🔧 Maintenance Schedule Overview
Oil 7,500 mi synthetic 0W-20. 6AT fluid 60K. Spark plugs 75K. Coolant 100K (FL-22). Brake fluid 36K. AWD transfer case 30K-60K.
The CX-5 is the driver's choice in a class full of appliances. Mature 2.5L Skyactiv, refined 6-speed automatic (not a CVT), and the nicest interior in the segment for the money. Quietly one of the most reliable SUVs you can buy.
Ranked by severity. Critical items are red flags that should change your buying decision or pricing. Important items need a documented fix. Good-to-know items are wear items and ownership realities.
A subset of 2.5L engines consume 1 qt per 3,000-5,000 miles. Mazda issued an extended warranty for some VINs. Check level.
TSB and small recall. Hard brake pedal with engine running. Verify TSB completed.
Common across all years. Drill drainage hole or replace assembly.
New addition. Some carbon buildup reports but no widespread issues yet.
Mazda paint is thin. Stone chips on hood common.
2014-2020 screen does not accept touch when moving. Some find this annoying.
Same as Honda - condenser sits low.
Refreshed interior, premium materials throughout, 2.5L NA or 2.5T, mature 6AT.
Best and worst years compared. Use this when shopping listings.
Plug an OBD2 scanner in before money changes hands. These are the codes most commonly seen on the CX-5. Pending codes matter as much as active ones.
Oil 7,500 mi synthetic 0W-20. 6AT fluid 60K. Spark plugs 75K. Coolant 100K (FL-22). Brake fluid 36K. AWD transfer case 30K-60K.
$450-650/year routine. Lifetime non-routine $2,000-3,500 to 200K. Lower than nearly all European competitors.
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Always run the VIN at NHTSA before purchase. Open recalls are free to repair but must be addressed.
2021 plus for the refreshed interior. 2017-2018 2nd gen for best used value.
No years are truly bad. 2014-2016 has minor oil consumption and brake booster issues. Verify TSBs done.
Yes - quietly one of the most reliable compact SUVs. Skyactiv 2.5L and 6AT are mature and proven.
250K plus miles is realistic on the NA 2.5L with proper care. 2.5T is too new for full data but early signs are good.
Yes if you want torque. The NA 2.5L is the more reliable choice long-term.
Above class average. Comparable to RAV4 and CR-V.
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