Mazda CX-5 (1st Gen) Buyer's Guide: Common Problems and Reliability (2013–2017)
Mazda · CX-5 · 1st gen · 2013–2017
The first-generation Mazda CX-5 is one of the best-driving compact SUVs on the used market. Our complete buyer's guide covers common problems, reliability, pricing, maintenance costs, and what to check before you buy.
Mirko8 min read
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The first-generation Mazda CX-5 (2013-2017) redefined what a compact SUV could be. It offered genuinely engaging driving dynamics, efficient SkyActiv engines, and sharp styling that still looks fresh today. It remains one of the most appealing used SUVs in its class — but like any vehicle, it has a few issues worth knowing about before you hand over your money.
Generation Overview
The CX-5 debuted for the 2013 model year as Mazda's first model to feature the full suite of SkyActiv technology: direct-injection engines, a lightweight platform, and revised transmissions. Engine options include the 2.0L SkyActiv-G I4 (155 hp) and the 2.5L SkyActiv-G I4 (184 hp, added for 2014). A six-speed automatic was standard, with a six-speed manual available on the 2.0L early in the generation.
A mid-cycle refresh for 2016 brought updated styling, improved noise insulation, and Mazda's G-Vectoring Control system for sharper handling. Trims include Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The 2016 refresh also addressed many of the early issues, making 2016-2017 models the most desirable of the first generation.
Pricing Guide
Here is what you can expect to pay for a first-generation Mazda CX-5 in 2026: 2013-2014: $6,000-$8,500 (80,000-120,000 miles) 2015-2016: $8,500-$11,000 (70,000-100,000 miles) 2017: $11,000-$14,000 (50,000-80,000 miles)
Prices vary by trim (Grand Touring commands a premium), regional market, and whether the car has a clean service history. A documented example with consistent oil changes and brake service is worth paying $500-1,000 more than one without records.
Known Issues
Excessive Brake Wear
The CX-5 is known for accelerated front brake wear, especially in earlier models (2013-2014). Some owners report needing brake pads every 20,000 to 30,000 miles and rotors every other pad change. This is partly a function of the car's weight and the SkyActiv system's regenerative braking-like characteristics.
Severity: Low. What to watch for: Listen for squealing during braking and inspect rotor condition for scoring or warping. Budget for more frequent brake service than average — factor $300-500 per brake job.
Infotainment System Freezing (2014-2016)
The Mazda Connect infotainment system in 2014-2016 models is prone to occasional freezing, slow response, and Bluetooth connectivity issues. Software updates resolved some of these issues, but not all. The touchscreen also disables while the car is moving (a safety feature), which some owners find frustrating when using the navigation.
Severity: Low. What to watch for: Test all infotainment functions — navigation, Bluetooth pairing, USB audio, backup camera — during the test drive and ensure they work reliably.
Door Latch Actuator Failure
Some first-gen CX-5 models experience failure of the power door lock actuators, particularly on the rear doors. The door may fail to lock or unlock with the remote or interior switch. Replacement is straightforward but costs $200-350 per door at a shop.
Severity: Low. What to watch for: Test all door locks, including the rear doors, from the driver's controls during your inspection.
Hood Paint Peeling
Some CX-5 models, particularly in darker colors like Soul Red and Jet Black Mica, have reported premature paint peeling and chipping on the leading edge of the hood. This is a cosmetic issue but can affect resale value by $500-1,000.
Severity: Low. What to watch for: Inspect the front edge of the hood and leading edge of the roof for peeling paint or rock chip damage. If present, use it as a negotiation point.
Transmission Harshness (2013-2014)
Some early CX-5 models exhibit harsh or jerky shifting from the six-speed automatic, particularly at low speeds or during deceleration. In most cases, a transmission control module (TCM) reprogramming from the dealer resolves the issue. Some owners report improvement after a transmission fluid change.
Severity: Low to Moderate. What to watch for: During your test drive, accelerate and decelerate in stop-and-go traffic and pay attention to shift quality. If you feel harsh shifts, ask if the TCM update was performed.
G-Vectoring Control Electric Steering Rack (2016-2017)
Some 2016-2017 models with G-Vectoring Control have reported premature electric power steering rack wear, leading to a loose or wandering feeling at highway speeds. This is less common than the other issues but more expensive to fix — steering rack replacement costs $1,200-1,800.
Severity: Moderate. What to watch for: On the highway, notice whether the steering feels vague or requires constant micro-corrections. A wandering sensation at speed is worth investigating before purchase.
Sub-Variant Considerations
If you're looking at a 2013 model with the 2.0L engine, note that it can feel underpowered, especially on highway grades and with a full load of passengers. The 2.5L (available from 2014) is a meaningful upgrade that doesn't sacrifice much fuel economy — expect about 1-2 MPG less in real-world driving. The 2.0L is adequate for city driving but can be frustrating on road trips. If you're looking at a 2.0L, test drive it on a highway on-ramp first to make sure it meets your expectations.
All-wheel drive is available on all trims and adds about $1,000-1,500 to the used price. Front-wheel-drive models are lighter and slightly more fuel- efficient, while AWD provides meaningful traction benefits in snow and rain.
Maintenance Costs
The first-gen CX-5 is reasonably affordable to maintain compared to compact SUV rivals. Expect: - Oil changes: $50-70 (synthetic required, 5,000-7,500 mile intervals) - Brake pads and rotors (front): $300-500 every 30,000 miles - Transmission fluid change: $200-300 (recommended at 60,000 miles) - Spark plugs: $200-350 (60,000-75,000 mile interval for SkyActiv engines) - Cooling system flush: $150-200 (recommended at 60,000-100,000 miles)
Annual maintenance costs average $500-800 for a well-maintained example, which is competitive with the Honda CR-V and below the Toyota RAV4 of the same era.
Competitor Comparison
How does the first-gen CX-5 stack up against its main rivals?
Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V (2013-2017): The CR-V offers more cargo space and a slightly softer ride. The CX-5 is more engaging to drive and more reliable long-term (the CR-V's direct-injection engines of this era have carbon buildup concerns). Fuel economy is comparable.
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 (2013-2017): The RAV4 is more spacious and has a better reliability reputation, but the CX-5 drives much better and has a more upscale interior. The CX-5 also holds its value well — not as well as the RAV4, but better than most competitors.
Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Forester (2014-2018): The Forester offers superior standard all-wheel drive and more ground clearance for light off-roading. The CX-5 is more reliable (Subaru of this era has well-documented oil consumption and CVT issues), quieter on the highway, and cheaper to maintain.
Which Model Year to Buy
The 2016-2017 models are the sweet spot for the first-generation CX-5. The 2016 refresh brought improved noise insulation, G-Vectoring Control for better handling, and software updates that resolved many of the infotainment issues. The 2017 model year is the most refined and benefits from the longest production run of the updated design.
If budget is tight, a 2015 with the 2.5L engine is a solid alternative — just budget for the infotainment and brake wear issues noted above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?
No. Annual maintenance costs average $500-800, which is competitive for the compact SUV segment. Parts are readily available and most independent shops are comfortable working on Mazdas. The SkyActiv engines are known for reliability when properly maintained.
Which CX-5 engine should I choose?
The 2.5L engine is strongly recommended over the 2.0L. The power difference is noticeable in everyday driving, especially on highways, and the fuel economy penalty is minimal (1-2 MPG). The 2.0L was only available on the base Sport trim from 2013 and can feel inadequate for highway merging and passing.
Is the CX-5 good in snow?
Yes, especially with all-wheel drive. The CX-5 has good ground clearance (8.5 inches) and Mazda's G-Vectoring Control (2016+) helps maintain traction in slippery conditions. Equipped with winter tires and AWD, it handles snow exceptionally well for a compact SUV.
What mileage CX-5 should I look for?
For maximum value, look for a 2015-2016 model with 70,000-90,000 miles. These cars are past the steepest depreciation but still have significant life remaining. The 60,000-mile service (spark plugs, transmission fluid, coolant) should have been done by this point — check for records.
This page covers what's documented about the first-generation CX-5 generally. The car you're looking at has its own history — its own mileage, accidents, service gaps, and previous owners. A Squeezed report pulls the exact risk profile for your specific year, trim, and spec. Run a report.
FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Mazda CX-5 (1st Gen) (2013-2017)?
Excessive brake wear and infotainment system freezing on 2014-2016 models are the most reported issues, though both are Low severity. Transmission harshness on 2013-2014 cars and door latch actuator failure round out the list.
Is the Mazda CX-5 (1st Gen) (2013-2017) reliable?
Yes — this generation has a strong reliability reputation, with all known issues sitting at Low to Moderate severity rather than anything catastrophic.
Are there Mazda CX-5 (1st Gen) years to avoid?
2013-2014 models are most associated with transmission harshness before a running change smoothed shift calibration. Later 2015-2017 cars, and 2016-2017 cars with the updated electric steering rack, carry fewer of the early-production quirks.