Thinking about buying a used Mazda Mazda5 (1999–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and electrical. 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.
13
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$800
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Mazda Mazda5 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01LF-VD Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Wear
CriticalOccasionalEngine $900–$2,200 to fix
The LF-VD 2.0-litre engine uses a simplex timing chain with plastic guide rails and a hydraulic tensioner. At high mileage, typically above 150,000 km, the plastic guide material wears and cracks, and the tensioner piston loses sealing pressure — particularly if oil change intervals have been extended. The result is chain slap noise on cold start that can progress to chain skip and valve-to-piston contact if neglected. NZ-imported units frequently arrive with undisclosed mileage or unknown service histories, increasing the incidence.
Symptoms to notice
Metallic rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start, lasting more than a few seconds before quieting
Check engine light with camshaft-to-crankshaft timing correlation fault codes P0016 or P0017
What to check
Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine that should settle within 3–5 seconds. A rattle persisting beyond 10 seconds is a red flag. Check engine oil condition and level; low or black oil accelerates guide wear. If possible, scan for camshaft position correlation fault codes (P0016, P0017). Request compression test results.
Where to look: Front of engine block, behind timing cover on left-hand side of vehicle
Ask the seller
“Does the engine make any rattling or ticking noise when first started from cold?”
“What is the oil change history, and has the timing chain or tensioner ever been inspected?”
“Has a check engine light appeared, and were any camshaft timing codes stored?”
02Rear Trailing Arm Bush Collapse
MinorCommonSuspension $300–$800 to fix
Rear trailing arm bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking and imprecision.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
Imprecise rear handling feel
What to check
Inspect rear trailing arm bushes for cracking. Push arm — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.
Where to look: Rear suspension trailing arm mounting points
Ask the seller
“Has the rear trailing arm bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
SuspensionMajor
CoolingMajor
BrakesMajor
BrakesMajor
11 more documented faults on the Mazda Mazda5
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 13 documented faults for the Mazda Mazda5, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Mazda Mazda5 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 Mazda5?
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We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Mazda Mazda5, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. 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 Mazda5?
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Most single repairs on the Mazda Mazda5 fall between $400–$800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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 Mazda5?
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Yes. A Mazda Mazda5 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.