Thinking about buying a used Mazda CX-5 (2012–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 39 known faults for this model spanning engine, brakes, body & rust, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
39
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$2,200
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Mazda CX-5 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
On 2012–2018 SkyActiv-D engines the exhaust camshaft lobes are manufactured from relatively soft material that wears prematurely against the rocker arms, typically manifesting after 60,000–100,000 km. Worn lobe material generates metallic swarf that circulates in the lubrication system and settles in the oil pump pickup strainer; a partially or fully blocked strainer starves the engine and turbocharger of oil pressure, which can escalate to catastrophic engine failure. Mazda issued TSB R073/15 instructing dealers on the camshaft inspection procedure and authorising replacement under goodwill warranty on affected units.
Symptoms to notice
Persistent ticking or tapping noise from the cylinder head at idle, worse when cold
Low oil pressure warning lamp illuminating
Sudden loss of engine power or an engine that stops without warning
Metallic grey debris visible at the oil filler cap or on the dipstick
Vacuum brake booster losing assistance due to pump driven off the worn camshaft
What to check
Ask for documented evidence of TSB R073/15 camshaft inspection at a Mazda dealer. Listen for persistent ticking or tapping at idle that worsens when cold. On any pre-2019 diesel CX-5 above 80,000 km, insist on a pre-purchase Mazda dealer inspection before committing. Remove the oil filler cap and look for metallic debris or a grey metallic sheen in the oil.
Where to look: Exhaust camshaft on top of the cylinder head; secondary contamination via oil pump pickup strainer in the sump
Ask the seller
“Has Mazda TSB R073/15 camshaft inspection been carried out at a Mazda dealer, and is there paperwork to confirm it?”
“Has the engine ever shown a low oil pressure warning, or suffered a sudden loss of power?”
“When was the last oil change, at what mileage, and what oil specification was used?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle at Low Speed
MinorCommonElectrical $350–$3,500 to fix
The KF CX-5 uses a rack-and-pinion electric power steering system with the motor mounted directly on the rack. A documented noise issue affects this generation, manifesting as a rattle or clunk from the steering rack assembly when driving slowly over uneven surfaces or manoeuvring at low speed. The most commonly identified cause is wear or looseness in the inner tie rod ends where they connect to the rack, combined with the rack's mounting bushings losing their damping compliance over time. On some vehicles the rack housing or the EPS motor mounting develops the rattle independently. While the fault is generally not immediately dangerous, it can progress to increased steering play and imprecision if the inner tie rod ends are worn, and a replacement rack is expensive.
Symptoms to notice
Metallic rattle or clunk from the steering rack area when driving at low speed over rough or uneven surfaces
Noise reproducible by rocking the steering wheel slightly at idle with the vehicle stationary
Rattle is most pronounced during parking manoeuvres or when the wheel is near full lock at low speed
No loss of steering assistance or control in early stages, but potential for increased steering play if tie rod ends are worn
What to check
Drive slowly over a speed hump or rough surface and listen for a metallic rattle or clunk localised to the steering rack area. With the engine running at idle, rock the steering wheel back and forth through a small range to replicate the noise without road input. Inspect rack mounting bushings for deterioration. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, check the inner tie rod ends for axial and lateral play by attempting to move them at the rack connection point.
Where to look: Steering rack mounted transversely beneath the engine bay, connected to the steering column above and to the front hub carriers via tie rods on each side
Ask the seller
“Is there any rattling or clunking noise from around the steering area when going over speed bumps slowly?”
“Has the power steering rack or tie rods been inspected or replaced?”
“Does the steering feel precise and free of play on centre?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
BrakesCritical
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
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TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
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TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
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EngineMajor
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BrakesMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
BrakesMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
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BrakesMajor
SuspensionMinor
ElectricalMinor
SuspensionMinor
37 more documented faults on the Mazda CX-5
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 39 documented faults for the Mazda CX-5, the recurring problem areas are engine, brakes, and body & rust. A Mazda CX-5 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mazda CX-5?
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We've catalogued 39 known faults for the Mazda CX-5, covering engine, brakes, and body & rust. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mazda CX-5?
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Most single repairs on the Mazda CX-5 fall between $500–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 39 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mazda CX-5?
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Yes. A Mazda CX-5 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.