Free used car buyer guide / KE / first generation / 2013-2016
Mazda CX-5 common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.4/10
3 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2.2 diesel dpf, oil dilution and low oil pressure. Score methodology.
The first CX-5 is a good simple SUV when bought as a petrol, and a much riskier car when bought as an early 2.2 diesel used for short trips. The serious traps are the 2014-2016 fuel-filler-pipe recall, front suspension lower bolt recall, AWD rear differential/bushing failures, 2016 automatic transmission bearing whine, Skyactiv-D DPF/oil-dilution/vacuum-pump trouble, premature rear brake wear and infotainment/camera faults. The safest choice is a 2015-2016 2.0 or 2.5 petrol with completed recalls, no driveline whine and matching tyres. Owners should check recalls, oil level, rear driveline noise and brake wear early because these cars are cheap only when the known weak points are handled before they snowball.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
2.2 diesel DPF, oil
Best years
2015-2016
Best buys
- 2015-2016 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol automatic/FWD with closed recalls and no transmission whine.
- 2014-2016 2.0 petrol manual or automatic with dry engine, clean suspension bolts and simple service history.
- AWD only if tyres match, rear differential is quiet and no water-contamination story exists.
Inspect hard
- 2014-2016 cars for fuel-filler-pipe campaign 9216B / 16V064.
- 2014-2016 cars for front strut/knuckle lower bolt recall 9316D / 16V203.
- Every 2.2 diesel for high oil level, DPF soot, vacuum pump and cam/turbo history.
Avoid
- 2.2 diesel with rising oil level, DPF warnings or low oil pressure.
- 2016 automatic with drivetrain whine and no Mazda diagnosis.
- AWD car with low-speed shudder, rear diff whine, mismatched tyres or water in differential oil.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Mazda CX-5 viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Mazda CX-5 should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol
2013-2016
SIMPLE BUT MODEST
The 2.0 is the least dramatic KE CX-5 engine. It is not quick, especially with AWD, but it avoids the diesel DPF/oil-dilution story and the later turbo/cylinder-deactivation issues of newer CX-5s.
2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol
2014-2016 depending market
BEST PETROL BUY
The 2.5 gives the CX-5 the torque it needs without adding much complexity. Inspection should focus on transmission noise, coolant/oil condition, recalls, brakes and AWD hardware rather than engine internals.
2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel
2013-2016 outside North America
ONLY FOR INFORMED LONG-DISTANCE BUYERS
The early Mazda diesel is the risky version. DPF regeneration can dilute oil, carbon builds in intake/EGR systems, vacuum-pump wear can trigger low oil pressure, and short trips are a poor match.
i-ACTIV AWD driveline
2013-2016
CHECK HARD BEFORE PAYING EXTRA
AWD can be useful, but first-gen CX-5s have owner and TSB trail around rear differential noise/bushings and low-speed shudder. Tyre match and fluid condition decide whether AWD is an asset.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2013
Launch year with 2.0 petrol and 2.2 diesel in many markets; early diesel behaviour is the key risk.
Buyer: Prefer petrol unless the diesel has motorway history and clean DPF/oil data.
Owner: Diesel owners should track oil level and DPF behaviour, not just service dates.
2014
2.5 petrol availability expands; fuel-filler-pipe recall population begins from June 2013 production.
Buyer: A 2.5 petrol is attractive after 9216B recall proof.
Owner: Keep fuel-filler recall paperwork because it is safety-related.
2015
Mature KE production with infotainment and brake complaints more visible as mileage rises.
Buyer: Good petrol year if rear brakes, recalls and transmission noise are clean.
Owner: Service brakes early; sticky rear calipers eat pads quickly.
2016
Final KE year and 2016.5 trim updates; recall 9216B and front suspension 9316D apply to many cars.
Buyer: Do not assume final year means sorted. Check recalls, AWD rear diff and automatic whine.
Owner: If drivetrain whine starts, document it before warranty/goodwill conversations.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Fuel filler pipe rupture recall 9216B / 16V064
Affects
Certain 2014-2016 CX-5 built June 2013-February 2016.
Symptoms
Open recall; no normal driving symptom before crash risk.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 under recall.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Fuel filler pipe attachment could allow rupture and fuel leak in specific crash/rollover conditions.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 16V064.
- Confirm Mazda 9216B completion.
- Inspect fuel-filler area for repair evidence.
- Reject sellers who cannot prove recall status.
Buyer note
This is a free safety repair, so missing paperwork is needless risk.
Owner note
Keep the recall invoice with title documents.
Fault 2
Front strut-to-knuckle lower bolt/nut loosening recall 9316D / 16V203
Affects
2014-2016 CX-5 in the affected production group.
Symptoms
Front rattle, clunk, steering instability, recall notice.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 under recall; USD 200-600 suspension hardware repair if neglected.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Lower mounting nuts/bolts at the front strut and steering knuckle can loosen.
Quick check
- VIN-check 16V203.
- Listen for front clunk on rough road.
- Inspect front lower strut bolts.
- Check alignment/tyre wear.
Buyer note
A front suspension safety recall must be closed before purchase.
Owner note
Do not ignore a new front rattle on an affected car.
Fault 3
2.2 diesel DPF, oil dilution and low oil pressure
Affects
2013-2016 CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D, especially short-trip cars.
Symptoms
High oil level, DPF warning, limp mode, low oil pressure, soot buildup, sluggish running.
Typical repair cost
USD 250-800 regen/oil; USD 800-2,500 cleaning/pump work; USD 3,000-8,000+ engine/turbo.
Codes / scan clues
P2463, P2458, DPF/boost/EGR and oil-pressure warnings.
Root cause: Interrupted DPF regenerations dilute oil and carbon buildup stresses intake, turbo and lubrication hardware.
Quick check
- Check oil level before start.
- Scan DPF soot/regeneration data.
- Ask about driving pattern.
- Inspect service oil specification and interval.
Buyer note
A low-mile diesel used only locally is worse than a higher-mile motorway petrol.
Owner note
Rising oil level is an urgent warning, not a feature.
Fault 4
AWD rear differential whine, bushing failure or water contamination
Affects
2013-2016 AWD CX-5, often higher mileage or mismatched tyres.
Symptoms
Rear whine, clunk, low-speed shudder, AWD light, contaminated differential oil.
Typical repair cost
USD 250-700 fluid/bushing; USD 1,500-3,500+ rear diff.
Codes / scan clues
AWD and wheel-speed codes can appear.
Root cause: Rear diff/bushing wear, fluid contamination and driveline stress from tyre mismatch.
Quick check
- Measure all tyre tread depths.
- Do tight low-speed turns.
- Listen for coast/accel rear whine.
- Inspect rear diff oil condition.
Buyer note
AWD is not worth extra money if the rear unit is already noisy.
Owner note
Keep tyres matched and service driveline fluids before noise starts.
Fault 5
2016 automatic transmission bearing whine / failure
Affects
2013-2016 automatic CX-5 reports, with many owner complaints around 2016.
Symptoms
Whine rising with speed, harsh shift, vibration, transmission warning, dealer diagnosis for bearing/internal failure.
Typical repair cost
USD 1,500-3,500 repair; USD 4,000-6,500 replacement.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission pressure/ratio codes vary; many whine complaints begin before codes.
Root cause: Internal bearing or transaxle wear in affected units.
Quick check
- Road-test from 20-70 mph with radio off.
- Check for whine on accel and coast.
- Scan TCM.
- Ask for Mazda diagnosis or goodwill history.
Buyer note
A whining 2016 automatic is not a normal Mazda sound.
Owner note
Document noise early; goodwill cases depend on proof.
Fault 6
Premature rear brake wear and sticking calipers
Affects
2013-2016 CX-5.
Symptoms
Grinding, rear pad wear, hot wheel, parking-brake drag, pulsation.
Typical repair cost
USD 250-700 pads/rotors; USD 600-1,200 calipers and hardware.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Rear caliper slide/parking-brake drag and pad wear.
Quick check
- Inspect rear pad thickness.
- Check rotor heat after drive.
- Test parking brake release.
- Look for uneven inner/outer pad wear.
Buyer note
Brakes are manageable, but they reveal how the car was maintained.
Owner note
Service caliper slides and parking brake before pads grind.
Fault 7
Rear camera blur, infotainment reboot and electrical complaints
Affects
2013-2016 CX-5.
Symptoms
Blurry camera, screen reboot, Bluetooth fault, battery drain, warning lights.
Typical repair cost
USD 100-500 diagnosis/software/camera; USD 700-1,500 head unit.
Codes / scan clues
Body/infotainment communication and low-voltage codes.
Root cause: Camera/display hardware, accessories interfering with rear camera, weak battery or head-unit faults.
Quick check
- Use camera in daylight and dark.
- Pair phone and stream audio.
- Load-test battery.
- Scan body modules.
Buyer note
A faulty screen or camera should reduce price because parts are not free.
Owner note
Check battery and accessory wiring before replacing the display.
Fault 8
Front lower control arm/bushing creak and suspension wear
Affects
2013-2016 CX-5 and later related CX-5s.
Symptoms
Creak over bumps, steering wander, uneven tyres, clunk on rough roads.
Typical repair cost
USD 350-1,200 arms/bushings/alignment.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Lower arm bushing friction/wear and ageing suspension rubber.
Quick check
- Drive rough road slowly.
- Inspect lower arm bushings.
- Check alignment and tyre wear.
- Separate from recall bolt clunk.
Buyer note
Suspension creak is repairable, but safety-recall status must be separate.
Owner note
Replace arms in pairs and align the car.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Mazda recall printout for 16V064 and 16V203.
- Diesel DPF/intake/oil records if applicable.
- Transmission or rear-diff repair history.
- Brake and tyre invoices.
Walk around
- Check fuel-filler recall area.
- Inspect tyres for matching size/tread.
- Look under rear diff for leaks.
- Inspect brake rotor wear and suspension bolts.
In the car
- Test camera, Bluetooth and screen.
- Confirm warning lights go out.
- Check A/C and heater.
- Check diesel oil level before start.
Test drive
- Listen for transmission whine.
- Tight-turn AWD shudder test.
- Brake from highway speed.
- Diesel full-load test for limp/DPF warnings.
Scan tool
- Scan ECM/TCM/AWD/ABS.
- Read diesel DPF soot and regeneration data.
- Check stored misfire/transmission codes.
- Do not clear codes before documenting.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a petrol 2.5 or 2.0 with closed recalls, quiet transmission and no rear driveline noise. AWD is fine only when tyres and fluid history are clean.
Avoid: Avoid short-trip 2.2 diesels with rising oil level, 2016 automatics with whine, and AWD cars with rear diff noise or mismatched tyres.
Quick answers
Mazda CX-5 buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Mazda CX-5 2013-2016 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Fuel filler pipe rupture recall 9216B / 16V064; Front strut-to-knuckle lower bolt/nut loosening recall 9316D / 16V203; 2.2 diesel DPF, oil dilution and low oil pressure. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Mazda CX-5 years are the best to buy?
2015-2016 stand out in this generation. Buy a petrol 2.5 or 2.0 with closed recalls, quiet transmission and no rear driveline noise. AWD is fine only when tyres and fluid history are clean.
Which Mazda CX-5 should I avoid?
Avoid short-trip 2.2 diesels with rising oil level, 2016 automatics with whine, and AWD cars with rear diff noise or mismatched tyres.
Is the Mazda CX-5 2013-2016 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.4/10 (buy with checks). 3 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2.2 diesel dpf, oil dilution and low oil pressure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Mazda CX-5 guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCONL-16V064-7891.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCRIT-16V203-2717.pdf
- repairpal.com: 2013
- carcomplaints.com: index.shtml
- mazdaproblems.com: 1
- whocanfixmycar.com: common-problems-with-the-mazda-cx-5
- go-parts.com: suspension-control-arm-mazda-cx-5-2013-2022
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCAK-16V064-3148.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-16V064-9283.PDF
- vinitel.com: 2013
- largus.fr
- carboncleanco.co.uk
- reddit.com: rearend_clunk_on_2016_cx5_underbody_footage_help
- reddit.com: rear_differential
- reddit.com: are_rear_differential_failures_common
- reddit.com: 2016_cx5_transmission_tsb
- reddit.com: 2016_cx5_9_months_out_of_warranty_53k_miles
- mazdaproblems.com: tsbs
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10213454-9999.pdf
- carclubsusa.com: 2013