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Mazda CX-5: common problems & condition

56
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
67/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100
70%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 52%



Across 56 used Mazda CX-5s we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 67/100 vs 60 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.

What we found

Most common faults

Oil leaks · Engine
63%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
30%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
23%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
18%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
14%

Share of inspected Mazda CX-5s where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 25% Good 45% Mediocre 29% Poor 2%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

64%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
16%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a CX-5 stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 0–20k mi: 100% in good shape (7 cars) 20–40k mi: 100% in good shape (5 cars) 40–60k mi: 64% in good shape (14 cars) 60–80k mi: 80% in good shape (10 cars) 80–100k mi: 63% in good shape (8 cars) 100–120k mi: 20% in good shape (5 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it
Good cars by age
0 25 50 75 100 2 years old: 67% in good shape (6 cars) 3 years old: 86% in good shape (7 cars) 4 years old: 60% in good shape (5 cars) 5 years old: 83% in good shape (6 cars) 6 years old: 80% in good shape (5 cars) 7 years old: 50% in good shape (6 cars) 8 years old: 60% in good shape (5 cars) 9 years old: 67% in good shape (6 cars) 2y 4y 6y 8y 10y 12y 14y 16y vehicle age when we inspected it

Share of Mazda CX-5s in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.

What else does ~$20k buy? A used Mazda CX-5 typically sells for around $19,891 — compare the odds of getting a good SUV across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on Mazda
3 50 cars · 46% good

Other Mazda models we've inspected — or see the full Mazda profile.

Straight from recent Mazda CX-5 reports

2018 Mazda CX-5 · 114k mi — flagged: oil leaks, dirty or low engine oil, vibration. Inspected Jul 3.
2015 Mazda CX-5 · 97k mi — flagged: oil leaks, fuel trim out of range, vibration. Inspected Jun 24.
FAQ
?
Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
70% of the 56 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 67/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
?
What are the most common problems on a used Mazda CX-5?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (63%), fuel trim out of range (30%), tires condition & wear (23%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 16% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Mazda CX-5? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 56 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026