Mazda CX-5 problems
194 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Started hearing a grinding noise coming from the back passenger side. I didn't realize it was my car the first few times it happened, thinking what could be wrong on a car less than 2 years old!?! A few days later, the noise became more regular when braking, and was grinding…
I started hearing a grinding noise coming from the back passenger side. I didn't realize it was my car the first few times it happened, thinking what could be wrong on a car less than 2 years old!?! A few days later, the noise became more regular when braking, and was grinding…
This evening I was running 2 errands less than 3 miles from house. As I drove from the first errand and arrived at the second, the malfunction indicators illuminated: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0a4bjzana9e/umf10emozji/aaaaaaaaahk/aklxhahwfsw/s1600/2012-12-11_cx-5.jpg I parked…
While driving vehicle on frwy, started losing power fast. As if the engine turned off. At light, traction light, stability control light and check engine light came on. Pulled to side of frwy turned car off, sat there in disbelief. I then turned the vehicle back on - only check…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 Mazda CX-5?
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Mazda CX-5?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 48 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,684 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 77,684 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda CX-5 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Mazda CX-5?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 194 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.