However, there is practically no reason for panic: the manufacturer eliminates the “sores” that were noticed in the crossover quite quickly, and the restyling of the CX-5 left practically no serious reasons for complaints. At least according to our friend, the owner of such a model and, of course, warranty engineers and mechanics at a number of dealership centers and services that service Mazda.

Weak battery. i-stop system failure

i-stop is Mazda's automatic engine stop and start system. It turns off the engine at traffic lights or when stopped in a traffic jam, helping to save fuel and pollute the environment less (according to the manufacturer, average fuel consumption due to the system is reduced by 7-10%). However, on the first batches of cars, the system quite quickly “drained” the car’s battery - cases of warranty replacement of a very weak, as it turned out, factory battery were not uncommon. At the same time, the i-stop system itself stopped working when the battery charge dropped to a certain level.

The simplest “folk” way to deal with a quickly dying battery is, oddly enough, not to use the i-stop system. Some owners have simply made it a habit to turn off the system with a button as soon as they start the car (if you turn off the engine, the system is automatically activated again), or almost press the brake pedal when stopping, thereby deceiving the system. However, the majority still rightly decided that money was paid for the system, which means it should work.

The manufacturer did not argue. As specialists from one of the dealerships said, citing a technical bulletin issued by the company, a certain minimum level of battery charge is required to activate the i-stop system. However, during operation, the battery may begin the process of sulfation (the formation of lead sulfate on the plates during discharge, which interferes with the movement of electrons and reduces the battery’s ability to accept a charge). Because of this, the battery is not charged to the level required for i-stop operation.

To cope with the problem, the manufacturer not only began to install other batteries, but also changed the battery charge control program and the i-stop system. The minimum battery state of charge required for the i-stop system to operate has been reduced from 68% to 65%, and software control over the battery charging process has been enhanced when the charge is reduced to 75% and below. So if your i-stop refuses to work conscientiously, run to the dealer!

Blind spot monitoring system glitch

RVM is Mazda's blind spot monitoring system, which uses sensors installed in the rear bumper to monitor vehicles hidden behind the CX-5 and warns about them using indicators in the side mirrors, and also with an audible signal when changing lanes.

A useful item of additional equipment also became one of the most common problems of the early Mazda CX-5: on the first batches of cars, the system often worked unstable, or rather, did not work at all. The system indicator, which was supposed to be green, turned yellow, indicating a malfunction. The problem lay in incorrect software, which, as officials say, was updated as part of a specially organized recall campaign. After flashing the RVM control unit, the system no longer bothered CX-5 owners.

Hood vibration

Many CX-5 owners were unpleasantly puzzled by the fact that the hood on their cars lives its own life - vibrates strongly, especially at high speeds - such that, of course, it can open at speed. “You need to look at the road, and not at the hood,” say those who have never noticed anything like that in their car. And someone jokingly advises lowering the seat lower so as not to see the hood at all.

Official dealers reassure: the hood will not go anywhere from its rightful place and does not plan to open. But the problem, as it turned out, is not far-fetched. The outer hood panel is attached to the load-bearing frame by welding only at certain points, and the rest of the area is attached using a special sealant. In the first years of production, as dealers explain, this sealant was used in insufficient quantities. As a result, during operation, some sections of the frame peeled off from the hood panel, as a result of which the latter lost a little rigidity and began to “walk.” During further production, this was taken into account, and more sealant was used when gluing the hood. The dealer solved the problem under warranty, so if such a problem suddenly appears, it makes sense to contact the officials. Well, the popular method is to glue the hood with noise-insulating materials - they say this also helps get rid of vibrations.

Rattling in the cabin

“It was like this, it rattled and rattled at first, like a bucket of bolts, and with open windows it was generally a problem. But the dealer eventually fixed everything,” says the owner. The problem seems to be quite abstract: a variety of crickets live in the interiors of a variety of cars. However, in the case of the CX-5, this sore has very specific outlines and sources. In most cases, annoying rattling noise is produced by glass (more precisely, their surroundings) and body elements in the bowels of the dashboard.

In the first case, many owners noted that the side windows do not want to be firmly fixed in the slightly open position, they play a little and because of this they rattle unpleasantly while driving. The problem, as dealers say, lay in the shape of the seal, which provided insufficient holding force. The manufacturer took customer complaints into account, and as a result, changes were made to the design: the shape of the seal profile was revised, and literally in the second year of production, glass stopped annoying owners. However, as officials noted, quite recently this problem made itself felt again, but for different reasons. Mazda has launched a small recall campaign for a small batch of vehicles whose glass was installed using the wrong primer. This can also cause extraneous sounds to appear. By the way, because of this problem, not only the CX-5 crossover, but also the Mazda6 sedan are being recalled.

The second reason for the unpleasant rattling sounds, as our interlocutors at dealerships assured, is quite trivial: in the first batches released, they miscalculated a little with the tightening torque of the windshield frame mounting bolts, which could rattle the more strongly, the worse the quality of the road surface. If the client contacted us, the bolts were tightened, and the manufacturer subsequently introduced enhanced control over compliance with the tightening torques of the bolts during production.

Knocks in the front suspension

I drove literally two thousand kilometers - the face began to rumble on any unevenness, as if something was about to fall off there. But during this time I didn’t even leave the Moscow Ring Road even once. At first I thought that it’s just that the short-travel suspension works like that, but then I realized that it’s still crazy,” says our friend, the owner of a pre-restyling CX-5.

Actually, at first the officials also said so: they say, the short travel of the front shock absorbers is a design feature. However, the knocking of the front suspension on bumps turned out to have completely different reasons. Over time, it was determined that knocks and squeaks were coming from the installation point of the front shock absorber support bearing. It turned out that the bearing housing itself could not withstand the long-term load and gradually broke, causing unpleasant sounds. In 2013, the bearing was modified - more precisely, the material from which its housing was made and its production technology were changed. New bearings were installed upon customer request and also appeared on new CX-5s released after 2013.

The trunk release button is stuck

“Yesterday they dismantled the lock at Jenser, found frozen water!!! Cleaned it, dried it, started working, two questions: how the water got in, and what it affected, we didn’t understand yet, wrote a request to the MMR, they said to replace some part (When he arrives from Japan, I’ll tell you which one, because they themselves don’t really understand much and are confused in the readings),” said an A&M user on the cx-5.ru forum. As statistics show, the problem with souring contacts of the trunk button is common in Russian operating conditions.

As part of our section, we have encountered similar things, for example,. The Mazda CX-5 had the same difficulties. The manufacturer initially overestimated the lock's resistance to moisture: one contactless wash was enough for water to penetrate into the lock body, which created its own order there - oxidation of the contacts - and then the lock's failure.

A solution to the problem was found very quickly: if the client contacted us, they changed the lock under warranty, additionally installing a waterproof gasket on the button, and subsequently this gasket began to be installed on production cars.

Of course, the owners of classmates and competitors can gloat and be in full confidence that they definitely made the right choice and bought the most reliable and problem-free car. But ideal cars do not exist - and the fact that your favorite model has not yet appeared in this section means only one thing: we just haven’t gotten to it yet.

The car from the world famous Japanese company Mazda, model CX 5, broke brand records on the first day of sales. This is a medium-sized crossover, which, thanks to a high-quality advertising campaign and, of course, a number of obvious advantages, quickly gained popularity within the world market and, in particular, the Russian one. Meanwhile, the high level of popularity was the reason why car enthusiasts paid special attention to the CX 5. In this case, doubts were raised by the not very successful interior design and conceptually new engines. We have prepared a review for you in which we will name the weakest points of the crossover.

Let's talk about the advantages

Before we tear apart some of the elements of this crossover, we propose to evaluate the advantages that the Mazda CX 5 has. First of all, it is worth noting that this model is a kind of pioneer in the use of technology called SKYACTIV on a production scale. This technology eventually formed the basis of all automotive technology from the Japanese brand. As part of this technology, the concern installed in its cars:

• conceptually new platform;
• updated gasoline and diesel engines, called SKYACTIVE G and SKYACTIVE D, respectively;
• new transmissions - automatic and 6-speed manual.

These innovations have made the crossover environmentally friendly, dynamic and, at the same time, economical in terms of fuel consumption.

After restyling in 2014, the Mazda CX 5 received an updated interior and some modifications to the body. The restyled version received:

• more comfortable and ergonomic design;
• adaptive optics;
• an expressive radiator grille, decorated with a massive crossbar and chrome trim;
• LED lights and more.

Specifications Mazda CX-5

In general, the main advantages of this crossover are as follows:

• Low fuel consumption. The Japanese brand has done everything to make this characteristic a key feature for this crossover.
• High quality head light. Thanks to well-tuned optics, there is practically no need to use foglights.
• Maximum seating comfort. After restyling, Mazda received high-quality seats that follow the natural contours of the human body.
• Excellent handling and maneuverability. Only on difficult turns the controllability is slightly lost, but, in general, the car behaves on the road at the level of maneuverable passenger cars.
• Dynamism. As a rule, car owners notice gaps in the traction of power plants.
• High quality suspension. Thanks to it, the crossover has at least good stability on the supporting surface.

Main disadvantages confirmed by the experience of car owners

Repeated tests and the experience of specific owners made it possible to identify the problems of this car:

• weak electrical equipment;
• unreliable “original” battery, which is best replaced immediately after purchasing the car;
• poor quality paintwork;
• engine is too noisy;
• low level of sound insulation;
• low quality of finishing in pre-restyling versions.

Unfortunately, the problems of the crossover from the Japanese brand are not limited to this list.

Problem battery

New car owners become aware that using a pre-installed battery is associated with many problems in the first days after purchase. Particularly striking is the i-stop system, which works with visible problems. This system is responsible for the automated start and stop of the power plant. Its functionality is entirely aimed at minimizing fuel consumption, which means that it dampens the crossover in traffic jams and at traffic lights. In addition, it helps the car not pollute the environment.

Meanwhile, in the pre-restyling versions of the Japanese-made crossover, the pre-installed battery was literally drained, and therefore many car owners had to contact services for a warranty replacement of this device. Actually, the problem with the i-stop system was not only this, because it also refused to work if the battery charge dropped to a certain level.

Domestic car owners quickly found a simple, but also banal solution to this problem - they simply refused to use this system. Meanwhile, the fuel economy in this case was no longer significant, which means it was necessary to make it work.

It cannot be said that the brand responded with lightning speed to the discovery by customers of similar problems in their cars. However, a solution was still found. Now these crossovers are equipped with different batteries. In addition, the i-stop system itself has undergone some changes - its charging requirements have been lowered. Actually, dealerships do not refuse responsibility for such problems, so if a similar situation arises, you can safely contact the official representatives of the Japanese brand directly.

Blind spot monitoring system: installed, but not adjusted

The crossover uses a so-called -system, which, in theory, should provide effective monitoring of dead zones. RVM sensors are present on the bumper and monitor the situation behind the car, notifying the driver of the danger through the side mirror indicators and through an audio message. The problem with this system is that it was either unstable or refused to work at all.

The cause of this problem, which called into question the safety of the crossover, was the incorrect software of the car. The brand used the services of a third-party company so that highly qualified specialists could select the optimal solution. Thus, after restyling, the firmware of the RVM system no longer created inconvenience for drivers.

A hood that “lives its own life”

The reliability of a car whose hood is subject to severe vibrations is obviously in doubt. At high speeds, according to many owners of the model, it feels like the hood will open completely. However, representatives of the Japanese brand assure that the part will not move from its proper place.

Meanwhile, the presence of the disease has not been canceled. The essence of the problem lies in the design features of the hood. The fixation of its outer panel is predominantly point-based, and all those areas that are not secured by welding are held on with sealant. The brand's management admitted that they discovered the error after the release of the first series of cars. Thus, the amount of sealant used was insufficient for reliable fixation, and therefore certain parts of the hood lost their clear installation and, accordingly, caused vibrations.

The solution to the problem was obvious, so now the sealant is used in the right amount. Problems with cars that had already been sold were resolved privately by dealers. In addition, official representatives of the company are ready to cooperate today.

Low level of sound insulation inside the cabin

Usually the problem of rattling in the cabin is quite abstract, but in the Mazda crossover the sources of its occurrence have very specific outlines. Noise is produced by body elements that are located behind the dashboard, as well as all those parts that surround the glass.

In order to solve the problem with the glass, the manufacturer made certain adjustments to the design of the model. Thus, the shape of the seal, which previously could not provide a sufficient level of holding capacity, was modified, so that the second series of the model did not cause inconvenience to its newly-made owners. It is worth noting that in the last couple of years, noise in the cabin has again become a pressing problem for crossovers, however, it already had other reasons. The brand had to organize an entire recall company to correct the consequences of using inappropriate primer during the glass installation process.

In order to minimize noise in the cabin, the brand also revised the assembly technology of the car as a whole. Now the tightening of the bolts that secure the windshield frame is much more serious.

Noisy front suspension

The seemingly reliable crossover began to knock in the area of ​​the front suspension after several thousand kilometers. Initially, official representatives of the brand said that the knocking was caused by a feature of the shock absorbers. However, the real reason turned out to be different. The front suspension makes noise from the place where the front shock absorber support bearings are installed. Actually, the housing of this bearing was completely unreliable, and it collapsed very quickly under the influence of loads.

As part of the 2013 restyling, Mazda employees developed more advanced bearings, which were henceforth installed on all cars of this model. To replace the bearing in the pre-restyling version, you just need to contact the official dealership.

Unstable trunk release button

In this case, we will talk about the fact that the luggage compartment lock often jams. This problem with the crossover arose due to the fact that the developers initially overestimated the design of the lock, or rather, its resistance to water ingress. The problem was gaining colossal proportions, since just one contactless wash was enough for moisture to fill the lock structure. The presence of water inside the lock led to oxidation of the contacts, which in turn completely disabled the element.

The solution to this issue was, firstly, a warranty replacement of faulty locks. In addition, a special moisture-resistant gasket was added to the new parts, which, since the discovery of the developers’ error, has become a traditional element in the entire crossover series.

Despite the fact that the reliability of the Mazda CX 5 has been repeatedly questioned, it is important to remember that there are no ideal cars on the modern car market. Yes, it is obvious that the company did not prepare for the release of this crossover as it should have. Unfortunately, many new car owners were extremely disappointed with the quality of the product and this caused great harm to the reputation of the Japanese automaker. But when things got really serious, the company's management took the brunt of it. Fortunately, the brand today does not refuse responsibility for its own mistakes and is ready to promptly correct problems in the operation and design of its own products.

Mazda CX 5: a crossover not without its shortcomings updated: September 25, 2017 by: dimajp

debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall of 2011. Sales of the car in Europe and Russia started simultaneously at the beginning of 2012. The new product immediately became very popular in our market, although, of course, it did not immediately succeed in surpassing the then best-selling brand, which at that time was selling out like hot cakes. But today this crossover is the undisputed sales leader among other Mazda models presented in Russia.

Its arsenal includes a stylish and dynamic design, excellent driving performance and exciting handling, high-torque and economical engines, as well as high build quality and reliability (more on this later).

The CX-5 is built according to a traditional design for cars of this type: it has a monocoque body, independent suspension on all wheels, high ground clearance and an all-wheel drive transmission with an electronically controlled clutch in the rear axle drive. We also sell front-wheel drive versions, but only in the initial Drive and Active trim levels, and exclusively with a basic two-liter gasoline engine with 150 horsepower. By the way, besides this, the engine range also includes a 192-horsepower unit, as well as a 2.2-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 175 hp. Unfortunately, the representative office of the Japanese company stopped accepting orders for diesel modifications of the crossover last year due to their immodest price tag, even by Mazda standards. True, there are still some left in dealer warehouses. In addition, our car enthusiasts are still quite wary of cars with heavy fuel engines. Transmissions are six-speed manual and automatic.

In February 2015, dealers began selling the Mazda CX-5. The updated crossover can be recognized by a modified radiator grille, different direction indicators in the side mirror housings, as well as LED headlights, fog lights and taillights. The car has improved sound insulation of the wheel arches and the engine compartment. Inside, the design of the climate control unit and center console has changed, and a more advanced MZD Connect infotainment system has appeared. Among the technical innovations, we note an electronic parking brake and a sports mode for the automatic transmission.

However, for Russian car enthusiasts, all these flattering reviews are not enough to recognize the Mazda CX-5 as one of the best in the class. A bestseller should also create a minimum of problems in operation and not ruin the content. And here the “five” has practically no equal. The car has been in production for five years and during this time some statistics of malfunctions have already accumulated. The first stone in the skeptics' garden was modern engines with proprietary Skyactive technology, which turned out to be so reliable that they are almost devoid of any congenital sores. True, these engines must be filled only with high-quality oil and its level must be periodically monitored. “Skyactive fours” waste oil, and its deficiency can lead to engine failure. Therefore, you need to make it a rule to monitor the level of special fluid at least once a week.

Among the unpleasant moments, we note that the valve and front cover gaskets lose their tightness by 50,000 km. However, replacing them is not at all burdensome. The ignition coils are at risk - there is one for each cylinder. Price - 6000-7000 rubles each. Also, ahead of time - at 40,000 km - the drive belt, which changes along with the roller, may fail. And further. The two-liter engine in the Russian CX-5 develops 150 horsepower, and in some markets (for example, America and Japan) this “four” produces 165. Dealers, if you ask them nicely, can return these 15 horsepower to your engine. back, electronic engine control unit.

Gearboxes are a priori reliable. Although, if you wish, you can kill them too, if you make it a rule to drive with the pedal to the floor, starting sharply and braking. But the first to take the hit is the transfer case, or more precisely, its oil seals, which begin to sweat after 80,000 km from barbaric use. But these are still flowers. Such active driving also causes the transfer case cushions to fail, but they are not replaced separately - only together with the subframe. So, the replacement will cost 60,000 rubles.

In the suspension at 40,000-60,000 km, it is often necessary to change the front wheel bearings, which come complete with the hub (15,000 rubles). Around the same mileage, you will have to replace torn anthers. True, they cost pennies, but work from the officials will cost 3,500-5,000 rubles per pair. The brake discs are not very durable (7,500 rubles each), which, however, can withstand two pad replacements. In the steering, the left linkage is being updated, which, due to a design flaw, touches the rack casing. The part is replaced with a modernized one from 2200 rubles.

Electrical equipment will not cause problems, except for one-time cases of failure of the mirror folding mechanism (12,000 rubles per repair kit) and their control unit. It happens that the limit switch of the automatic mode switching lever becomes unusable. True, the officials have learned to repair this unit for mere pennies.

Mazda CX-5 debuted on the automobile market in 2011. An economical crossover for drivers who value comfort and ease of operation, it immediately entered the ranking of the company's best-selling models. In 2014, the Japanese restyled the model. In 2017, second-generation cars rolled off the assembly line.

Currently, the Mazda is offered with two petrol engines paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

CX-5
Modifications	2.0 MT (150 hp)	2.0 AT (150 hp)	2.5 AT (192 hp)
Performance indicators
Maximum speed, km/h	197	191	194
Acceleration to 100 km/h, s	41342	41342	41524
Fuel consumption (city / highway / mixed), l	7.7 / 5.3 / 6.2	7.9 / 5.4 / 6.3	9.3 / 6.1 / 7.3
Engine
Engine volume, cm3	1997	1997	2488
engine's type	petrol	petrol	petrol
Fuel brand	AI-95	AI-95	AI-95
Number of cylinders	4	4	4
Cylinder arrangement	in-line	in-line	in-line
Engine power system		direct injection into the combustion chamber	direct injection into the combustion chamber
Engine location	anterior, transverse	anterior, transverse	anterior, transverse
Number of valves per cylinder	4	4	4
Compression ratio	14.0	14.0	13.0
Cylinder diameter and piston stroke, mm	83.5×91.2	83.5×91.2	89.0×100.0
Maximum power, hp/kW at rpm	150 / 110 / 6000	150 / 110 / 6000	192 / 141 / 5700
Maximum torque, N*m at rpm	210 / 4000	210 / 4000	256 / 4000
Transmission
Transmission type	mechanical	machine	machine
Number of gears	6	6	6
type of drive	front	front	full
Dimensions
Length, mm	4555	4555	4555
Width, mm	1840	1840	1840
Height, mm	1670	1670	1670
Ground clearance, mm	215	215	210
Wheel size	225/65/R17 235/60/R18	225/65/R17 235/60/R18	225/65/R17 225/55/R19
Front track width, mm	1585	1585	1585
Rear track width, mm	1590	1590	1590
Wheelbase, mm	2700	2700	2700
Trunk volume min/max, l	403 1560	403 1560	403 1560
Fuel tank volume, l	56	56	56
Total weight, kg	1945	1980	2075
Curb weight, kg	1365	1400	1495
Front brakes	ventilated disc	ventilated disc	ventilated disc
Rear brakes	ventilated disc	disk	disk

During the operation of the CX-5, problems were discovered with the reliability of some components and mechanisms, and weaknesses were identified, which we want to tell future owners about today. In general, the reliability of the Mazda CX-5 will depend on timely maintenance and careful operation.

Advantages

First, let's figure out why the Mazda CX-5 gained its popularity. A few words about the advantages:

• Economy (8-10l/100km). Japanese engineers used the most modern technologies to make this indicator the hallmark of the crossover.
• Reliable and dynamic engines. Modern SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines with the highest compression ratio of 14.
• Spectacular and stylish appearance. The innovative ideas of Mazda designers made it possible to create a car that combines sophistication, beauty and power.
• Controllability and maneuverability.
• High level of safety and comfort. Mazda CX-5 is equipped with G-Vectoring Control, which compensates for cornering forces, ensuring safety and comfort.

Flaws

Basically, based on the advantages, the disadvantages of the CX-5 model, identified in numerous tests and operating experience of the owners, also appear.

1. Noisy engine. To achieve a high compression ratio and ensure efficiency, SKYACTIV-G engines use direct fuel injection with variable valve timing. After a cold start, the engine operates with increased noise. This is due to the fuel burning out in the exhaust manifold for 20 seconds to warm up the catalyst.

Complex technical solutions require timely maintenance and the use of high-quality fuel and oil. Then the engine will work “like a clock” even after 150,000 km.

1. Unreliable electrical equipment. For the sake of environmental friendliness and reduction, the CX-5 is equipped with an i-stop system. When stopping at a traffic light, the system turns off the engine and starts it when the gas pedal is pressed. All systems continue to operate and drain the battery. Due to insufficient battery power, at one point the car simply will not start.

Today, crossovers are equipped with a high-capacity battery, and the i-stop system has received new software. If such problems are detected, they will be corrected by the official dealer under warranty. The operation of this system is also associated with complaints about the rupture of the generator and air conditioner drive belts.

There were also questions about the blind spot monitoring system (RVM). Sensors mounted on the bumper often worked unstably. After restyling, the system firmware was replaced and the inconvenience disappeared.

The multimedia head unit on cars after 2013 does not remember the track number and always plays from the first one when turned on.

1. Body elements. The body paint of the Mazda CX-5 is another weak point of the car. Chips and scratches quickly appear on it, but due to its good corrosion resistance, rust does not form in these places for a long time.

At speeds above 100 km/h, strong hood vibrations occurred on early production cars due to insufficient sealant and soft seals. Subsequently, the problem was fixed in production, and Mazda dealers are always ready to cooperate.

1. Transmission. The automatic transmission is quite reliable and, if used carefully, will last a long time. Malfunctions are caused by active driving among those who like to rush away from traffic lights.
2. Chassis. To ensure handling, the CX-5 has a complex suspension: MacPherson struts at the front and an independent multi-link at the rear. The weak point was the installation location of the front shock absorber support bearings. On some cars, when driving on uneven roads, a knocking sound appeared due to damage to this bearing.
   As part of the restyling, the material and manufacturing method of the front suspension shock absorber support bearing have been changed.

The steering rack is not particularly reliable and may start to knock after 45,000 km. And if you often move over rough terrain, then even earlier.

1. Salon. Several sources of extraneous sounds were found in the cabin. Noise at the point of contact between the dashboard and the windshield when driving over uneven surfaces, rattling of the side windows when opened a few centimeters. The automaker has made changes to the design of the glass seal and revised the assembly technology to increase the tightening torque of the windshield mounting frame bolts.

There were also complaints about the driver's seat with mechanical adjustment - the seat dropped spontaneously. To eliminate this problem, the entire seat frame along with the adjustment mechanism was replaced during the warranty period.

In the luggage compartment of the CX-5, a “cricket” appeared at the location where the inner door handle was installed when the car was moving on a rough road. Dealers began to stick a sealant on the inside of the handle. The rear door lock often jammed, the design of which turned out to be leaky. After each wash, the contacts inside the lock oxidized and the element stopped functioning. The developers' solution was a special sealing gasket along with the replacement of faulty mechanisms.

Finally

Of course, this is not a complete list of comments. It is important to understand that ideal cars, like ideal people, do not exist! The main thing is that the reliability of the main structural elements (engines, transmission, CX-5 is beyond doubt. The existing shortcomings are either assembly flaws or electronic settings. For an advanced crossover created from scratch, this is a huge plus.

During the development of this model, all the shortcomings were eliminated and are absent in the latest modifications. And the manufacturer admits mistakes and is ready to correct them in a timely manner. We recommend that the buyer of a used CX-5 conduct diagnostics before purchasing and clarify what has already been fixed under warranty.

The red Mazda CX-5 set out on a long testing journey on May 13, 2013. Testing of the crossover by the editors of the German magazine “Auto Bild” took place in strict accordance with the plan. From the very first kilometers, the SUV began to collect positive reviews. Most entries praise the 2.2-litre turbodiesel and the well-balanced, comfortable chassis. As you probably guessed, this combination made the Japanese crossover the most popular vehicle for long trips.

During testing, we were pleased with such pleasant details as USB and AUX connectors in the armrest and fast-acting heated seats. After 15,000 km, the test editor summarized: “A pleasant car. Suspension, engine, seats, effective navigation system and spacious interior - the car is four and a half points on a 5-point scale.”

Despite the fact that a number of shortcomings were soon discovered, none of them changed the positive attitude towards the Mazda CX-5. Among the most annoying little things, it is worth noting the following: a license plate light that constantly falls out of its holder, door pockets that are too small, carelessly laid carpet and poor rear visibility.

The carpet is attached very weakly: one movement of the hand, and it forms a slide.

Unfortunately, the idyll soon ended. At the 34,224 km mark, while driving on the highway, the Mazda CX-5 revealed its dark mask. The engine warning light came on and the oil level was too low. This scared the driver seriously. As if this were not enough, the on-board computer warned of the risk of engine seizure.

I had to react quickly: braking, moving into the emergency lane and turning off the engine. The hood is up, the dipstick is in your hands, and on it... there is a normal oil level. After starting the engine, all messages disappeared, as if by magic. Is it possible that this was a false alarm?

Not really. From that moment on, the message appeared quite regularly, and then disappeared again. Of course, this is not a normal situation. Therefore, it was decided to reduce the waiting time for the next maintenance scheduled for 40,000 km, and visit the service now. After draining the old oil, it was discovered that the lubricant was very worn and diluted. It’s strange that the on-board computer did not suggest rushing to visit the service. Perhaps Mazda engineers should take care of this...

Perhaps the computer would have reported this if, during the previous service visit, the dealership mechanics had installed the latest version of the ECU software available at that time on the test Mazda CX-5. Amnesia prevented service employees from updating navigation maps. Badly! - this is said very mildly. Fortunately, nothing could hold back the Mazda CX-5, and it boldly swallowed thousands of kilometers. Everything went according to plan, and the crossover again and again received flattering reviews from test editors.

At 87,389 km, the ominous engine warning light came on again. Another unplanned visit to an official service center again revealed the inevitability of the influence of the human factor. During a recent maintenance visit, the mechanic forgot to restart the on-board computer. Therefore, the smart piece of hardware assessed the current condition of the oil based on outdated data and concluded that it was time to replace it.

The trunk volume is 503 liters, and with the rear seatbacks folded down it is 1620 liters.

Two mistakes by experts during one test? It's too much. Mazda representatives were equally concerned about what was happening and breathed a sigh of relief when the Mazda CX-5 crossed the finish line at 100,000 km. But it's too early to relax. Ahead is a complete disassembly of the car. Everything was going great until the moment when the front brakes fell into the hands of specialists. DEKRA's expert stated that the brake linings had collapsed and left deep scratches on the brake disc.

It was discovered by chance that the installed brake pads were intended for short trips. They are not suitable for continuous and long trips. Condition of the pad after 20,000 km and final measurements of dynamics and braking.

Guess whose fault this is? That's right, once again the Mazda service in Germany failed. During an extreme inspection of the brakes, someone came up with the brilliant idea to install non-original budget pads on the test Mazda CX-5, suitable for rare and short trips. After a while, the owner would hardly be able to notice it. Mazda engineers were surprised to hear such conclusions and could not believe it, claiming that dealer services install only original components. If this happens in civilized Germany, then why be surprised in Russia?

A real spectacle. The plastic protection works perfectly. Engine, transmission and attachments are clean and dry.

Thus, the German Mazda dealer network showed dark spots on its impeccable reputation. These events ruined the chances of the test Mazda CX-5 to take the top spot in the endurance rating. Fortunately, the shortcomings did not affect the positive attitude towards the car, as well as the excellent condition of the components inspected after dismantling. The Mazda CX-5 with a 2.2-liter diesel engine is an excellent car that deservedly received an “excellent” rating.

The boost pressure is generated by a two-stage turbocharger. This technique guarantees a powerful increase in traction even at low revs. After 100,000 km it is in excellent condition.

Chronology of main events

11,600 km – the right license plate light bulb falls out of the retainer.

36,224 km – alarm message about the oil level being too low.

45,997 km – excellent performance on snow.

50,521 km – high engine speeds after a “cold” start. Irritating at low temperatures.

80,440 km – replacement of front brake discs and pads.

87 389 – the “engine malfunction” light comes on. Another unplanned visit to the service.

The plastic covers on the bottom of the body are secured using plastic clips. But during the test they all got loose.

Specifications Mazda CX-5

Options	Meaning
engine's type	Turbodiesel, R4/16
Working volume	2191 cm3
Bore x stroke	86.0 x 94.3 mm
Timing drive	chain
Maximum power	150 hp / 4500 rpm. / min
Maximum torque	380 Nm / 1800 rpm / min
Maximum speed	197 km/h
Transmission	6 manual transmission
Drive unit
Body/chassis
Length Width Height	4555/1840/1710 mm
Wheelbase	2700 mm
	1632/473 kg
Brakes (front/rear)	Ventilated disc/disc
Fuel tank capacity	58 l
Permissible trailer weight with brakes	2000 kg
Power volume	503-1620 l

Expenses

Insurance
Mileage	100,757 km
Insurance	1730 Euro
Fuel and oil
8355 l per (1.05 Euro per liter)	36,762 zł
Engine oil for refilling
Tires
Summer: 1 set. Yokohama Geolander G98 225/65 R 17 V	612 Euro
Winter: 1 set. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-80 225/65 R 17 H	687 Euro
THAT
20,000 km	223 Euro
40,000 km	316 Euro
60,000 km	290 Euro
80,000 km	292 Euro
100,000 km	224 Euro
Total cost of service	1344 Euro

Price
Price of the tested version in 2013	31,900 Euro
Current price of the tested version (restyling)	34,190 Euro
Residual value of test car	22,000 Euro
Loss in value	9,900 Euro
Expenses, including
Costs for 100,757 km	13,550 Euro
Cost 1 km	0.13 Euro
Cost of 1 km violation	0.23 Euro

Test measurements

Options	Start of the test	End of test
Acceleration
0-50 km/h	3.0 s	3.2 s
0-100 km/h	9.6 years	10.2 years
0-130 km/h	16.6 years	16.9 years
Elasticity
60-100 km/h	6.4 / 8.5 sec 4th / 5th gear	6.5 / 8.8 sec 4/5 gear
80/120 km/h	8.8 / 11.5 sec 5th / 6th gear	9.0 / 11.6 sec 5/6 gear
Braking distance from 100 km/h
Brakes are cold	37.9 m	37.4 m
Brakes are warm	38.6 m	39.5 m
Noise level in the cabin
50 km/h	58 dB(A)	58 dB(A)
100 km/h	67 dB(A)	67 dB(A)
130 km/h	71 dB(A)	71 dB(A)

Average fuel consumption (start of testing) - 6.3 l / 100 km.

Average fuel consumption (end of test) - 6.6 l / 100 km.

Power measurement on the stand (end of test) - 110.1 kW / 150 hp.

Average fuel consumption according to the EEC standard is 5.67 l / 100 km.

Conclusion

As it turned out, even careless maintenance could not stop the Mazda CX-5 on its way to the finish line, and did not prevent it from receiving high marks. If the mechanics had been more attentive and responsible, the Mazda CX-5 could well have become the leader in the rating. In any case, the car left behind only positive impressions. Mazda has once again proven that its cars are reliable, and they rightfully occupy the highest positions in the Auto Bild ranking.