Used Mazda CX-5

What to know before buying: Mazda CX-5

From 1 forum thread and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The CX-5 stands out for precise handling; first-generation cars are also praised for fuel economy and reliability.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• The 2017 generation brought a quieter cabin, greater ride comfort and quality trim; Latvian testers described it as a quiet, comfortable family car.[1][4]Second generation
• Practicality and a well-equipped, upmarket cabin are paired with tidy handling, though some testers found the 2.0-litre petrol version sluggish.[1][3]Second generation
• In the 2025 What Car? survey, the 2017–2025 petrol version scored 98.4% and the diesel 94.9%; no clearly supported bad model years were identified.[3]one sourceSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup

Typical faults

• On the 2.2 Skyactiv-D, short trips can interrupt DPF regeneration, blocking the filter while fuel dilutes the oil and raises its level.[2][3]First generationSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup

  2.2 Skyactiv-D

• Early diesels can develop leaking injector seals; soot and fuel contaminate the oil, potentially blocking the oil pick-up strainer and damaging the engine.[3]one sourceFirst generation

  diesel

• Some higher-mileage diesels develop soot deposits in the intake or shutter valve, causing rough running or loss of power.[3]one sourceFirst generation

  diesel

• Occasional electrical and infotainment faults are reported across both generations, including Bluetooth, display, audio and warning-light glitches.[3]one sourceFirst generationSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup

Which engine and version to take

• The safer choice is a 2.0 or 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol: sources report fewer faults than for diesels, while the naturally aspirated 2.5 is praised for simplicity and longevity.[2][3][4]First generationSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup

What to avoid

• Choose the 2.2 Skyactiv-D only with convincing service history because DPF, oil-dilution, injector-seal and intake-soot risks are documented.[2][3]First generationSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup

What to check at the inspection

• Start a 2.2 Skyactiv-D from cold, assess smoothness and check the oil level; a rising level can indicate fuel dilution.[2][3]First generationSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup
• Use diagnostics to check DPF loading, regeneration history and fault codes; blockage may bring power loss, black smoke and the engine warning light.[2][3]First generationSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup
• On an early diesel, inspect the injector seals and establish whether the sump and oil pick-up strainer were cleaned if contamination occurred.[3]one sourceFirst generation
• Test Bluetooth, screen response, audio, warning lights and the remaining body-electrical functions.[3]one sourceFirst generationSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup
• Check recall completion by VIN, especially for the fuel pump, SCR wiring, intake-shutter software and cylinder-deactivation control.[2]one sourceFirst generationSecond generation
• At 200,000–300,000+ km, assess the six-speed automatic for operation and noise and scan its fault memory; the source reports no systemic defect.[2]one sourceSecond generationRefreshed modern lineup

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Mazda CX-5 2017 tests, atsauksmes un iespaidi - Forums · forum
2. [2]autoradars.lv — Mazda CX-5 KF KF (2017+): problēmas un riski | AutoRadars.lv · press
3. [3]whocanfixmycar.com — Mazda CX-5 Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs · press
4. [4]marinmazda.net — Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid — Why Every Generation ... · press

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