At a Glance
The Mazda Cx-5 has 18 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 KE (2012-2017) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 349K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mazda Cx-5 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mazda Cx-5 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Help other Mazda Cx-5 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mazda Cx-5 Generations
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Most Common Mazda Cx-5 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda Cx-5 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake pads or linings worn | 15.33% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 13.78% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.10% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.32% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.17% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 6.03% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.99% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 3.91% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.54% |
| 10 | Ball joint dust cover split | 3.41% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.27% |
| 12 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.51% |
| 13 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.96% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 1.73% |
| 15 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.45% |
| 16 | Indicator fault | 1.11% |
| 17 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.08% |
| 18 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 1.08% |
| 19 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.01% |
| 20 | Stop lamp not working | 0.90% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.73% |
| 22 | Seat belt condition | 0.72% |
| 23 | Headlamp fault | 0.65% |
| 24 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.54% |
| 25 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.52% |
| 26 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.49% |
| 27 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.48% |
| 28 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.44% |
| 29 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.28% |
| 30 | Driveshaft fault | 0.25% |
| 31 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.25% |
| 32 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 33 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.19% |
| 34 | Exhaust system fault | 0.18% |
| 35 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.18% |
| 36 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 37 | Front lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 38 | Steering rack fault | 0.14% |
| 39 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 40 | Engine oil leak | 0.13% |
| 41 | Fog lamp not working | 0.13% |
| 42 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 43 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.10% |
| 44 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 45 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.10% |
| 46 | ABS fault | 0.09% |
| 47 | Airbag warning light on | 0.09% |
| 48 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 49 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 50 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.09% |
| 51 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 52 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 53 | Horn not working | 0.07% |
| 54 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.07% |
| 55 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 56 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 57 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.05% |
| 58 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.05% |
| 59 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 60 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.05% |
| 61 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 62 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.05% |
| 63 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 65 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 66 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 67 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 68 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 69 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 70 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 72 | Rear lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 73 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 74 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 76 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Brake pedal fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Front suspension fault | 0.01% |
| 80 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 81 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 82 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 83 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 84 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.01% |
| 85 | Parking brake condition | 0.01% |
| 86 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 87 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 88 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 89 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 90 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 91 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 92 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 93 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 94 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 95 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 96 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 98 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 99 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 101 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 102 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 107 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 108 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 110 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 111 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 114 | Rear suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 120 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 121 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 124 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 131 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda Cx-5 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda Cx-5, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda Cx-5 problems?
Based on analysis of 349K Mazda Cx-5 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 18 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Wiper blades deteriorated". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda Cx-5 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda Cx-5 Mk1 KE (2012-2017) (2012–2017) has the highest number of identified common problems (18). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mazda Cx-5?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Cx-5 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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