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Buying guide

Mazda CX-5 KE (2012 to 2017): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mazda CX-5 KE was built from 2012 to 2017 as an SUV, with a manual or automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis codes: KEEFW, KE2FW, KE5FW and KE2AW. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2012 to 2017
Chassis codes
KEEFW, KE2FW, KE5FW, KE2AW
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Mazda CX-5 KE (2012 to 2017). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Early 2.2 diesel engines

    Early diesel engines suffered terminal damage and were replaced by Mazda, the one big exception to an otherwise clean record.

    Where to look
    The 2.2 diesel engine, and Mazda dealer records for the VIN
    How to test
    On a pre 2014 diesel, ask whether the engine has been replaced and get a Mazda dealer to check the records. Have it inspected before buying.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a replacement engine

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Diesel oil dilution

    Diesel can get into the engine oil through the DPF cleaning process, often unnoticed until the engine warning light comes on, and it can be costly to fix.

    Where to look
    The dipstick on the 2.2 diesel, and the engine warning light
    How to test
    Check the oil level is not above the full mark and does not smell of diesel. Ask whether the DPF software and hardware updates have been done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost can be a costly engine repair

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Bluetooth

    The Bluetooth system can refuse to pair with a phone, or pair but not allow calls.

    Where to look
    The head unit and phone connection
    How to test
    Pair your phone and make and take a call before buying.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a software update or workaround

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. Multiple warning lights

    Several dash warning lights at once are reported, and a Mazda software update is often the cure.

    Where to look
    The warning lights on the dash at start up
    How to test
    Check every warning light comes on and goes out at start up, and ask whether the update has been done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a dealer software update

    Sources: carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Transponder keys

    Owners have been quoted large sums to replace faulty or missing transponder keys.

    Where to look
    The key fobs, door remote and start button
    How to test
    Ask for both keys and check each one unlocks the doors and starts the car.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost a replacement key and coding

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Underbody and driveshaft seals

    Limited suspension travel means rough off road use shows up as underbody damage, dented exhausts and torn driveshaft seals that let grit in.

    Where to look
    The underbody, exhaust and the driveshaft boots behind the front wheels
    How to test
    Look underneath with a torch for scrapes, stone damage and a dented exhaust, and check the boots for tears.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on what is damaged

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  7. Road noise (early cars)

    Owners complained about road noise on early cars, and Mazda added sound deadening and thicker glass later.

    Where to look
    The cabin at open road speed, and the tyres fitted
    How to test
    Drive on coarse chip seal at 100 km/h and judge the noise. Quieter tyres help.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost quieter tyres

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), carbuyer.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.0, 2.5 or 2.2 diesel, and 2WD or AWD?
  • On a diesel, has the engine been replaced, and have the DPF updates been done?
  • Has it mostly done short trips or open road running?
  • Does it come with both keys?
  • Has it been used off road?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has both NZ new CX-5s and Japanese imports. Compare the odometer on the export certificate with the dash on imports.

A KE suits a family that wants a good to drive SUV and checks the oil on diesels before buying.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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