Best and worst Mazda CX-5 years — which to avoid

If you are on the market searching for a compact SUV or crossover, going for the Mazda CX-5 seems like one of the best options. However, regardless of the overall reliability of the car, there are some Mazda CX-5 years to avoid if you want to get a bargain deal without spending too much on repairs.

So, before you proceed with the purchase, our team will thoroughly inform you of the most common complaints submitted to NHTSA, problems of the CX-5, its particular model years, and their overall reliability rating.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Mazda CX-5 years

To properly evaluate the Mazda CX-5 years and rank them as best and worst, our team relied on verified information from NHTSA, IIHS, and similar reputable sources.

Of course, we verified every piece of information we could find, and we also ventured through the forum threads, first-hand driver experiences, and reviews and ratings on prominent car evaluation sites like Edmunds, Cars.com, KBB, and Consumer Reports.

Most common Mazda CX-5 problems

During two generations of Mazda CX-5 production, drivers have complained about some most common Mazda CX-5 problems about this otherwise reliable car. Some of the biggest problems that drivers have faced include headlight failure and engine not shutting off the right way.

1. Electrical features working after the engine shuts off

This is probably the most annoying and persistent issue that drivers have faced with the CX-5. It often happened right after shutting the engine off and the driver could walk away from the car not realizing that the radio and other features are still on.

It caused car starting issues further down the road since the battery would normally drain completely by the next time a driver enters the vehicle. This issue is suspected to be caused by the faulty ignition system and it required the most servicing efforts on the 2014 CX-5 model. The problem of daytime running LED lights was also present throughout the life cycle of the first-gen CX-5.

2. Engine shutting off while driving

In the case of the engine shutting off while driving, turning the engine off wouldn’t shut down all the electrical features and the battery kept working. This often causes parasitic drain and a battery discharge warning the next time a driver steps into the car.

3. Windshield issues

Another common problem that the CX-5 drivers have faced frequently over the years is sensitive windshield glass. There have been numerous reports of the windshield glass cracking for no apparent reason and the crack expanding so much that it required immediate replacement.

Another problem that drivers have faced regarding the windshield is a defroster problem which mostly appeared in 2016 and later model years. The visibility was significantly reduced because of this, and sometimes it was required to change the defroster device to restore proper visibility.

4. Electrical issues

Besides the problems caused by the electrical systems staying on in the car even after shutting the engine off, there have been a few more electrical issues. Most notably, these included infotainment system errors and dashboard light issues.

The electrical problems were most common for the second-generation Mazda CX-5, so it’s an issue to keep an eye out for if you are shopping for this car.

5. Transmission control module software errors

Finally, we face one of the more serious problems and it’s a good thing that it’s not that common for all the CX-5 models – the TCM error. Some software errors were present that could even lead to engine stalling issues.

The TCM error was most commonly associated with the 2018 and 2019 Mazda CX-5, and there were official recalls issued to fix this problem exclusively.

Worst Mazda CX-5 years to avoid

Based on the mentioned problems, there are a few Mazda CX-5 model years that you should avoid. It’s overall a reliable compact SUV equipped with revolutionary SkyActive engine technology, but electrical issues and TCM errors could make it all go in vain.

So, to avoid having to deal with the bothersome repairs, you’ll need an answer to the ever-present question – what are the worst Mazda CX-5 years? The worst Mazda CX-5 years are 2014 and 2016, but here’s a complete overview:

• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
• 2018
• 2019

Now that you know the basics, it’s time we get into the details by explaining why each of these should be avoided by generation model and CX-5 year.

First-generation Mazda CX-5 (2014-2016 model years)

Through the extensive history of Mazda, their models have been known for their reliability and it all started in the same way with the CX-5. Surprisingly enough, the common problems drivers have encountered didn’t start with the first year of the model’s production.

So, initial problems were reported for the 2014 model year and these included electrical issues like electrical features staying on even while the engine isn’t running. Another issue is that some drivers have reported that their car turns off while driving, and this leads to big safety concerns.

The 2015 model and 2016 models have also faced some issues with the transmission and vehicle going forward in a jerking motion while stationary. Another common issue is headlight failure which requires replacement lights, so it’s best to steer away from these model years.

Second-generation Mazda CX-5 (2018-2019 model years)

The second generation of the CX-5 started production in 2017 and some issues were reported with the 2018 and 2019 model years. The biggest concern of the drivers was the TCM error that sometimes caused the engine to stall. This also triggered a recall by Mazda in 2019 and you should at least check if the model you’ve got your eyes on has been recalled and fixed.

Also, these models have faced some criticism for the infotainment system faults like radio changing stations on their own and touch-screen system failure. On top of that, there have been some issues with the windshield defroster, so it’s better to go for later model years instead.

What are the best Mazda CX-5 years to buy?

While these listed issues might seem like a lot to deal with, the CX-5 is a rather reliable car. You can get the most out of it by steering away from the problematic model years and picking the more reliable ones. The first year of production and later model years of the second generation should set you on the right track with minimum required repairs.

Here are the best model years to choose from when it comes to buying Mazda CX-5:

• 2013
• 2017
• 2020
• 2021
• 2022

Among these, the few years that stand out are the 2013 Mazda CX-5 and the 2020 Mazda CX-5, so let’s take a closer look at these two:

2013 Mazda CX-5

The 2013 model year didn’t face as many issues with electrical systems running with engines being shut off as later model years. It’s the best pick if you are shopping around for the first-generation Mazda CX-5, and the best engine option is a 2.5-liter SkyActive four-cylinder.

It had just enough power for a compact family SUV with more than decent fuel economy thanks to the SkyActive technology. On top of that, there’s the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that offered a better performance which got added later on in the second generation, and the engine proved to be sturdy and reliable with little to no reports of common issues.

2020 Mazda CX-5

It’s best to stay clear from the 2018 and 2019 model years from the second-generation Mazda CX-5 due to their TCM errors and infotainment system malfunctions, and thankfully the 2020 model solved those.

It’s among the best-rated CX-5 models with less than 50 complaints ever being submitted to NHTSA. Along with that, it solved the engine and transmission-related issues, making it a go-to option for those looking for a reliable second-gen Mazda with low mileage on it.

Is the Mazda CX-5 worth buying?

When the time comes to make a final verdict on the reliability of this model, Mazda CX-5 deserves praise. While there have been a few problematic model years like 2014 and 2016, it’s still worth buying the car with these issues addressed in recalls and fixed.

Additionally, the 2018 and later model years ended up earning a 5 out of 5 when it comes to NHTSA’s safety scoring. So, it’s a great bargain for the price, especially if you can find a low-mileage car from the later model years of the second generation.

We dive deep into the experiences of car owners and back it up with solid research to guide you through your car shopping journey. Our comprehensive guides on models like the Honda CR-V years to avoid, Nissan Rogue years to avoid, and Subaru Forester years to avoid shed light on those troublesome years. With our advice, you’re set to steer clear of the bumps and find the smoothest route to choosing your ideal car.