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Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) (2012-2016) reliability

At a glance

Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

22% of MOT tests on Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 21% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE)
average reliability2012-2016SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 34,135 tests of CX-5 models registered 2012-2016.

About 1 in 20 CX-5 Mk1 (KE) MOTs (4.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 8,514 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 CX-5 Mk1 (KE) MOTs (5.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 8,514 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (KE) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,48219.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
8,51421.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
8,91422.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,10025.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
4,33926.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
78629.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the CX-5 Mk1 (KE) compares

At each age below, see how the CX-5 Mk1 (KE) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 53,829 tests across 8 Mazda models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,48219.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
8,51421.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
8,91422.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8,10025.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
4,33926.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
78629.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the CX-5 Mk1 (KE).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.3%, against 21.6% for the Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE), both built around 2016.

    1,846 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.3%, against 21.6% for the Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE), both built around 2016.

    4,025 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 11.6%, against 21.6% for the Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE), both built around 2016.

    4,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Honda CR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    3.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 13.8%, against 21.6% for the Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE), both built around 2016.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    16,341 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

88%of all Mazda CX-5 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

8 recalls in all

6 of the 8 CX-5 Mk1 (KE) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Injector mounting nuts tightening force may be insufficient
  • One or both LED daytime running lamps may flicker flash or fail completely
  • Soot may accumulate around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the engine

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How CX-5 Mk1 (KE) cars have aged

How CX-5 Mk1 (KE) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%5791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (5,511 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (5,402 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (5,361 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (5,233 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (5,243 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (5,729 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (5,596 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (5,640 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (5,507 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (5,430 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (5,395 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (5,438 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (5,322 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (5,125 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (5,055 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (4,115 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (3,987 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (3,859 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (3,660 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (3,334 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (997 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (969 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (934 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (850 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (786 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk1 (KE) variants compared

CX-5 Mk1 (KE) variants built around 2016

The fail rate for each CX-5 Mk1 (KE) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • CX-521.7%7,024 tests

Petrol

  • CX-520.7%1,485 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Mazda CX-5 models of this age

This list covers every Mazda CX-5 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (KE) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    17.9%
    Advisory: 2,260Fail: 176 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    15.5%
    Advisory: 1,828Fail: 308 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.2%
    Advisory: 1,263Fail: 257 (17% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.7%
    Advisory: 1,082Fail: 20 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.3%
    Advisory: 1,000Fail: 54 (5% of the times it was found)

Based on 8,514 tests

Looking at a Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Mazda CX-5 Mk1 (KE) (2012-2016) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 8,514 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 34,135 MOT tests on Mazda CX-5 models first registered between 2012-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.