Best & Worst Mazda CX-5 Years [Models To Avoid]

Buy a Mazda CX-5 from one of its worst years to avoid making an expensive mistake. According to our analysis, these are the Mazda CX-5 years you should steer clear of.

In this guide, we analyze all Mazda CX-5 generations to help you determine which Mazda CX-5 generation is the best to buy and which Mazda CX-5 generation to avoid.

Based on NHTSA, J.D Power, and direct feedback from Mazda owners, this article explores the Mazda CX-5’s lifespan.

A detailed comparison will be made between Mazda CX-5 years with the best powertrain options, safety features, and owner-reported reliability problems.

Getting started is the next step.

Mazda CX-5 Generations

The Mazda CX-5 launched an era with its first generation in 2013 with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy and full range of SKYACTIV technologies.

In this compact crossover, you’ll experience engaging driving, a versatile design, and excellent fuel economy.

The following table covers all Mazda CX-5 generations from 2013 to present.

You must understand how the Mazda CX-5 has evolved over the years, regardless of whether you’re a prospective buyer or an enthusiast. As technology advances, performance improves, safety improves, and comfort improves, every new generation brings new benefits.

Mazda CX-5 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

We rank and categorize the Mazda CX-5’s best and worst years according to several factors, including:

• Owner reliability surveys (reports)
• Costs associated with maintenance on an annual basis
• The security rate
• Consumer Reports’ reliability rating
• According to Consumer Reports, owner satisfaction is high
• The NHTSA’s recalls, investigations, and complaints
• Ratings on Edmunds by owners
• JD Power ratings for owners
• Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
• Ratings on VehicleHistory by owners
• Reviews on Cars.com by owners

Based on the collected data, we have categorized Mazda CX-5 model years into best, neutral, and worst.

In general, “Neutral Years” are dependable, even if they don’t receive the same accolades as “Best Years.”

NHTSA recalls, for example, can negatively affect the performance of a vehicle. It is generally believed that a vehicle with more complaints and recalls is less reliable.

Taking a look at the Mazda CX-5’s best, neutral, and worst years will help you decide which model is right for you.

Best & Worst Years for Mazda CX-5 2nd Generation [2017 to Present]

With its enhanced design, comfort, and technology, the Mazda CX-5 is Mazda’s second-generation SUV that meets and exceeds customer expectations.

In terms of reliability, models 2017 and 2020-2024 are the best fits for the 2nd-generation Mazda CX-5. It is not recommended to purchase a Mazda CX-5 model from this generation in 2018 or 2019.

2017-2020, 2021-2022-2023-2024 Are the Best Years

What is the best model of the Mazda CX-5? The Mazda CX-5 model years of 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 have excellent ratings from VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and J.D Power.

As with the previous model, the 2017 model is powered by a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G PY-VPS four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an automatic six-speed transmission and Skyactiv-Drive.

According to the EPA, the front-wheel-drive standard model achieved 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

There are a number of new i-ACTIVSENSE features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, collision mitigation, and G-Vectoring Control, which improves driving stability and steering.

During the next few years, especially between 2020 and 2024, it was a tradition that continued to grow. There is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.

New for the 2020 model year is a larger 10.25-inch display and traction assist for off-road use, along with an updated infotainment system.

Smart City Brake Support Reverse and Driver Attention Alert have been added to the i-Activsense safety suite.

2018 and 2019 were the worst years

Due to the high number of owner complaints and recalls in 2018, and 2019, Mazda CX-5 years should be avoided.

The infotainment screen appears to register inputs that were not made, resulting in a number of electrical issues reported by owners. The most notorious of these is the “ghost touch” issue.

Since this issue has become so widespread, Mazda’s warranty covers the affected systems.

Oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, and premature brake wear can sometimes be caused by cracked cylinder heads.

The powertrain control module, which could malfunction and cause the engine to stall, as well as fuel pump failures that posed a fire risk, caused a number of recalls during these years.

Best & Worst Years for Mazda CX-5 1st Generation [2013 to 2016]

KODO design philosophy and SKYACTIV technology were innovatively incorporated into the Mazda CX-5, positioning it as a stylish yet efficient SUV.

Mazda CX-5s from the first generation are best purchased between 2013 and 2015.

2013 and 2015 were the best years

There were fewer recalls and complaints at NHTSA for 2013 and 2015 Mazda CX-3 models than for previous generations.

2013 Mazda CX-5s are powered by Skyactiv-G PE-VPS 2.0-liter engines that produce 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque.

With an EPA estimate of 26 city/35 highway miles per gallon, it was quite impressive for the segment.

A 6.5-inch touchscreen, nine speakers, and blind-spot monitoring are included with the base Sport trim, while a 6.5-inch touchscreen, nine speakers, and keyless entry are included with the higher trims.

In the 2015 Mazda CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring trims, a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G PY-VPS petrol engine delivers 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy.

All trim levels were equipped with Mazda Connect, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

2014 and 2016 were the worst years

The Mazda CX-5’s 2014 and 2016 models have the lowest Consumer Reports owner satisfaction ratings and are the most frequently recalled and complained about by the NHTSA.

Several Mazda CX-5 owners complained that their vehicles restarted unexpectedly after they turned off the ignition, draining their batteries.

Furthermore, unexpectedly shattered sunroofs and windshields posed a safety hazard due to structural concerns.

One of the most criticised models of its second generation was the CX-5.

There were several issues that contributed to a substantial recall, including a defective daytime running light and an inoperable infotainment system.

Heating seats and transmission problems were reported by a significant number of customers.

The complaints regarding brake pad wear and windshield cracking indicated that unresolved issues had also occurred with earlier models.

Which Mazda CX-5 Model Years to Avoid?

Of the nine models produced by Mazda, only two have failed to deliver reliable performance. Mazda CX-5 2014 and 2016 are among them. In the 2014 model, the most common problems are electrical, engine, brake, exterior accessory, and miscellaneous. 

The most serious problems, according to the reports, are as follows:

• For the engine to completely shut down, it took 55,000 miles.
• When the car was stopped at 17,000 miles, the engine revved and clunked into gear.
• There is a premature wear on the brakes after 29,000 miles. 

Lighting, brakes, electrical system, engine, and drivetrain issues were the most prevalent with the 2016 Mazda CX-5. Among the worst reported problems were the daytime LED lights failing at 43,000 miles, windshields breaking at 19,000 miles, and brakes prematurely wearing at 27,000 miles.

Common Mazda CX-5 Problems

Just like in most car brands, Mazda CX-5s have different construction quality. Throughout its model history, however, the CX-5 has suffered from a number of persistent issues. The following reliability issues are summarized:

Faulty daytime LED running lights

A recall was issued for this vehicle due to this issue. 2016 Mazda CX-5 daytime running lights usually fail after only 100k miles, which is earlier than usual. When these lights fail, they cannot be simply repaired by replacing a bulb, so the repair is more expensive than necessary.

Windshield issue

The CX-5 was often reported to have cracks in its windshield by owners between 2014 and 2016. As a result of the cracked windshield issue on the CX-5, Mazda issued another recall. Due to the windshield bracket for the laser sensor detaching, the Smart City Brake Support system may fail.

Engine failure

CX-5 engines have shut off without warning on occasion, though this isn’t as common as some owners have reported. However, some drivers reported that their engines wouldn’t shut off even after pressing the park button. In some cases, drivers drove several more miles before turning off their cars.

Transmission issues

There were transmission problems with the CX-5 as well as many other vehicles. Owners of the 2015 CX-5 frequently reported whining noises and clicking during shifts due to transmission failure. It cost some drivers thousands of dollars in repair costs to replace their transmission systems because the problem was so severe.

Won’t shut off properly

CX-5 SUVs have been reported to be unable to shut off properly. An electrical/ignition system sensor malfunction prevented the battery from being shut off. The battery continues to power the accessories even when the vehicle is turned off. CX-5s made in 2013 and 2014 were commonly affected by this problem.

Exploding sunroof 

An exploding sunroof of a Mazda CX-5 has been reported in cases without trees, bridges, meteorites, etc. There were reports of the sunroof cracking and exploding when the driver was driving at low speeds. According to some theories, these incidents occurred during sunny weather, which suggests the sunroof had a design flaw that prevented heat expansion.

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FAQs

Conclusion

In terms of innovation, reliability, and owner satisfaction, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 model and those following 2020 have achieved the best results.

The Mazda CX-5’s best years were marked by safety, fuel economy, or technology.

Comment with your preference!

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