Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
69% of the 62 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 67/100 — it scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect.
62
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections67/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10069%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 53%Across 62 used Mazda CX-5s we inspected, this model scores noticeably better than the typical used car we inspect — average condition 67/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
63%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
29%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
24%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
16%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
13%
Share of inspected Mazda CX-5s where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 24%
Good 45%
Mediocre 29%
Poor 2%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
66%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
0%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
16%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a CX-5 stay good?
Good cars by mileage
Good cars by age
Share of Mazda CX-5s in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
More on Mazda
Other Mazda models we've inspected — or see the full Mazda profile.
Straight from recent Mazda CX-5 reports
2020 Mazda CX-5 · 36k mi — flagged: worn brake rotors. Inspected Jul 30.
2019 Mazda CX-5 · 103k mi — flagged: belts, oil leaks, battery condition. Inspected Jul 29.
The bottom line
Engine issues define the used CX-5. Oil leaks hit 63 percent of them, joined by fuel-trim faults and cooling-system problems, so start every inspection under the hood and treat any seepage as negotiation fuel or a reason to walk. The upside is a clean structural record with zero repairs found, meaning you can worry less about crash history and more about whether the powertrain has been maintained. Once the engine checks out, give the suspension bushings and tire wear a quick look—they show up often enough to matter on the test drive.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Mazda CX-5?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (63%), fuel trim out of range (29%), tires condition & wear (24%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 16% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Mazda CX-5? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 62 inspections · updated Aug 1, 2026
