What are the most common Mazda CX-5 problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 10,720+ owner reports, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Defective Fuel Pump (Denso Recall), SKYACTIV-D 2.2 Diesel Engine Oil Dilution from Interrupted DPF Regeneration, SKYACTIV-G 2.5T Cracked Cylinder Head Coolant Leak. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has 17 known issues documented across 10,720+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Defective Fuel Pump (Denso Recall) and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 Diesel Engine Oil Dilution from Interrupted DPF Regeneration and SKYACTIV-G 2.5T Cracked Cylinder Head Coolant Leak. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Mazda CX-5 problems?
Repair costs for known Mazda CX-5 issues range from $0 to $9,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2019-2021 Mazda CX-5 Defective Fuel Pump (Denso Recall)?
Low-pressure fuel pump impellers can deform, causing pump failure and engine stalling without warning. Part of massive global recall affecting 19+ million vehicles across multiple manufacturers. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2021 Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 Diesel Engine Oil Dilution from Interrupted DPF Regeneration?
The 2.2 SKYACTIV-D uses post-injection of diesel into the cylinder to raise exhaust temperature for diesel particulate filter regeneration. Fuel that is not burned washes past the rings into the sump. If the engine is shut off mid-regeneration - the normal outcome of short urban… Repairs typically run $120-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV-G 2.5T Cracked Cylinder Head Coolant Leak?
The turbocharged 2.5T cylinder head can crack in the aluminum casting near the exhaust manifold flange / stud-bolt holes, where thermal load concentrates. This produces a slow external (and sometimes internal) coolant leak: the reservoir drops with no obvious puddle, a sweet cool… Repairs typically run $2,300-$9,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2023 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Skyactiv)?
Direct-injection Skyactiv engines accumulate carbon deposits on intake valves due to oil vapors from the PCV system. Without port injection to clean valves, carbon can fuse to valve surfaces over time, typically appearing around 65,000+ miles. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Mazda CX-5 Infotainment System CMU Failure (Black Screen)?
The Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) fails, causing the infotainment screen to go black, flicker, freeze, or loop repeatedly. Often caused by corrupted firmware, faulty Nav SD card contacts, or failing internal memory. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2021 Mazda CX-5 Rust on Door Panels and Body?
Interior door panels rust due to improper drainage design allowing water accumulation. Some colors (Soul Red, Machine Grey) have thin paint causing premature rust bubbling on roof and body panels. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2022 Mazda CX-5 Premature Wheel Bearing Failure?
Wheel bearings fail prematurely due to impact damage (potholes, curbs), contamination from water/salt/grit, or manufacturing defects. Common issue across all model years. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2022 Mazda CX-5 Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Shudder / Judder (FW6A-EL Automatic)?
The six-speed FW6A-EL automatic in the CX-5 locks its torque converter clutch very early and holds it locked across a wide range to chase fuel economy. That aggressive lock-up strategy wears the lock-up clutch lining, and the resulting iron powder contaminates the ATF. Owners rep… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2021 Mazda CX-5 Sunroof Drain Tube Disconnection and Interior Water Intrusion?
On sunroof-equipped CX-5s the front sunroof drain hoses work loose from their drain-tray nipples behind the A-pillar trim, or the tubes clog with organic debris. Because nothing visibly leaks at the headliner, water tracks down inside the pillar and body cavity and pools under th… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2021 Mazda CX-5 Smart City Brake Support / i-ACTIVSENSE Malfunction and Phantom Braking?
The CX-5's Smart City Brake Support uses a laser/infrared sensor behind the windshield glass on early cars, plus a grille-mounted radar and forward camera on later i-ACTIVSENSE builds. Two distinct failure patterns are documented. First, repeated 'Smart City Brake Support malfunc… Repairs typically run $0-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2020 Mazda CX-5 Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Actuator / Connector Malfunction?
CX-5 trims with the electronic parking brake can throw an 'Electric parking brake malfunction' warning with the brake failing to fully release or engaging on only one side. Common causes are a failed EPB caliper actuator motor and, frequently, a bent/corroded pin in the actuator… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2020 Mazda CX-5 Front Suspension Clunking Noise?
Clunking, knocking, or rattling from front suspension caused by dry strut mount bearings, loose sway bar links, worn ball joints, or loose crossbar/cowl bolts. Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2025 Mazda CX-5 Chirp / Squeak Noise from Automatic Transaxle on 3-4 Upshift (Bulletin 05-005/23)?
Second-generation KF CX-5 owners report a distinct chirp or squeak from the transaxle during the 3-4 upshift, most audible at light to moderate throttle once the transmission is at operating temperature. It is not the lock-up shudder felt through the seat - it is an audible chirp… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: low.
What is the 2013-2020 Mazda CX-5 Windshield Stress Cracking Without Impact Damage?
CX-5 owners across both generations report windshields that crack with no rock chip or identifiable impact point - cracks that begin at the A-pillar edge or the lower frit band and run across the glass, sometimes appearing overnight or after a temperature swing. The thin, lightwe… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-5 Thin Clear Coat and Premature Paint Chipping (Soul Red and Other Finishes)?
CX-5 owners report unusually thin paint film and a fragile clear coat that chips on the hood, front fascia, A-pillars and mirror caps far earlier than the segment norm. Complaints intensify from the 2016.5 refresh forward and are heaviest on the Soul Red Crystal three-stage finis… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2023 Mazda CX-5 i-stop AGM Battery Premature Failure / Start-Stop System Malfunction?
CX-5 models with i-stop (idle stop) use a specific AGM/EFB battery and a battery-management system that monitors charge state to decide whether to allow auto stop-start. The factory battery is undersized (around 480 CCA new) and degrades early; as it weakens, owners get an i-stop… Repairs typically run $200-$350. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Mazda CX-5 Timing Chain Cover Oil Weep and Water Pump Coolant Seepage (SKYACTIV-G)?
SKYACTIV-G engines are widely reported to develop a slow oil weep at the timing chain cover, where the factory RTV/silicone sealant is applied inconsistently at the seam. Owners find oily film at the front-lower timing-cover area, often discovered at oil-change inspections. Separ… Repairs typically run $400-$1,400. Severity: low.
