Quick Summary

The Mazda CX-5 consistently scores among the most reliable compact SUVs on the used market. RepairPal gives it 4.5 out of 5.0, J.D. Power puts recent model years at 82 out of 100, and Consumer Reports says the 2025 model is much more reliable than other cars. Annual maintenance costs sit well below the segment average. A few model years are worth more of your attention, and two problem areas deserve a closer look. For shoppers who want a dependable pre-owned SUV that feels premium without the luxury price tag, the CX-5 makes a strong case.

A compact SUV that racks up a 4.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal, an 82 out of 100 from J.D. Power, and a Consumer Reports verdict of "much more reliable than other cars" all in the same breath deserves a closer look. The used Mazda CX-5 is that vehicle, and it pairs those scores with an interior that rivals entry-level luxury models and handling that makes a grocery run feel a little more fun.

At Zeigler Ford of Plainwell, we help shoppers find pre-owned SUVs that hold up over the long haul, and our used cars inventory is a smart place to start. What makes the CX-5 such a standout on the used lot? Let us walk through the data.

Reliability Scores That Stand Above the Pack

The numbers tell a strong story. RepairPal places the CX-5 at the top of the compact SUV class with a 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating. The average annual repair cost runs about $447, well below the segment norm of $573. Major repairs are rare, with only an 8% probability of something serious going wrong compared to 13% across the rest of the segment.

J.D. Power gives the 2022 through 2025 CX-5 model years a consistent 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability, keeping every recent version firmly in the "Great" range. Consumer Reports is just as positive. It rates the 2025 CX-5 as "much more reliable than other cars from the same model year," and the CX-5 has earned scores of 4 or 5 on Consumer Reports reliability surveys every single year since 2013.

The NHTSA backs up the safety side too. The 2024 CX-5 earned a 5-star overall safety rating with zero recalls for the base model, and only 14 owner complaints were filed, most tied to minor electrical items or wipers rather than any mechanical worry.

Known Problem Areas Worth Knowing

No vehicle is perfect, and the CX-5 has a few spots that buyers of used vehicles should check:

Cracked cylinder heads (2018–2020 models). This is the most expensive risk, and it mainly affects non-turbo 2.5-liter engines with cylinder deactivation. On turbo engines from that window, the crack can leak coolant. On non-turbo versions, it leaks oil. Mazda redesigned the cylinder head for 2021, so later models are largely free of the issue.
Infotainment glitches. Owners report screens going blank, random rebooting, ghost touch (the display responding without being tapped), and Apple CarPlay dropping its connection. A software update at a Mazda dealership fixes many of these bugs, though some owners have needed a full screen replacement. One 2021 CX-5 owner on Consumer Reports noted the blank screen issue happened 12 times in four years, with the dealer unable to recreate the fault.
Premature brake wear (2013–2018 models). Early CX-5s are known for eating through brake pads far sooner than expected. Owners on Cars.com and CarComplaints.com report rear brake pads wearing out at 14,000 to 25,000 miles. The outer pad often shows severe wear while the inner pad looks nearly new, a sign of caliper pins sticking. Grinding noises and excessive rust buildup are common clues. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletins rather than a recall, so out-of-pocket replacement costs fall on the owner.
Low-pressure fuel pump recall (2018–2019 models). The pump impeller can deform and cause the engine to stall while driving. Mazda dealers replace the pump at no cost.

At Zeigler Ford of Plainwell, our service team helps owners check for open recalls and catch small items before they grow into bigger repair bills.

What You Will Pay and What You Will Spend

Depreciation works in the used buyer's favor here. A 2025 CX-5 2.5 S has already dropped about 30% from its original sticker, with a current resale value near $21,300. A 2021 CX-5 sits around $16,700, having shed roughly 24% over three years. Across all model years, the CX-5 lands in the top 10 to 25% for depreciation retention among SUVs, meaning it holds value better than most rivals.

Long-term ownership costs are where the CX-5 really separates itself. CarEdge estimates 10-year maintenance and repair costs at roughly $7,906, which beats the industry average for popular SUVs by about $260.

The first five years come in at just $2,502, lower than the segment norm by over $1,000. Routine maintenance runs between $327 and $724 per year through year five. There is a 22.65% chance of a major repair over 10 years, better than similar vehicles in the segment.

For shoppers who want a slightly larger pre-owned SUV with strong reliability scores and a quieter highway ride, the 2024 Ford Edge is worth comparing. If fuel efficiency tops your list, a 2025 Ford Escape for sale offers hybrid economy in a smaller footprint.

FAQs

Which Mazda CX-5 model years are the safest used picks?

Target 2021 and newer models. Mazda redesigned the cylinder head for 2021, removing the most expensive risk on 2018–2020 CX-5s. All 2021-and-later CX-5s carry the same 82 out of 100 J.D. Power score and benefit from a proven non-turbo 2.5-liter engine with a track record that spans over a decade.

How much does it cost to maintain a used Mazda CX-5 each year?

RepairPal estimates the average annual repair cost at $447, well under the $573 segment average. CarEdge data shows year-one costs around $327, rising to about $724 by year five. The first five years of maintenance and repairs together average just $2,502. Only about 8% of CX-5s need a major repair in any given year.

What should I check before buying a used CX-5?

Look for maintenance records and open recalls. If the vehicle is a 2018–2020 model, ask whether the cylinder head has been inspected or replaced. Test the infotainment screen for ghost touches or random reboots during a cold start. Listen for engine vibration at idle, which can signal worn motor mounts. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with Mazda SkyActiv engines is a smart move.

Does the Mazda CX-5 hold its value better than other compact SUVs?

Yes. iSeeCars data shows the CX-5 depreciates about 42.4% over five years, which means it retains roughly 57.6% of its value. That places it in the top 10 to 25% for depreciation retention among all SUVs. A 2025 model has depreciated roughly 30% since new, and a 2021 model has dropped only about 24% over three years.