Mazda CX-5 Common Faults & Problems (UK Buyer's Guide)
2012–2024 · Family SUV
This is an independent guide to the Mazda CX-5, written for used car buyers rather than sellers. The faults below come from owner reports, UK garage patterns and MOT history for this generation — not manufacturer marketing, and we take no commission from any dealer. Use it to spot the expensive problems before you hand over money.
Better built than most rivals and drives well — the diesel needs long journeys.
Common Faults
Each fault below is drawn from real owner reports and UK garage patterns for this generation — not generic used-car advice.
2.2 Skyactiv-D oil dilution
seriousRepeated failed DPF regenerations push diesel into the oil and raise the level.
Check for: Dipstick above max, strong diesel smell in the oil.
Typical cost: £1,000–£2,500 if it has caused damage
Turbo and intake carbon build-up
moderateCarbon builds in the inlet on high-mileage diesels and causes a loss of power.
Check for: Flat acceleration and a puff of smoke on hard throttle.
Typical cost: £400–£900 for a clean
Rear tailgate strut and boot electrics
minorPower tailgate struts fail and the boot drops.
Check for: Open and close the tailgate a few times.
Typical cost: £200–£400
What to Check Before Buying
Take this list to the viewing. Every point comes straight from the faults above.
- 2.2 Skyactiv-D oil dilution: Dipstick above max, strong diesel smell in the oil.
- Turbo and intake carbon build-up: Flat acceleration and a puff of smoke on hard throttle.
- Rear tailgate strut and boot electrics: Open and close the tailgate a few times.
MOT history red flags
If any of these appear on the last two MOTs, negotiate hard or walk away.
- Emissions failure on the 2.2 diesel
- Corrosion advisories on the rear subframe
Sharp questions to ask the seller
- What is the typical journey length?
- Has the oil ever been changed early because of dilution?
Not sure this is the right car for you?
Get matched to a car that fits your life, budget and mileage — free, in about two minutes.
Find my carFound your car?
Get the full £5.99 Buyer's Verdict for this exact vehicle: MOT history, mileage check, model faults cross-checked against its record, and a buy / negotiate / walk-away call.
Start with the regNew to MOT history? Read how the free MOT check works first — no signup, no card.