Used Mazda CX-5 2017-present reliability

Most CX-5s will have been used in car parks and around urban rat runs, so check the condition of the bodywork and alloy wheels carefully for dents and scuffs. Check the operation of the powered tailgate (where fitted) and the folding mechanisms of the rear seats, too.

Sat-nav not accepting full postcodes

There has been some mention of the sat-nav system not being able to accept a full postcode, though, which could require a software update at a Mazda dealership.

The heater in cold weather

Not to say that it doesn't work, but the heater takes quite a long time to warm up the interior of diesel-engined CX-5s. This means defrosting or demisting the windscreen can be time-consuming and makes heated seats a must for frosty mornings.

Click here for more information on recalls. Contact your local Mazda dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.

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%.

Reliability rating 94.6%

Even though diesel Mazda CX-5s went wrong more often than petrol models (25% of diesels had a fault compared with 18% of petrols), their issues were quicker and no more costly to put right. Diesel CX-5 issues spanned a wide range of areas, including the bodywork, brakes, electrics, exhaust, fuel system and interior trim.

All faulty diesel models could still be driven and two-thirds were fixed in a day or less; in contrast, nearly 40% of petrols cars were rendered undriveable by faults, and 19% of them were out of action for more than a week. Two-thirds of diesel models were fixed for free and no bills exceeded £200.

Reliability rating 92.9%

Again it's petrol versions of the Mazda CX-5 that have given owners the most grief. Although petrol models suffered fewer faults than diesels (18% compared with 25%), their issues took more time to fix. Bodywork and electrical issues were the most common complaints, and these things kept 19% of cars in the garage for more than a week. While Mazda paid for the repairs in 69% of cases, some owners were left with bills of up to £1000.

Mazda, as a car brand, came 13th out of the 32 manufacturers featured – a fairly good result that places it above Skoda, Seat and VW. Meanwhile, Kia and Volvo both finished higher up the order.

Every Mazda sold in the UK comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. That's a match for the warranty offered by Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen, but Hyundai, Kia and Toyota all offer five years or more.

Used Mazda CX-5 reliability: the owners' views

Our feedback indicates a strong reliability record, with most owners reporting few significant problems. However, some diesel owners have encountered issues with the diesel particulate filter and exhaust systems that necessitated dealer visits.

In terms of dealer service, the reviews are mixed. Many readers praised the efficiency and professionalism of Mazda dealerships, noting the quick and effective handling of routine maintenance and repairs. Nonetheless, a segment of owners expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness and cost associated with their dealer service, particularly when dealing with more complex issues.

These mixed responses point towards a variance in the quality of the dealer service.