You probably love the Mazda CX-5 for its nice design, smooth driving, and good fuel savings. But not every year of this SUV is great. Some years have big problems you should stay away from. If you’re thinking about buying a used Mazda CX-5, knowing which years to avoid can save you money, time, and stress. In this article, you will find real answers and clear advice about the Mazda CX-5 years to avoid. This guide will help you pick the right one and skip the bad ones.
2013 Mazda CX-5: First Year Troubles
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 was the first model year ever made. Many people were excited about this all-new SUV, but first years often bring problems. The 2013 CX-5 had a nice look and felt fun to drive. But it had many issues that made it a year you should avoid.
The biggest problem in this year was the engine. Many owners reported engine stalling or failure. Some said their engine just stopped while driving, which is very dangerous. The problem often came from a faulty fuel pump or engine control issue. Fixing these parts was not cheap and not easy either.
Another common problem was the transmission. Many drivers complained about rough shifting or loud clunking sounds when changing gears. Some had complete transmission failure before 100,000 miles. That is way too early and very expensive to fix.
Interior problems were also common. The touchscreen would freeze, the audio system would cut out, and even the air conditioner failed early. Drivers also said the seats were not comfortable, and the interior materials felt cheap. This made longer drives less enjoyable.
The 2013 CX-5 also had weak rust protection. Many owners who lived in places with snow and salt said the body and underneath parts started to rust too fast. Rust repairs can cost a lot and lower the life of your car.
The safety tech in this year was very basic too. It had no blind spot monitor or smart cruise control like newer models. That may not bother everyone, but for some drivers, safety features are very important.
If you want to buy a Mazda CX-5, the 2013 model is not a good choice. It may be cheaper, but the risk of big repairs is too high. Many car experts and owners agree this is one of the worst years for this SUV.
- Engine often fails or stalls
- Bad transmission issues early
- Touchscreen and audio system problems
- Cheap interior materials
- Fast rusting on body and undercarriage
- Few safety features
2014 Mazda CX-5: Small Fixes, Big Issues Stay
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 looked almost the same as the 2013 version. Mazda fixed a few problems, but not enough. Many of the same big issues stayed in this model too.
One of the main troubles was again the engine. Many drivers said the engine burned oil too fast. You had to add oil more often than normal. Some said they had to add oil every 1,000 miles. That is a sign the engine is wearing out too fast. If you do not check and add oil often, the engine can stop working.
Transmission problems also stayed. Owners complained that the gears slipped or shifted hard. Some said the transmission made loud noises or delayed when they pressed the gas. This made driving feel rough and unsafe.
The interior still had many of the same issues as the 2013. The infotainment screen would freeze or go black. The Bluetooth would disconnect during calls. And the backup camera often stopped working. These issues may not stop the car, but they are very annoying and lower the car’s value.
There were also brake problems. Some drivers said the brakes wore out quickly or made loud squeaking sounds. Brakes are a key safety feature, so these issues made many owners feel unsafe.
Another problem was with the headlights. People said the headlights were too dim, making night driving hard and dangerous. Changing to better lights helped a little, but it cost extra.
This year was not the worst, but it still had enough problems that many people said they would not buy it again. If you want a used CX-5, it’s better to skip the 2014 model.
- High oil burning in engine
- Slipping and noisy transmission
- Infotainment and Bluetooth troubles
- Brake issues and fast wear
- Dim headlights
- Still missing important safety tech
2016 Mazda CX-5: Better Looks, Hidden Problems
Mazda gave the CX-5 a bit of a refresh in 2016. The outside looked better, and the ride felt smoother. But even with those improvements, the 2016 CX-5 had problems that could hurt your driving experience.
One of the biggest issues was the automatic transmission. Many drivers reported rough or delayed shifting. Some said the car jerked when changing gears or felt slow to respond. These problems made city driving stressful and highway driving risky.
Another problem was the paint quality. A lot of owners noticed that the paint started to chip or peel after only a few years. Red and black paint colors were the worst. Once the paint starts peeling, rust can form quickly, especially in places with bad weather.
Inside the car, the infotainment system caused many headaches. The screen froze, buttons stopped working, and sometimes it would restart while driving. Bluetooth pairing often failed too. These problems became worse as the car aged.
Some drivers also said the suspension was too stiff. The ride felt bumpy, especially on older roads. This made long trips uncomfortable.
There were also problems with the air conditioning system. Many owners said the A/C stopped working on hot days or blew warm air. Fixing the A/C could cost hundreds of dollars, and many had to fix it more than once.
While the 2016 CX-5 had better looks, it still had enough issues that make it a year to avoid.
- Transmission jerks and slow shifting
- Paint peeling and chipping early
- Infotainment system freezes
- Rough suspension makes bumpy ride
- Air conditioner fails often
- Better design but not better quality
2018 Mazda CX-5: Tech Issues and Early Wear
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 brought in some new features and a nicer cabin. It felt more modern and comfortable. But this model also brought new problems, especially with tech and long-term quality.
One major complaint was the infotainment system. Owners said the screen lagged, froze, or shut off while driving. Navigation failed to load, and connecting phones through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was hard. Software updates didn’t always fix the problems.
Many drivers also talked about the battery dying early. Even with normal driving, the battery needed to be replaced in just 2 or 3 years. This could leave you stuck if it fails suddenly.
Another issue was the paint and finish. Like earlier models, the paint was soft and chipped easily. Some cars started rusting faster than expected, especially under the car and around the wheel wells.
Some owners also said the engine had a strange noise or vibration, even at low miles. Mazda said it was normal, but many drivers did not agree. It made people worry about engine life.
There were also complaints about the windshield cracking too easily. Small rocks from the road would cause big cracks. A new windshield can cost a lot, and some had to replace it more than once.
So while the 2018 CX-5 looked great and had cool tech, many problems showed up early, making it a risky year to buy used.
- Infotainment and phone connection issues
- Battery dies early
- Paint chips and early rust
- Windshield cracks easily
- Engine makes strange noises
- High tech, but not reliable
2019 Mazda CX-5: Turbo Trouble and Cabin Complaints
Mazda added a turbo engine option in 2019 for more power. While that sounded great, it brought a whole new list of problems. The 2019 model had more features, but also more things that could go wrong.
One of the biggest issues was with the turbo engine. Many drivers said the turbo felt weak or delayed. Some had engine knocking or loss of power. A few even had total turbo failure. Repairs for turbo engines are much more expensive than regular engines.
The infotainment system was still a headache in 2019. The screen froze often, Bluetooth dropped calls, and the audio system would cut out. Even new buyers had these issues within months.
Cabin comfort was also a problem for some. The seats felt hard, and the cabin let in too much road noise. The suspension was also stiff, making bumps feel worse than in older models.
Fuel economy with the turbo was not great. Some drivers were unhappy with how fast the gas ran out, especially when driving fast or uphill. Mazda said the numbers were better, but real-life driving showed otherwise.
Another problem was with the power liftgate. Some people said it would stop working or get stuck halfway. This made loading things very frustrating.
The 2019 CX-5 had better looks and speed, but it came with many problems that make it one to avoid.
- Turbo engine failure and power issues
- Fuel economy worse than expected
- Infotainment freezes and call drops
- Hard seats and loud cabin
- Power liftgate problems
- More speed, more trouble
2022 Mazda CX-5: New Tech, New Headaches
The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with updates in style, drive feel, and tech features. But new changes can sometimes bring new problems, and this model year proves that.
One big issue with the 2022 CX-5 is the driver-assist system. Features like lane keeping and radar cruise control acted up in many cases. Drivers reported false alarms, wrong braking, or the system turning off without reason. This made driving feel unsafe and stressful.
Another common issue was the new infotainment system. Many owners said it lagged, froze, or wouldn’t load maps or music. Some said the system restarted itself while driving, which was both annoying and dangerous.
The turbo engine also caused complaints. Like in the 2019 model, it sometimes made noise or lost power. Drivers worried about long-term engine life even when the car was still under warranty.
The new suspension also felt too firm. Many drivers said the ride was not smooth and felt every bump on the road. Even with all-wheel drive, the handling wasn’t as good as older models.
There were also reports of weak build quality. People said the doors and interior panels rattled or squeaked. That made the car feel cheaper than it looked.
While the 2022 Mazda CX-5 has a lot of cool features, the problems are still too many for a brand new car. Waiting for a newer or more tested version might be a smarter idea.
- Driver-assist system acts up
- Infotainment freezes and restarts
- Turbo engine noise and power loss
- Suspension too stiff
- Rattles and squeaky interior
- New features, but not well tested
Final Thoughts
The Mazda CX-5 is a nice SUV, but not all years are good. Some models have engine, transmission, or tech problems that make them not worth buying. If you want a used CX-5, it’s best to skip 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022. These years have the most complaints from real drivers. Always check reviews, look at repair records, and test drive before you buy. A little care now can save you big trouble later. Choosing the right year will help you enjoy your Mazda for many happy miles.
| Model Year | Major Problems | Transmission Issues | Tech Problems | Rust/Paint Issues | Turbo Issues | Comfort Problems |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Engine failure, stalling | Yes | Yes (screen, audio) | Yes | No | Yes |
| 2014 | High oil use, brakes wear fast | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| 2016 | A/C fails, rough suspension | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| 2018 | Battery dies early, cracked windshield | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 2019 | Turbo lag, power liftgate fails | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| 2022 | Bad driver-assist, noisy cabin | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to buy a 2013 Mazda CX-5?
It is not very safe to buy a 2013 Mazda CX-5. This was the first model year and had many engine problems, such as stalling and full engine failure. The transmission also caused issues, and there were many complaints about the infotainment system freezing or the air conditioning breaking. Many owners also said the car rusted fast. You may find a cheap one, but repair costs could be high. It is better to avoid this year if you want a safe and smooth driving experience.
Can I trust the 2014 Mazda CX-5 for long trips?
You probably should not trust the 2014 Mazda CX-5 for long trips. This model had problems with the engine burning too much oil, which can lead to damage if not checked often. The brakes wore out quickly, and the lights were too dim, making night driving hard. The infotainment system also gave trouble with freezing or not working. These issues can ruin your trip or even cause danger. If you want a used Mazda CX-5 for travel, look at better years.
Do I need to worry about rust on older CX-5 models?
Yes, rust is a big problem on some older CX-5 models like the 2013 and 2016 versions. The paint was weak and chipped easily, and the underbody rusted faster than normal. If you live in an area with snow or salt on the roads, rust can grow fast and damage important parts. Repairs for rust are expensive. If you’re buying a used CX-5, always check for rust under the car, around the wheels, and near the doors before you buy.
Is it smart to buy a 2018 Mazda CX-5 now?
It may not be a smart idea to buy the 2018 Mazda CX-5. While it looks nice and has better features, many people reported problems with the infotainment system, early battery failure, and even cracked windshields. The engine also had strange noises that worried many owners. These issues can lead to expensive repairs. If you want a newer CX-5, it might be better to choose a different year with fewer complaints.
Can the turbo engine in the 2019 CX-5 be trusted?
The turbo engine in the 2019 CX-5 had many complaints. Some owners said the turbo did not work well, made noise, or failed early. Repairing or replacing a turbo engine costs a lot more than a normal one. There were also problems with fuel use and the power liftgate. While the car looked good and felt fast, the engine troubles make it risky. Unless you really want the turbo, it’s better to pick a simpler and more reliable engine year.
Do I get better value with a newer CX-5 like 2022?
Not always. The 2022 CX-5 had many high-tech features, but it also had problems with the driver-assist system, infotainment, and turbo engine. Many owners felt the ride was too bumpy and the cabin was too noisy. These issues can make the car feel less enjoyable, even if it is new. Some parts of the 2022 CX-5 were not well tested. You might get better value from a model that is just a few years older but with fewer problems.
Is it okay to buy a CX-5 with high mileage?
It depends on the year and how the car was cared for. Some Mazda CX-5 models, like from 2015 or 2017, are known to last long if they were maintained well. But if you are looking at a year with known engine or transmission problems, high mileage makes it even more risky. Always check the service history, have a mechanic inspect it, and look out for oil burning, rough shifting, or rust before you buy.
Do I need to avoid all Mazda CX-5 models?
No, you do not need to avoid all Mazda CX-5 models. Some years are very good and reliable, like 2015, 2017, 2021, and some 2023 models. These years had fewer problems and better driving experience. The key is to know which years had the most trouble, like 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022. Avoiding those can help you get a great SUV that lasts longer and costs less to keep up.