USED Mazda CX-5 - Common problems & should you buy one?

Summary

The video provides a detailed review of the Mazda CX-5, discussing its design, reliability, and common issues. It highlights the difference between petrol and diesel versions, advising against buying the diesel due to common turbo and oil pressure problems. The video praises the CX-5's comfortable interior, driving experience, and strong engine, especially in petrol variants. It also touches on exterior paint and infotainment system issues. Overall, the review suggests the petrol CX-5 as a great used SUV option, provided it has a full service history and passes inspection.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The Mazda CX-5 is known for using cost-effective materials that appear premium and has been marketed with the 'zoom zoom' tagline, which it lives up to.
• 🛠️ Reliability concerns mainly arise with the diesel version of the CX-5, which is prone to turbo and oil pressure failures. Petrol versions are considered more reliable but may still experience fuel pump and oil pressure issues.
• 🛞 Wheel size affects the exterior appeal: the higher trim specs with 19-inch wheels are more attractive, while the 17-inch wheels on lower trims are less appealing.
• 🎨 Common exterior issues include thin paint prone to scratching, especially in darker colors, and fading black plastic trim on cars stored outside.
• 🔊 The infotainment system has reported problems like glitching screens, Bluetooth issues, and occasional complete system reboots.
• 💺 The interior, despite being built on a budget, feels premium with well-placed soft-touch materials. The seats are comfortable and the ergonomics enhance the driving experience.
• 👶 Rear space is comfortable with ample knee and foot room, though some complain about the lack of space compared to other SUVs in its class.
• 🔊 Road noise has been a complaint, but improvements in the series 2 models have addressed this with thicker glass and better soundproofing.
• 💻 Safety features vary across models but may include six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, and more advanced features like radar cruise control on higher trims.
• ⛽ Overall, the petrol CX-5 is a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable, reliable, and well-built SUV, but the diesel variant should be avoided due to its higher risk of mechanical issues.

Q & A

What are the two main iterations of the first-generation Mazda CX-5?

The first-generation Mazda CX-5 can be split between the original K Series 1 and the updated K Series 2.

What engine options are available for the Mazda CX-5?

The CX-5 offers two petrol power plants and a turbo diesel engine, with power sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the spec.

What is a common issue reported with the Mazda CX-5's exterior paint?

Many owners have complained that the paint on the CX-5 is very thin and prone to scratches and chips, especially in darker colors like red and black.

What problems are associated with the Mazda CX-5's infotainment system?

Common issues with the infotainment system include screens glitching, Bluetooth connection problems, ghost touches, system reboots, and fading or mottled displays. Some owners have had to replace the entire system.

What complaints have been made about the interior of the Mazda CX-5?

Owners report rattling interiors that are difficult to diagnose and fix. However, despite some wear and tear, the overall quality of materials like leather and plastics tends to hold up well over time.

What issues should buyers be aware of when considering a diesel Mazda CX-5?

Diesel versions of the CX-5 have frequent turbo failures, oil pressure issues caused by injector seal leaks, and clogged inlet systems. The turbo wastegate can snap, leading to catastrophic failure, and the engine can suffer from oil pressure failure.

What is a common problem with the Mazda CX-5’s gear selector module?

The gear selector module has a micro switch that often fails, resulting in a 'shift to park' fault, even when the vehicle is in park. The issue can be fixed by replacing the micro switch or the entire module.

What improvements were made in the K Series 2 version of the CX-5?

Mazda improved the tech, features, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels in the K Series 2, addressing owner complaints about excessive road noise and better steering feel in slippery conditions.

What safety features come standard on the Mazda CX-5?

Standard safety features include six airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, and traction control. Higher trims or those with safety packages may also include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, radar cruise control, and Smart City brake support.

Is the Mazda CX-5 a practical vehicle for families?

While the CX-5 offers good interior space, particularly in the front and rear passenger areas, it lacks some cargo space compared to competitors. The Mazda 6 wagon offers more cargo room and easier load height, making it a more practical option if space is a priority.