2018 Mazda CX-5 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Mazda CX-5 first registered in 2018 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 14,150 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2018 Mazda CX-5 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Mazda CX-5 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes23% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension7% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts5% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics4% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2018 Mazda CX-5 petrol
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.
- Built Jan 2012 to June 2018
Intake valve recall: stalling (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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Mazda CX-5 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the intake shutter valve recall been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mazda CX-5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mazda CX-5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 387 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 7,527 | Tyres 17% |
| 2021 | 10,974 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 16,951 | Tyres 21% |
| 2019 | 30,027 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 21,526 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 21,054 | Brakes 27% |
| 2015 | 20,955 | Suspension 30% |
| 2014 | 20,220 | Suspension 38% |
| 2013 | 15,269 | Suspension 46% |
| 2012 | 4,237 | Suspension 46% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda CX-5 cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score