2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Rigid brake pipes4.8× usual
  Mazda CX-5

  2.4% All 2018 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  23% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  8% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Intake valve recall: stalling (built Jan 2012 to June 2018)

  Built Jan 2012 to June 2018

  An intake shutter valve could clog with soot and cause stalling or a no-start. Cars built January 2012 to June 2018 were recalled to clean or replace it and update the software.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mazda dealer to confirm the recall was done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda CX-5 review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the intake shutter valve recall been done?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?