Mazda Mazda5 problems
The Mazda Premacy (Japanese: マツダ・プレマシー, Hepburn: Matsuda Puremashī) is a passenger minivan that was built by the Japanese manufacturer Mazda from 1999 to 2018.
The first generation Premacy was built in Japan and exported to Europe and Asia. A rebadged version was sold by Ford in a few Asian markets (including Japan) as the Ford Ixion or Ixion MAV.
The second generation onward is sold outside Japan as the Mazda5. Ford Lio Ho in Taiwan, which assembles Mazda5 for the local market, adapted a re-badged version as the Ford i-Max from 2007 until 2011.
The first generation Premacy was a two- or three-row, five- or seven-passenger vehicle, while the second generation adds a third row of seats for up to six passengers in American form, and seven passengers outside the United States. Both generations feature near-flat floors, folding or removable second row, and fold-flat rear seats.
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Mazda Mazda5 model years
Common Mazda Mazda5 problems
Common Problems with Mazda Mazda5 Cars:
One of the most common issues with the Mazda5 is a rattling noise coming from the front suspension, which is often caused by worn-out sway bar bushings. These bushings, which connect the sway bar to the vehicle's frame, can deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, leading to a rattling noise, especially when driving over bumps or turning. Replacing the worn-out sway bar bushings can resolve this issue and restore the smoothness of the ride.
- Shock Absorber Failure
Another common problem with the Mazda5 is shock absorber failure, which can cause the car to feel jerky or rough from the rear and knock when driving over speed bumps. This issue can be identified by checking for leaks underneath the back of the car. If the shock absorbers are leaking, they will need to be replaced to restore the vehicle's ride quality.
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) Clogging
The DPF, a device that filters out harmful diesel particulate matter, can become clogged on the Mazda5, leading to a warning light on the dashboard. This issue is more likely to occur when the car is only used for short journeys, as the DPF does not have a chance to get hot enough to burn off unwanted particles. To resolve this issue, the car should be driven at around 40 mph for 10-15 minutes in third gear to allow the DPF to heat up and burn off the particles. If the warning light remains on, the DPF may need to be manually cleaned.
- Suspension Problems
Some Mazda5 owners have reported hearing a knocking noise coming from the front suspension when driving over speed bumps or poorly surfaced roads. This issue can be caused by faulty lower front suspension arms or the front anti-roll bar bushes. To resolve this issue, the faulty part must be identified and replaced. Replacing the anti-roll bar bushes is generally the cheaper option.
- Engine Overheating
Engine overheating is another common problem with the Mazda5. If the warning light comes on or if there is steam coming out of the car's hood, the car should be pulled over immediately, and the engine should be allowed to cool down. Common causes of engine overheating include low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged radiator. It is essential to address this issue promptly, as continued driving with an overheated engine can lead to severe damage.
In conclusion, while the Mazda5 is generally a reliable vehicle, these common issues can arise due to wear and tear or other factors. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems and ensure the vehicle's longevity and safety.
What is the most common problem with the Mazda5?
Here are a few common issues Mazda5 vehicles experience: Air conditioning troubles. Slipping clutches. Transmission failure.
How long do Mazda5 engines last?
Mazda vehicles are known for lasting over a decade and between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with some going even longer than that. The key to a long-lasting Mazda vehicle is to keep it running with proper maintenance and regular service.
Is the Mazda5 a good car?
Nimble and agile handling means it doesn't sacrifice being fun-to-drive either. Further, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Still, there are some downsides. The four-cylinder engine can be overtaxed on hills, or with a full load.
What is the best year for a Mazda5?
Overall, the Mazda5 is a decent car if you're looking for a compact vehicle with the ability to weave through the city while providing enough room inside. We recommend going with the 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, or 2015 options for the best results in the long term.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Mazda Mazda5 years
We have researched Mazda problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mazda Mazda5 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mazda Mazda5 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mazda Mazda5 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Mazda Mazda5 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Mazda Mazda5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Mazda Mazda5 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Mazda Mazda5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Mazda5 model years
A total of 28 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 Mazda5 model years
There were a total of 8 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 Mazda5 model years
There were a total of 27 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 404 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mazda Mazda5 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mazda Mazda5 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Mazda Mazda5 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: JM1CW2BL7E0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I bought this vehicle as is, about 2 months past, after driving it home I felt after pressing the Brakes pedal that it is not responding until I press 2 or 3 times. I went bnack to the dealer the next day and made a complain. They sent me to their Mechanic who diagnosed the problem to be the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit Assembly. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of my family was put at risk because of the fact that I have to pump the brakes to slow the vehicle. Yes the problem was confirmed by the independent Mechanic recomended by the dealer, with a detailed estimate. No inspection was performed by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. The service light was on from the day I bought the vehicle.
Mazda Mazda5 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: JM1CW2BL6C0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Sentury Touring (Discount Tire) 205/55/R16. Both front tires have inner wear to the point of shredding in the same location on *both* front tires. Both tires went out at the same time and could have caused a serious accident. Discount tire stated it was an alignment issue. The alignment shop (30 minutes after new tires were installed after dual blowout) stated that my alignment was perfectly within spec and also stated there was no indication of tire rub on any portion of the vehicle.
Mazda Mazda5 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-30
- VIN: JM1CR293580
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation Also vibration in the steering wheel, and when I mean, the steering logs all the way up it locks all the way up, likes flicker and go out, but then it goes away after a few moments
Mazda Mazda5 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-26
- VIN: JM1CR2WL1A0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: On several occasions, most of which happened while in motion, my vehicle has stalled out of the blue with no warning. It seems to mostly happen when I’m slowing down or when I’m making a right hand turn and try to accelerate, suddenly there’s no power to the engine. I have to put the vehicle into park and restart it. Twice while slowing down for a red light. Twice immediately after making a right handed turn, and once, when entering roundabout, after yielding. This is happened at least five times. The most recent incident occurring in August 2023.
Mazda Mazda5 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-18
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1CR2W30A0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The Mazda 5 was in a minor collision. The vehicle rear-ended another vehicle in stop-and-go traffic. Both vehicles were in motion, approximate speed of the Mazda 5 was 15MPH or less. The front seat airbags deployed. The other vehicle had rear bumper damage but the Mazda 5 immediately had smoke and flames under the hood. Thankfully, all four occupants immediately exited the vehicle to safety. The Mazda 5 quickly burned completely. Police and firefighters came to the scene and everyone agreed that the Mazda 5 fire was not commensurate with the extent of the collision and likely speed of impact. I am concerned there was a major safety defect that caused it to be engulfed in flames.
Mazda Mazda5 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-17
- VIN: JM1CW2CLXE0
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Power steering became stiff hard to turn, steering pulls left or right when driving over bumps on the road also brakes became spongy.
Mazda Mazda5 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-18
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-22
- VIN: JM1CW2CL8F0
- Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: Weld failure can cause the board to tip and dump the user on the ground. This is a hazard because this piece of equipment is design for disabled users who can't stand. User found the cracked weld before it broke completely. The board was sagging from horizontal. I notified the manufacturer, then had the part repaired by a local fabricator. I have pictures showing the failure.
Mazda Mazda5 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-20
- VIN: JM1CR2W36A0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: My check engine light came on. We took it to a mechanic who hooked it up to the computer. It read DTC p2096. When the mechanic looked it up, he noticed that there was a recall issued previously on this specific problem. The description said Target EF feedback system to lean- manual and automatic transmission. When plugging in my VIN number it said it was not affected. But my question is if I'm having the same problem and it affected the same year that my vehicle was made, why is my vehicle not on that recall list?
Mazda Mazda5 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-19
- VIN: JM1CR2W38A0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda5. The contact stated that while inflating the driver’s side rear tire, the valve stem fractured and detached. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to tire shop for assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Mazda Mazda5 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-12-09
- VIN: JM1CR293090
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The headlights on this car are dangerously dim. Like the turn signals overpower them levels of dim. I’ve replaced the bulbs, the battery, cleaned all the connections, replaced the alternator, nothing makes a difference.
Mazda Mazda5 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-21
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-11
- VIN: jm1cw2cl5c0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Mazda MZ5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Mazda Mazda5 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-21
- VIN: JM1CW2BL4E0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The car became hard to steer, and I noticed the power steering light was on. It is a safety risk due to increased difficulty steering car and a risk for myself and other drivers on the road. This just occurred today and has not been investigated by an other parties. No warning or incidents prior to steering becoming difficult.
Mazda Mazda5 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-10
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-10
- VIN: JM1CW2DL4C0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: This vehicle ejects a significant amount of fuel from its fuel filler port during every refueling. The volume of fuel and the distance the gasoline travels in a hazardous environment poses an avoidable risk that can result in a catastrophic event with potential fatalities. In addition, the cumulative quantity of fuel needlessly spilled negatively impacts the environment at a time of heightened environmental concerns. For these reasons, this known issue should be elevated from a simple technical service bulletin (#01-013-15-3048) to a safety recall before fatalities result from a known manufacturing defect.
Mazda Mazda5 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-22
- Date Complaint: 2022-07-22
- VIN: JM1CW2BL5D0
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: THE TCM FAILED ON THE CAR AND IT IS A VERY COMMON THING. THE DESIGN SET THE MODULE IN A LOCATION THAT OVERHEATS AND MALFUNCTIONS WHEN CONNECTION IS LOST WITH MECHANISMS THAT WARP UNDER HEAT, THE COST TO REPAIR AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE
Mazda Mazda5 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-04
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-15
- VIN: jm1cr2w33a0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: While driving the car started lurching when accelerating. I noticed somebody else mentioned this recently when their car reached 180,000, which is when mine started doing the same thing. When this started happening my transmission light and my traction control light came on and my car was no longer operable. And by that I mean I could not accelerate or shift the vehicle into reverse, park, or neutral. This happened while driving 60 mph on the highway and almost caused an accident as I could no longer accelerate. I had the vehicle taken to a transmission shop and had the transmission control module replaced, but the car continued to have the same problem.
Latest 5 recalls Mazda Mazda5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 15 recalls for different components of the Mazda Mazda5.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Mazda Mazda5 2015
- Report Received Date: 2016-09-06
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
- Model: Mazda Mazda5 2012
- Report Received Date: 2016-09-06
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
- Model: Mazda Mazda5 2013
- Report Received Date: 2016-09-06
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
- Model: Mazda Mazda5 2014
- Report Received Date: 2016-09-06
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
- Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
- Model: Mazda Mazda5 2010
- Report Received Date: 2010-11-24
- Manufacturer: MAZDA MOTOR CORP
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 29, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 28, 2010. WATER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN REMOVED COMPLETELY FROM THE HARNESS CONNECTOR OF THE FUEL PUMP DUE TO VARIATIONS IN THE FUEL TANK LEAK CHECK PROCESS PERFORMED BEFORE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THE CONNECTOR PIN MAY CORRODE, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE PIN TO BREAK.
- Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP, ENGINE STALL AND THE INABILITY TO RESTART THE ENGINE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR AND IF NECESSARY IT WILL BE REPLACED AND THE HARNESS WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.
Latest negative Mazda Mazda5 car reviews
Latest positive Mazda Mazda5 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2010
We are so happy to be a family of 5 and have had so many wonderful trips with our Mazda 5, which we also use as our daily car. We were thinking it would be amazing if it had towing capacity for bikes or a small trailer for camping gear. We are already excited about our next vehicle, which will definitely have towing capacity!
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Vehicle year: 2007
I have nothing but praise for the Mazda5. You'll love the way the car hugs corners, moves quickly with its 5-speed manual, looks sporty (not like a minivan), and has good visibility.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I've had my Mazda5 for about a month now and I am really impressed with this vehicle. It's been a great change from my previous Honda Accords, which I owned since 1987. I test drove a few other cars before settling on the Mazda5, including the 2012 Honda CR-V (which was a bit too expensive), the Hyundai Tuscon (which had a cheap interior), and the Toyota Rav4 (which just didn't quite fit my needs). The Mazda5 is a feature-laden vehicle that is fun to drive and offers a lot of value for the money. I had a fantastic experience working with Heritage Mazda in Baltimore, which made the car-buying process a breeze. The only downside I've found so far is that the gas mileage is only average.
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Vehicle year: 2010
We purchased our Mazda5 in 2014 with 40k miles on the odometer. After eight years and now 155k miles, it's still an amazing vehicle, and there's nothing else quite like it. While some minivan shoppers may have overlooked it as 'too small', it is actually nearly the same size, both inside and out, as popular compact crossovers like the RAV4, CR-V, Escape, Forester and Rogue. It boasts the same (or better) maneuverability and cargo space as those beloved vehicles, but with the added 3-row versatility of a minivan. The third row seats fold into the cargo floor, or back up, in literally one second. The second row seats recline, move fore and aft, and also fold in less than 5 seconds each. In no time at all, I can reconfigure this vehicle to carry four adults and two children, or a small child in the second row with a bicycle or skis next to them (which I have done MANY times) to take my kids biking or skiing - or to transport IKEA flat-packs, or even fully built furniture. Heck, I've used it on several occasions to transport a half cubic yard of garden soil (in bins and buckets, of course). I'm a shorter guy, and I've even 'camped' in it with one of my kids on a weekend when the weather wasn't nice but we didn't want to cancel our road trip. The cargo floor is just short of 6 feet, fully maxed out. My family and I recently moved 10 miles to a new home, and only had to rent a small truck for a couple of hours to move a couple of large dressers and armoires. Obviously, it took a few trips, but the couches and everything else got moved in our Mazda5. Try that with your Camry! And the best part? It doesn't drive like a minivan!It handles better than the compact crossovers I mentioned earlier, and about as well as mid-sized sedans like the Accord and Camry that don't turn as tight and take up more space when parking. Mine has a manual transmission, something not offered on most compact crossovers in many years. With the manual, it hits 60 in 9 seconds, which isn't sports-car territory but is quicker than a lot of the smaller crossovers still offered today. It's actually fun to take the racing line through a corner, ease into the right gear, and blast out of a late apex in this car. And yes, this van will smoke the tires off the line (it's a manual!), and can even chirp them on the upshift to second gear. It's excellent in the snow (I live in Minnesota) for a 2WD vehicle. The traction control system does a good job of managing wheelspin and keeping power going to BOTH front wheels in varying conditions, and doesn't overcorrect or freak out when wheelspin does occur. It just reins things in calmly. Stability control also does a good job of keeping the car in line when you do hit the limits, and will even step the tail out a bit in a snowy corner to tuck in the front, avoiding the We usually get at least 25 miles per gallon on a tank of gas. On the highway, we typically get between 28-33 miles per gallon if we keep our speed under 70 mph. Even when we faced a strong headwind and had a cargo box on the roof during a cross-country trip last summer, we still managed to get 20 miles per gallon. This car has been incredibly reliable, and we've only had to replace a few non-maintenance items such as the tires, brakes, shocks, an engine mount, and a cracked control arm. We've spent very little on maintenance, averaging around 10 cents per mile, which is lower than any other car we've owned, including Subarus. The original clutch is still going strong after 140,000 miles of enthusiastic driving. At 155,000 miles, we finally had to replace the battery, and we had a minor issue with the rear sliding doors not latching properly due to the original grease wearing away and allowing water in. We took it to the dealer, and it's fixed now. Overall, this car is amazing, and we plan to keep it going until it can't go anymore. If we had to replace it today, we would probably go for another Mazda, specifically a used first-generation (2013-2016) CX-5 with a manual transmission. Maintenance update: Summer 2023.Our car now has 170k miles on it, and we've owned it for nine years. It still gets around 30 mpg on the highway and mid 20s in town. The engine still sounds beautiful and doesn't burn any oil, even when we run it up to redline. We're still on the original clutch (!!), alternator, starter, o2 sensors, etc. There's still no rust, but we've had some suspension and driveline problems this year, including another strut job, tie rod replacement, and a broken axle/CV joint. Despite these issues, we love this car so much that we keep driving it. It's been exceptionally reliable, even compared to Hondas and Subarus of the past. We're starting to shop for a third car because our teenager will soon be driving, and we might just get another moderately used Mazda5 while we still can - and keep this one going! It's so much fun to drive with the manual transmission. We've moved our whole family a couple of times recently, and except for a couple of trips with a 10’ Uhaul for a few biggest items, we did it all with this car. It hauls most couches, dressers, and bookshelves with no problem. Now in our new house, I've used it to haul literally tons of dirt, plants, fence panels, patio pavers … you name it. It will also fit a single 1/2” sheet of plywood, diagonally. We also put a hitch on this vehicle this spring and used it to tow a 6’ diameter barrel sauna (2’ taller than the car once on the trailer) 400 miles home from Michigan! We kept the speed under 60 and it did great! Who needs a hulking, gas-guzzling pickup? Not us!
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Vehicle year: 2008
To be honest, at my age, I kind of miss the roominess and lush comfort of the Chrysler Town and Country we once had. However, I must say that our Mazda 5 Grand Touring van is the best car I have ever owned in terms of value, fuel economy, utility, and reliability. We've put 50K miles on it over two years, including a lot of long trips, and it has never let us down. Although it's a bit compact for a van, it can seat six comfortably. However, two adults in the rear-most bench seat might eventually feel a bit cramped on a long trip. If you're planning an overnight trip with six people, make sure to pack light as there won't be much room for luggage. It's worth noting that the manual indicates that the Mazda 5 is not designed for towing and should never be used for that.
Are you having problems with your Mazda Mazda5?
Zachery Daniel 2025-11-28
Vehicle year: 2006
Driving on snow and ice in northern Minnesota requires reliable winter performance, which is why I switched to Nokian WR All Weather tires. These tires not only improved winter driving, but also enhanced summer performance and reduced road noise. Additionally, I use Mobile1 oil which has improved winter starting and slightly increased fuel economy. While the controls are good, they can be a bit tricky to operate with gloved hands. The ventilation is fair and the accelerator pedal space is a bit tight for a boot. Overall, the vehicle has been very flexible and reliable, with only a few minor warranty issues, such as exhaust heat build up, rear sliding door locks freezing, and cold weather squeaking over a bump (TSB 02-007/06) and fuel gauge calibration.
Bennie Okuneva 2025-11-25
Vehicle year: 2007
I purchased my '07 Mazda 5 six months ago during the winter of 2014. Initially, I was excited about it because it's similar to my Honda Fit, but with the added bonus of extra seating for my growing family. However, I've noticed that if you have more than two kids, the third row always has to be up, which eliminates every bit of storage space. It's not even possible to fit groceries back there. Despite the fact that my Mazda only had one previous owner and has 55k miles, the struts are already worn, and it's not as fast as I would like it to be. While it may not be the perfect car for me, it's still a decent car overall. It just didn't meet my initial expectations.
Terry Jacobs 2025-11-20
Vehicle year: 2010
I've owned the car for nearly three years now and it's been a great experience. I've only had to replace the rear shocks under warranty and have been doing regular oil changes and tire rotations every 5k. The car still runs like new and I haven't had to replace the original brakes yet. While there is some slight vibration when braking at higher speeds, it's not noticeable at lower speeds. The tires do wear out a bit faster, lasting only about 25k, but that's due to the aggressive rear camber that gives the car a sporty ride. This can cause a slight steering wheel shake at times, but it's not a major issue. Overall, this is the best and most affordable car I've ever owned. The sliding doors are also a great feature. Edit: I eventually had to get rid of the car because I had to replace a lot of suspension parts and the sliding doors kept freezing in winter. It wasn't great in the snow either. I switched to a Subaru and have been loving it. I haven't had any issues with it for almost two years now.
Chase Parisian 2025-10-29
Vehicle year: 2009
The vehicle is really enjoyable to drive and has a lot of options for seating and storage. The mileage is also quite reasonable. However, there are a couple of issues that we have encountered. Firstly, the rear suspension has been a bit of a problem and we have had to replace the shocks three times already, despite only having driven 50,000 km, mostly with just one passenger. Additionally, the bushings (or at least, what we think are the bushings) make a loud creaking noise in warm weather, which can be quite distracting. It almost sounds like a horse-drawn wagon travelling down a dirt road.
Michale Reilly 2025-10-27
Vehicle year: 2009
I am confident in my decision to part ways with my Mazda 5. Despite my initial affection for the vehicle, it has proven to be a constant source of problems. Despite having had everything checked, the car continues to shake when travelling at speeds over 50 mph. After receiving conflicting advice, I have come to the conclusion that it is simply not worth the time and money to continue trying to fix it. I am ready to move on to a more reliable vehicle.