Used Car Checklists

Used Mazda CX-5: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 986 complaints across these 8 years; the 2018 drew the most.

Mazda CX-5

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the CX-5 from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area20182019202020212022202320242025Total
Electrical253826961153123
Engine1117895555263
Transmission3425715454498
Brakes162852136254
Body and structure106626333

CX-5 generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

  1. Second generation

    2017–2025

    2022 update: Restyled bumpers; Updated headlights and tail lights; Revised suspension

Mileages where CX-5 problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileageProblemYear
3,500–30,000 milesSoul Red paint chipping2018
5,500–24,000 milesExcessive engine oil consumption2021
15,000–16,000 milesEarly brake rotor and pad wear2021
22,000–25,000 milesTransmission failure, car stops moving2019
24,000–26,000 milesRear differential failure2021
29,000–41,540 milesNoisy, failing headlight cooling fan2022
30,000–80,000 milesCracked cylinder head oil leak2019
31,000–64,770 milesCracked cylinder head oil leak2018
32,000–61,000 milesTransmission chirp and torque converter2020
33,000–35,000 milesOil consumption and oil loss2023
52,764–55,000 milesLow oil warning, oil consumption2020

Every CX-5 recall to confirm

9 recalls cover the CX-5years on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 2 campaigns span more than one model year.

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