with costly repairs.
Final Verdict: Should You Avoid Certain Mazda CX-5 Years?
Mazda CX-5 is generally a reliable vehicle to buy. It has shown great performance over the years, and most of the owners are really satisfied with its long-term reliability and comfort. Mazda tries hard to resolve all the reported issues and allow owners to enjoy a stress-free driving experience.
A few model years of the Mazda CX-5 were not praised by the owners, and many complaints were reported. But those complaints were not linked to any serious issues or safety concerns. In fact, those complaints were not even reported by all owners of the same model year; many stated that they enjoyed the smooth driving experience.
However, the model years with issues are 2014, 2016, and, with caution, 2018. The model years of Mazda CX-5 that you can consider if looking for a reliable and stress-free vehicle are 2015,2017, and 2019-2022 models. They have a relatively good reputation and are considered more reliable.
In the end, we would say that buying a used Mazda CX-5 is a good choice, but we’ll suggest you avoid certain years to save yourself from some extra repair costs.
