Mazda CX-5 KE 2.0 SkyActiv-G (2012-2017) Reliability
Last updated: January 2026
2012-2017 (First Generation) · 2.0L petrol 165 hp naturally aspirated
Reliable compact SUV popular with families and commuters. Good value for money with Mazda's excellent build quality and driving dynamics. The 2.0 naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine lacks low-end torque and feels underpowered when fully loaded, but it's proven mechanically sound with timing chain (not belt). Main concerns: windscreen stress cracks, rear brake caliper sticking (EPB models), thin paint prone to chipping, and moderate oil consumption. The 2.5L engine is preferred for better performance, but the 2.0L is adequate for urban use. Avoid 2014 and 2016 model years - aim for 2015 or 2017.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€650 - €1,100/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€500-800
Risk buffer
€150-300
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Windscreen stress fractures€400 - €800
Windscreens crack without impact from rocks - design stress or thin glass issue · more· less
This is a well-documented problem across multiple CX-5 model years. Owners report cracks appearing spontaneously, often starting from the top center near the sensor box or driver's side, without any stone impact. The issue is so common that there was a supply shortage of replacement windscreens early in the car's life. Mazda dealers often claim rock damage to avoid warranty coverage, even when technicians confirm stress fractures. The cause is likely either the frame design putting excessive stress on the glass, or Mazda using thinner glass to reduce weight. With lane departure, rain sensor, and navigation equipment mounted on the windscreen, OEM replacement is strongly recommended for proper sensor recalibration (aftermarket glass may not work correctly). Inspect carefully before purchase.
Electronic parking brake calipers seize or drag, particularly on salted roads · more· less
The 2016 CX-5 with Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) is particularly affected. Three separate Technical Service Bulletins have been issued - the first two recommended EPB switch replacement, the third identified defective calipers requiring replacement with revised units. Symptoms include rear brake squealing, excessive pad wear down to metal, burning smell, and the caliper smoking from heat. In severe cases, the parking brake can engage randomly while driving - dealers warn this is a safety risk. Corrosion from road salt accelerates the problem. Mazda dealers charge €1,000+ for EPB caliper replacement. TSB R052/16C covers this issue. Models manufactured early 2017 MY may still have affected calipers - check the date code on the caliper body. Not all CX-5s have EPB, but if yours does, inspect carefully.
Thin paint - chipping and scratching€500 - €4,000
Mazda paint is notoriously thin, particularly Soul Red Crystal - chips easily · more· less
Mazda is known for applying thin paint coats, making CX-5s prone to chipping and flaking. Soul Red Crystal is particularly affected due to its multi-layer process and sun/UV sensitivity. Owners report excessive tiny chips on hood and doors within months, even without highway or gravel road driving. One owner's 6-month-old CX-5 with Machine Gray Metallic (€600 option) already had lots of chips. Insurance repairs can cost €4,000 for multiple panels. Some owners have successfully claimed warranty coverage after contacting Mazda corporate - one dealer reported repainting their 3rd entire vehicle. Prevention: apply paint protection film (PPF/clear bra) immediately on new cars (adds ~€2,000). For existing chips, Dr. Colorchip is easier than Mazda's two-stage paint pens, though not a perfect match for Soul Red. Inspect paint condition carefully, especially on red, black, and dark colors.
Oil consumption (moderate)€50 - €150/year
Some owners report needing to top up oil between services, though not excessive · more· less
First-generation CX-5s (2013-2016) have reports of moderate oil consumption - up to 1 quart per 3,000-5,000 km is not uncommon, with some seeing black deposits around tailpipes. Mazda and dealers consider 1 quart per 1,000 miles (1,600 km) as "within normal limits" and won't take action unless consumption exceeds this. Causes can include worn piston rings or valve stem seals allowing oil into combustion chambers, or PCV system issues letting oil vapor into the exhaust. This is not catastrophic like some engines, but does require monitoring and occasional top-ups. Check oil regularly, especially on higher mileage examples (100,000+ km). Some owners have success with high-mileage oil formulations (Valvoline Maxlife 0W-20). Ensure service history shows regular oil changes at proper intervals.
Carbon build-up on intake valves€400 - €800
Direct injection engines accumulate carbon on intake valves over time · more· less
Like all direct injection engines, the SkyActiv-G accumulates carbon deposits on intake valve backsides since fuel doesn't wash over them. Oil vapor from the PCV system bakes onto hot valves. Symptoms include rough running, poor power, bad fuel economy, and fouled spark plugs. Mazda runs intake valves hotter than competitors to mitigate carbon build-up, so this is less severe than some engines. Chemical flush costs €400-600 at dealers. Professional walnut blasting (most effective method) costs €400-800. Prevention: use quality fuel additives every 5,000-10,000 km (Techron, Sea Foam, Lucas, Gumout). Most CX-5s don't need cleaning until 150,000+ km unless driven only short distances. Spirited driving helps burn off deposits. Not a deal-breaker but worth awareness.
LED daytime running light failure (2016 models)€1,500 - €3,000
2016 model DRLs fail due to sulfur corrosion - entire headlight assembly replacement · more· less
Mazda recalled 36,761 CX-5s from 2016 (built November 3, 2014 - December 7, 2015) for LED DRL failure. The sealing gasket on the DRL wiring connector releases sulfur which corrodes the LED circuit, causing flickering or complete failure. No warning light appears. One or both DRLs can fail, reducing vehicle visibility to surrounding traffic. The DRLs are integrated into the headlight assembly - you cannot replace just the LED, requiring entire headlight replacement at €1,500+ per side. Recall fix: dealers inspect and replace gasket + apply anti-sulfur coating (free). Recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V063. If buying a 2016 CX-5, verify recall completed with VIN check. Owners who paid for repair before recall should contact Mazda for reimbursement (800-222-5500, option 4). Low-beam/high-beam headlights not affected.
Engine mounts losing damping fluid€250 - €500
Fluid-filled mounts leak over time causing vibration, particularly on 2013-2014 models · more· less
The CX-5 uses liquid-filled engine mounts to absorb vibrations. As they age, the rubber housing can crack or separate, allowing damping fluid to leak out. This results in increased vibration felt through the cabin, steering wheel, and gear lever, especially at idle. You may see oil around the mount. Once fluid is lost, the mount no longer dampens effectively. Replacement cost varies €250-500 depending on which mount (some are easier to access than others). Signs to watch: excessive vibration, visible cracks in mount rubber, fluid leakage, or engine movement when revving. More common on older examples (2013-2014). Not dangerous immediately but should be addressed to prevent damage to axle shafts or transmission from excessive engine movement. Easy diagnosis - visual inspection and idle vibration test.
Wheel bearing noise€200 - €400
Some owners report premature wheel bearing wear causing humming noise · more· less
Forum reports indicate occasional premature wheel bearing failures on CX-5. Symptoms include low-pitched humming or grinding noise that increases with speed and often gets worse when turning. Noise typically comes from the wheel/tire area. One owner's 2022 Turbo needed both rear wheel bearings replaced at just 18,000 miles (covered under warranty). This is not extremely common but occurs more frequently than expected. Wheel bearing failure is usually gradual - you'll have warning before catastrophic failure, though risk increases as noise gets louder. Do not drive with severely bad wheel bearing as it can generate heat and potentially cause wheel lockup. Replacement is straightforward and not expensive out of warranty (€200-400 per bearing). Easy to diagnose on test drive - listen for humming that changes with speed and turning.
Lift gate strut corrosion€150 - €300
Support struts corrode and break due to water ingress - tailgate drops unexpectedly · more· less
Mazda issued a recall for CX-5s built from production start (January 26, 2012) to December 26, 2015. The lift gate (tailgate) support struts can corrode internally from water ingress, causing them to weaken and potentially break. This results in the tailgate dropping unexpectedly when opened, which is a safety hazard (risk of injury or damage). Signs include difficulty keeping the tailgate up, slow closing, or visible corrosion on the strut bodies. Recall fix: dealers inspect and replace struts if necessary. Verify this recall was completed using your VIN. Replacement cost if not covered: approximately €150-300 for both struts. Simple visual inspection during test drive - open tailgate and check if it stays up firmly or slowly sinks down.
Generally reliable with some common niggles
The first-generation CX-5 with 2.0 SkyActiv-G is a reliable compact SUV overall, ranking 1st out of 26 midsize SUVs on RepairPal with a 4.5/5 rating. The naturally aspirated petrol engine and timing chain design are proven durable - many examples exceed 200,000 km. Main issues are quality-of-life problems rather than catastrophic mechanical failures: windscreens crack easily, paint chips readily, and 2016 models have brake caliper and DRL issues. The 2.0L engine lacks punch but is mechanically sound. Avoid 2014 and 2016 model years which have the most reported problems. The 2015 and 2017 models are best choices in this generation.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records essential. Verify oil changes every 12 months or 15,000 km maximum. Check if recalls completed.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age codes (not older than 6 years), and uneven wear. CX-5 uses 225/65R17 or 225/55R19.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, check for smooth idle, no excessive vibration.
Body condition
Inspect thoroughly for rust (check wheel arches, underbody), accident damage, paint mismatch, and chips/scratches.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds, cornering (listen for wheel bearings), and braking from speed.
Specific for this vehicle
Inspect windscreen for cracks or chips
Look carefully at all edges, top center near sensor box, and from inside. Even tiny chips can become full cracks. This is the most common issue.
Check brake operation and smell for burning
During test drive, feel for brake dragging or pulling. After driving, smell near rear wheels for burning odor (indicates sticking calipers). Check parking brake engages and releases smoothly.
Examine paint condition closely
Inspect hood, roof, doors, and mirrors for chips and scratches. Red and dark colors show damage more. Look for touch-up paint indicating previous chips.
Check oil level and condition
Engine cold, check dipstick. Oil should be clean, at proper level. Ask owner about oil consumption between services. Check for leaks under engine.
Verify model year and avoid 2014 and 2016
2014 has electrical, engine, and brake problems. 2016 has highest complaint count for DRL failure, windscreens, and brakes. Best years: 2015, 2017.
Test lift gate (tailgate) operation
Open fully and check it stays up firmly without slowly dropping. Look for corrosion on support struts.
Listen for wheel bearing humming noise
During test drive at 60+ km/h, listen for low humming that increases with speed. Test both directions of cornering.
Check for engine vibration (engine mounts)
At idle in Park/Neutral, feel for excessive vibration in cabin or steering wheel. Rev engine slightly and watch for excessive movement.
Verify recall completion (especially 2016 models)
Use VIN to check with Mazda dealer if DRL recall (2016), lift gate struts, fuel injector, vacuum pump, and air inlet valve recalls completed.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
LED DRL failure due to sulfur corrosion (2016 models Nov 2014 - Dec 2015)Recall 4320A - Verify completed
Lift gate support struts corrosion (2012-2015)Verify completed
Contact Mazda dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Europe-specific recalls may differ from North America. Visit mazda.eu/en/recall-information for European recall lookup. The 2016 model year has the most recalls - extra diligence required.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years unlimited mileage)Expired on all 2012-2017 models
Powertrain warranty (varies by market)Expired on all 2012-2017 models
Paint warranty (3 years)Expired - paint issues not covered
Perforation/corrosion warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2013-2017 models
All 2012-2017 CX-5s are outside their original factory warranty. European Mazda warranty was typically 3 years unlimited mileage, though this varied by country. Perforation warranty (12 years) may still cover rust-through on panels but not surface rust. Extended warranties may be available through third parties or Mazda dealers - evaluate cost versus likely repairs. Some paint and windscreen issues that should have been warranty claims may still be addressed by contacting Mazda customer service directly, especially if there are known defects with TSBs.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.