Family SUV · 2012–2021 cars
Mazda CX-5 reliability
The Mazda CX-5 fails 18% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 195,296 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Mazda CX-5 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 18%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 195,296
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 9,100
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Mazda CX-5 is a good buy on MOT results. Only 18% of first-time tests end in a fail, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 15% fewer MOT fails, ranking 27 of 58 family SUV models. The 2017 cars did best, with 19% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The 2021 cars did worst, with only 4% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage.
Still, check the car properly. Steering is the weak spot, with 121% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage. Look at the track rod end ball joints and coil springs, and test the steering on a drive. Check the brake pads too, since worn pads below 1.5mm are the most common MOT failure. Make sure the wipers clear the windscreen.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Mazda CX-5 ages
Each point is the share of Mazda CX-5s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Mazda CX-5 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.1% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 13% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 13.9% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 15.8% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 19.7% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 22.3% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 25.4% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 30.7% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 31.4% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 36.6% | 37.3% |
By year
The best and worst Mazda CX-5 years
2017 cars come out best and 2021 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 CX-5 | 1,919 | 11.3% | 4% fewer fails | 25,978 |
| 2020 CX-5 | 9,768 | 10.9% | 12% fewer fails | 28,814 |
| 2019 CX-5 | 28,234 | 11.9% | 13% fewer fails | 32,879 |
| 2018 CX-5 | 34,949 | 13% | 16% fewer fails | 39,447 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 24,644 | 15.1% | 19% fewer fails | 50,821 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 24,226 | 18.4% | 16% fewer fails | 61,506 |
| 2015 CX-5 | 24,541 | 20.9% | 18% fewer fails | 72,042 |
| 2014 CX-5 | 23,592 | 24% | 17% fewer fails | 80,438 |
| 2013 CX-5 | 18,314 | 29.8% | 8% fewer fails | 88,583 |
| 2012 CX-5 | 5,109 | 30.7% | 12% fewer fails | 91,199 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Mazda CX-5
Its weak spot is steering: 121% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension5%4% above avg
- Brakes4.1%6% below avg
- Tyres4%34% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.3%10% below avg
- Lights and electrics3.2%52% below avg
- Steering2.2%121% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.3%20% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.2%55% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.2%44% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.21% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.03% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 1.45% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.37% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.26% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 6
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.23% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 7
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.72% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
- 8
Headlamp aim set too high 0.65% of tests
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Mazda CX-5's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.54%
- Brake pads wearing thin9.58%
- Brake disc pitted or scored8.26%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.96%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.28%
- Child seat limits belt inspection3.33%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Mazda CX-5
- 1
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 2
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
- 4
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Mazda CX-5 covers about 9,100 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel64.7%
- Petrol35.3%
- Hybrid0%
Most common colours
Red, Blue, Grey, White, Black
Average engine size: 2.1 litres.
Compare
How the Mazda CX-5 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | 11.3% | 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Jaguar F-Pace | 13.4% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Yeti | 20.9% | 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda CX-5 | 18% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Grandland | 13.6% | about average for its age |
| Hyundai ix35 | 32.5% | 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Kadjar | 20.8% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Mazda models.
Questions
Mazda CX-5 questions, answered
Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
On MOT results, the Mazda CX-5 is better than average: it fails 18% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 27 of 59 family suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Mazda CX-5 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Mazda CX-5 are brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.21% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.03% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (1.45% of tests). By area, suspension fails 5% of its tests.
Which Mazda CX-5 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2017 cars do best (19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2021 cars do worst (4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Mazda CX-5 do a year?
A typical Mazda CX-5 covers about 9,100 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Mazda CX-5 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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