Mazda Cx-5 problems

mazda logo

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV produced by Mazda since 2012. A successor to both the Tribute and the slightly larger CX-7, it is Mazda's first model to feature the "Kodo" design language and the first model to be fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, including a rigid, lightweight platform combined with a series of engines and transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

Since 2019, the CX-5 is positioned above the smaller CX-30. As of 2022, depending on the region, the CX-5 is positioned right below the larger CX-50, CX-60 or the CX-8 within Mazda's crossover SUV line-up.

The CX-5 has been the worldwide best-selling model offered by the brand every year since 2014, with record sales in 2019 when 444,262 units were sold globally. As of March 2022, cumulative sales of the CX-5 has reached around 3.5 million vehicles.

photo of Mazda Cx-5 car production

Social links

Mazda Cx-5 model years

mazda cx-5 2024 photo
Cx-5 2024
Mazda

10

0

48

2.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2023 photo
Cx-5 2023
Mazda

21

0

49

1.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2022 photo
Cx-5 2022
Mazda

23

0

41

1.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2021 photo
Cx-5 2021
Mazda

104

0

49

2.4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2020 photo
Cx-5 2020
Mazda

60

0

48

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2019 photo
Cx-5 2019
Mazda

156

2

49

2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2018 photo
Cx-5 2018
Mazda

0

3

49

2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2017 photo
Cx-5 2017
Mazda

120

1

49

2.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2016 photo
Cx-5 2016
Mazda

466

5

48

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2015 photo
Cx-5 2015
Mazda

130

4

50

1.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2014 photo
Cx-5 2014
Mazda

372

4

50

2.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2013 photo
Cx-5 2013
Mazda

186

1

49

2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mazda cx-5 2012 photo
Cx-5 2012
Mazda

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Mazda Cx-5 problems

Common Problems with Mazda CX-5 Cars

The Mazda CX-5 is a popular compact crossover SUV, known for its luxury features and affordable price. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:

  • Daytime Running LED Light Failure: This issue is particularly common in the 2016 Mazda CX-5, with an average cost to fix of $1,000 and typically occurring around 45,000 miles. The daytime running lights fail, which can be a significant safety concern.
  • Unexplained Acceleration While Brakes Were Applied: This problem has been reported in the 2019 Mazda CX-5, with an average cost to fix of $2,600 and typically occurring around 14,000 miles. This can be a serious safety issue, as it can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
  • Windshield Easily Cracks/Divots: This issue has been reported in the 2015 Mazda CX-5, with an average cost to fix of $700 and typically occurring around 26,000 miles. The windshield can crack or divot easily, which can be a safety concern and also an annoyance for drivers.
  • Faulty Ignition Coils: This was a common problem in the early models of the CX-5, particularly in the first generation (2012-2016). Many owners reported losing power while driving, which can be a significant safety concern.
  • Control Short Circuit: This issue can cause the engine to cut out and reduce brake assistance. It has been reported in the 2012 to 2017 CX-5 models, with an average quote for electrical fault diagnostics of £61.49.
  • Daytime Running Lamps Flickering: This issue has been reported in the CX-5 models, and can be caused by an electrical fault within the vehicle. It can result in the daytime LED running lights flickering or failing completely.
  • Fuel Pump Impeller Failure: This issue can cause fuel pump failure, and has been reported in the 2012 to 2017 CX-5 models. The average quote for engine light diagnostics and repair for this issue stands at £57.53.
  • Headlight Problems: This issue has been reported in the Mazda CX-5, where a defect in the LED or high-intensity discharge headlights can cause the lenses to appear milky white, reducing lighting ability.
  • Handbrake Problems: This issue has been reported in the Mazda CX-5, where the handbrake can randomly engage itself without any manual influence. This can pose a risk to the driver and others on the road.
  • Transmission Problems: Both the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5 models have been noted for a string of transmission issues, including shifter vibration and other problems. These issues have been attributed to SKYACTIV Technology, which Mazda uses in these models.

These are just some of the common problems reported by Mazda CX-5 owners. It's important to note that not all vehicles of this model will experience these issues, and many will run smoothly without any problems. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.

Mazda Cx-5

What is the major problem of the Mazda CX-5?

We recommend staying away from the 2014 and 2016 Mazda CX-5. These recorded more complaints compared to the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years. The most common complaints cover electrical problems, engine problems, interior accessories, and issues with the lights.

Is the Mazda CX-5 a reliable vehicle?

In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, the CX-5 (in diesel form) ranked 10th out of 24 cars in the large SUV class with an overall score of 94.6%. Petrol models came 16th with a score of 92.9%.

What is the weakness of the Mazda CX-5?

Noise isolation is the weak point of the Mazda CX-5. In the first models, the noise from the engine did not make it possible to talk in the cabin. After re-styling, the sound insulation was slightly improved, but the crossover is still far from competitors in this indicator.

Does Mazda CX-5 have transmission problems?

Among the most reported problems with Mazda CX-5 is transmission-related issues. Some owners have experienced jerky shifts, hesitation during acceleration, or even complete transmission failure. This could be attributed to faulty transmission control modules or clutch problems.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Cx-5 years

We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Cx-5 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda Cx-5 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Cx-5 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Cx-5 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Mazda Cx-5 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Cx-5 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Power train problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Cx-5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cx-5 model years

A total of 85 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cx-5 model years

There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cx-5 model years

There were a total of 53 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 1649 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Cx-5 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Cx-5 vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
  • VIN: JM3KFBCM2K1
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I have 115k miles on my 2019 CX5. Never has any issues. Now all of a sudden I have a cracked cylinder head leaking oil. I was smelling smoke but mot seeing it. I took into dealership they noticed oil dripping thus why smell. Its a $4500-5000 job. I cannot afford this. This should not happen at this kind of mileage. My warranty just expired too. Mazda needs to cover these type of repairs
Mazda Cx-5 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
  • VIN: JM3KE2CY8G0
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: Front windshield wipers stopped working, front windshield washer still working. Fuse was checked, fuse is good.Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk because of lack of visibility when driving in rain. The problem has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership. The vehicle and the components have been inspected by a Mazda dealership. No warning lights or messages appeared before or after the front windshield wipers stopped working. So if a person is driving the car, there is no indication that the front windshield wipers will not work if it starts raining and the driver would need to use the front windshield wipers. This is a safety hazard because the driver will not be able to see, possibly causing an accident. This Mazda CX5 does not have automatic front windshield wipers (they do not come on automatically when it starts raining).
Mazda Cx-5 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
  • VIN: JM3KFABM3L0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: Display went dark and did not display. This is not the only time it happens. It acts like someone’s touching the screen even when in motion. It prevents the reverse camera from displaying.
Mazda Cx-5 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
  • VIN: JM3KE4DY6G0
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle he observed a small crack on the top left corner of the windshield. Over time the crack proceeded to progress across the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was not impacted by an object or projectile. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Mazda Cx-5 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
  • VIN: JM3KFABM8L0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Low oil light came on at 52,764 miles, 300 miles before the next oil change on the manufacturer-recommended 7500 mile schedule. I've switched to a 5000 mile oil change schedule and will be monitoring oil level going forward for excessive oil consumption. I have always done oil changes every 7500 miles and have followed all other maintenance prescribed in the manual.
Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
  • VIN: JM3KFBCM5K1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Car failed while on highway driving 60 mph with the engine and power steering turning off instantly. A day prior the dash was blinking warnings. Mazda of Lodi replaced the entire transmission plus other parts. Just made it under warrantee. Would have cost 5k once expired.was told half the fleet of 2019 were recalled but not the second half of production for some reason even though they both experience the same failure.. also had 22,000 miles at end of the. Something smells in Denmark
Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-14
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
  • VIN: JM3KFADM4K1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: The vehicle starting stalling, check engine light would come on, and the vehicle would slipped into “limp mode” while traveling on the freeway. I was amount in two auto collisions because of the vehicle slowing down in the middle of the highway. The problem started in August 2023 and was towed to the dealer on one occasions and towed to my home on another occasion. The dealer ran a diagnostic and said it was the brand new battery I had installed and then the catalytic converter. After repairing both; the vehicle proceeded to not drive over 30 miles per hour. The dealer said it was the engine and then said it was something else. I’ve expressed that the symptoms are those more aligned to the PCM issue recalled on 2019. A actual diagnostic report from Auto Zone supports this. The vehicle has also been inspected by another Mazda dealer and a stand alone mechanic.
Mazda Cx-5 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
  • VIN: JM3KFABL8H0
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The vehicle – display has a ghosting issue with the screen keeps on changing without me, touching the controls. It will switch from one function to another function independently, and sometimes the screen goes blank. This display was replaced under recall in 2020 and I’m starting to have similar problems now in 2024 for the last 10 months. When the screen goes blank, this compose a safety hazard.
Mazda Cx-5 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
  • VIN: JM3KFBCL5H0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Twice now, my 2017 Mazda CX-5 stalled on the highway with a check engine light popping up--both times was driving around 60-70mph for a couple of hours and had about a quarter tank of gas left. The first time, no code was found, but the second time, after a deeper diagnostic, the dealership found a P0192 code. After reading here and many other places online, based on the code and the car's behavior, it really sounds like the Denso low-pressure fuel pump is to blame; that's the source of the recall for 2018 and 2019 Mazda CX-5s experiencing this same issue [XXX] ). If the 2017 model also uses that fuel pump, why isn't it included in the recall? If this dangerous and erratic car behavior is due to a faulty part, it really should be covered by the recall. Shame on you, Mazda. Lives are at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-13
  • VIN: JM3KFBDM1K0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: At 49k miles and 4 months out of warranty, the car began leaking oil and smelling like smoke. The dealer diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head and repaired it.
Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
  • VIN: JM3KFBEY9K0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Infotainment screen malfunctions, pressing buttons by itself.
Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
  • VIN: JM3KFBDY1K0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: CX5 Cylinder head cracked at 53,500 miles. Was driving when received engine overheating and pull over immediately warning. The car smelled like maple syrup as it was engine coolant burning. Took it to the dealership and they informed me of the cylinder failure. It is currently awaiting parts and its not under warranty.
Mazda Cx-5 2021
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
  • VIN: JM3KFACM9M0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: Just got a oil change. Told my battery is almost dead. Upon looking up information I found a letter for recall for 2021 Mazda Cx5 for Dealer Rework 41 telematics communication unit concern. I called the Dealership and they are refusing to fix the problem. Looks like its just a software update is needed. My car only has 24,666 miles and according to the letter should be fixed. [XXX] I bought the car used in April and did a search for recalls prior to buying the car. There is non on Mazda website or vin search. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mazda Cx-5 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
  • VIN: JM3KE2CY3G0
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: The controls on the Windshield Wiper/Headlight Control Stalk are not visible when driving at night. The setting markings on the Control Stalk are completely dark at night. This creates a safety hazard when driving at night in the rain and turning on your windshield wipers or changing your headlight settings is needed.
Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
  • VIN: JM3KFABMXK1
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Cracked cylinder head requiring replacement at 62,000 miles.

Latest 5 recalls Mazda Cx-5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 20 recalls for different components of the Mazda Cx-5.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mazda Cx-5 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2021-11-12
  • Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
  • Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
  • Model: Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2021-11-12
  • Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
  • Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
  • Model: Mazda Cx-5 2016
  • Report Received Date: 2020-02-06
  • Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
  • Consequence: If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlights, and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4320A.
  • Model: Mazda Cx-5 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2019-06-27
  • Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
  • Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
  • Model: Mazda Cx-5 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2019-06-27
  • Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
  • Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Latest negative Mazda Cx-5 car reviews

  1. Noel Little 2025-11-11

    Vehicle year: 2015

    This car has a lot of potential, but the transmission mapping could use some improvement. I have the larger 2.5L engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission and live on a hill, but most of my driving is on flat terrain. While the transmission mapping is part of the Skyactive technology and generally shifts to the highest possible gear for better fuel economy, it tends to struggle when driving up a hill. It requires a significant amount of throttle to downshift, which can make the car feel luggy and difficult to drive smoothly. I've found that shifting manually while driving up the hill gives me more control over the shift points. While the transmission is adaptive and adjusts to your driving style over time, the gear spacing between 32 and 40 miles per hour is too broad. Adding one or two additional gears in this speed range would greatly benefit the car. Overall, while the transmission mapping could use some improvement, the car has a lot of potential and is a great choice for moderate driving.It's really a shame, because all other aspects of this vehicle are really good. Steering and brake feel are outstanding, and this car really is fun to drive--over flat terrain. However, when you enter a hill, the entire package falls apart due to the transmission.

  2. Darrick Stanton 2025-11-09

    Vehicle year: 2022

    The brakes on this vehicle wear out quickly, with substandard rotors. In comparison, the brakes on our Rav 4 lasted for 54,000 miles and are still at 90% capacity. It is clear that the brakes on this vehicle require improvement.

  3. Jacinto Prohaska 2025-11-05

    Vehicle year: 2014

    At 18 months and 24k miles, the rear brake pads and rotors required replacement, despite the car being driven under normal conditions. Although Mazda acknowledged the issue, they declined to cover or partially pay for the repair. Despite these challenges, I remain confident in my decision to purchase a Mazda vehicle.

  4. Jonathan Schulist 2025-10-27

    Vehicle year: 2023

    Congratulations on your new job and your new vehicle! It sounds like you did a lot of research to find the perfect car for your budget. Although there were a few surprises with the hot pink stitching on the leather seats and the lack of Sirius XM, it's great to hear that you're enjoying the sleek design and smooth ride. The gun metal gray color with black 19You'll love the plain white dash dials, which give a classic and timeless look. The absence of digital displays, except for the tiny flat panel, adds to the charm and simplicity of the design.

  5. Emilio Morar 2025-10-23

    Vehicle year: 2015

    I purchased a 2015 CX-5 Grand Touring AWD with the technology package. It has been a comfortable car, but unfortunately, the tech package has not met my expectations and I have experienced some issues with it. For more information, you can search for 'Mazda CX-5petition'. The TomTom GPS system is outdated and including it in a 2015 vehicle is not ideal. It does not sync properly with iTunes and has some Bluetooth connectivity issues. Additionally, the advertised USB connection to an iPod/iPhone no longer works. I have also experienced some minor mechanical issues, such as a piece of wheel well trim falling off and a shock leaking, which were unfortunately not covered under warranty. Despite these issues, the car itself has been reliable. However, I have been disappointed with the dealership's response to my concerns. Overall, my experience with Mazda has been mixed and I am unsure if I would purchase another Mazda in the future.

Latest positive Mazda Cx-5 car reviews

  1. Ignatius Towne 2025-11-12

    Vehicle year: 2018

    This SUV drives and feels like a luxury car. I'm impressed with the fit and finish. Although it doesn't have a V6, the 4 cylinder engine responds well enough for the car.

  2. Lourdes Hegmann 2025-11-12

    Vehicle year: 2014

    I traded in my '11 Ford Escape Limited AWD for the '14 Mazda CX-5 GT in September 2013, so I've been using it for about 4 months now. Overall, I think it's a good vehicle. The pickup is good and comparable to the V6 in the Escape. The mileage is better, although not as good as some people have indicated. I'm averaging 23-24 mpg in town, but in the winter cold, the mileage drops to 20-21 mpg. If I use the remote start in bitter cold for 10 minutes, the mileage drops to 18-19. The sound system is good, but not as good as the system in the '11 Escape. Some people have complained about the Bluetooth connection, but I've been using Pandora and the system works fine. Unlike satellite radio (i.e. Sirius), Pandora is coming through your cellphone first, then to the onboard.

  3. Rasheed Mayer 2025-11-11

    Vehicle year: 2016

    After owning a Toyota 4Runner for 15 years, I decided to shop around for a new car. My top choices were a BMW X1 or X3, Hyundai Tucson or Sante Fe Sport, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagon Tiguan and Nissan Rogue. In late 2015, I test drove the CX-5 and it was very nice. However, I didn't get it then because I didn't technically need a car so I kept my old 4Runner. Unfortunately, in March, my 4Runner finally gave out on me after 310k miles. My first choice was actually the Hyundai Tucson, the new style was excellent and I really enjoyed the look of the interior, CarPlay and the panoramic sunroof. Luckily, the auto show was in town and I got a chance to sit and play in every model on my list except BMW. The Hyundai's were great but, being 6ft 5in tall, they lacked sufficient headroom and felt cramped. Needless to say, the headroom killed those cars for me. I priced a BMW but since I like to own my cars and I couldn't get a great deal with all the bells and whistles, I decided to move on in addition to being concerned about long term reliability. The other models were either poorly designed or just didn't have the reliability I wanted. During the show, I kept coming back to the Mazda and sitting in it. The display model was Pearl White Grand Touring and it just looked so elegant. I ended up going to test drive it one more time the next day and fell in love. I simply marvel at how good the Pearl White GT package looks. It's aggressive, classy and just reminds me of a quality car. I've pulled up next to Lexus and Audi's and I don't see a significant difference in how good mine looks compared to theirs. The next part is the interior. I think Mazda really stands out here. They took cues from BMW and Audi because they went with a simpler is better approach. The buttons are now trimmed with an aluminum looking accent and it just says class.The center console has replaced the manual parking brake, resulting in a smoother and more elegant center stack. I absolutely love the Iconnect system, although it did take some getting used to. Sometimes I wish the logic was a little different, but overall it's pretty intuitive. Once I learn the voice commands, which I haven't tried yet, I bet it will be even easier to use. However, I am so used to using the command switch that it's second nature to me now. The climate control system is fantastic - I just set it at 72 and forget about it. No more adjusting the air flow direction! I also appreciate the leather padding on the bottom portion where my leg rests. Everything about this car screams simple luxury. Although I'm not a driving aficionado, I have to say that this car is really fun to drive. I never used to care about turning corners and the like, but now I really enjoy it. The engine responds really well and the body roll is minimal. The ride is very nice and smooth, but it's also firm. The only negative thing I have to say about this car is that I got the light colored interior, which looks super classy, but I can see how keeping it clean will be a challenge. The rear cargo area isn't huge, but it's big enough to do what you need to do, and the 40/20/40 rear seat looks versatile. Overall, I absolutely love this car. I keep watching videos about it on YouTube, even though I already own it! I forgot to mention all of the amazing tech features, like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. I don't think any other CSUV can compare to this car as a package. I totally love it! The only minor issue is the rear window, but with blind spot monitoring and most CSUVs having this issue, I don't think it's a deal breaker. Overall, I would give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.After over a year, I can say that I only have two minor drawbacks with my car. The leather seats tend to get scuffed easily, which is a bit of a bummer. Since I'm single and don't have passengers often, my car is pretty much pristine, but my seat has too many scuff marks. The other issue is road noise. However, I've heard that the 2017 model has fixed this with more sound-deadening insulation, so it's probably not a problem with new cars. With my 18-inch low-profile tires, it might not be as bad with the standard tires vs GT. Overall, I think this car is great. I love walking up to it, and it looks so classy!

  4. Quinton Herzog 2025-11-08

    Vehicle year: 2017

    I recently upgraded from my 2014 cx-5 to the 2017 model after conducting extensive research. It received the highest marks compared to the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4. The car looks sharp and produces minimal road noise. Even after driving it for 20k miles, I still enjoy driving it. As of 9/19, I have driven it for 35k miles and my love for it has not diminished. It is a fun car to drive and looks great. As of 3/2020, I still love it! And now, as of 10/2021, I am giving it to my daughter and have just purchased a new one for myself. This marks my 5th Mazda purchase.

  5. Jimmie D'Amore 2025-11-07

    Vehicle year: 2013

    I bought my CX-5 in March and it was the best decision I ever made! I traded in my 2011 Ford Escape 4wd 6cyl for it and I couldn't be happier. The gas mileage is awesome, I'm getting 37mpg on my drives to work. Even on secondary roads, which are anywhere from 30-55 mph, my car handles like a dream. The Escape I had before only got 23-24 mpg and the handling was mediocre at best, not to mention the poor acceleration. But my CX-5 is so much fun to drive and the handling is fantastic, especially through the corners. I love everything about this car, including the acceleration which is just fine even up hills. I never thought I would buy a 4cyl automatic because they were doggish, but this one is definitely not. You should definitely consider buying one!

Are you having problems with your Mazda Cx-5?

Add car complaint
Mazda Cx-5 photo