REDLINE ALLEYMazda CX-5 KE buying guide
2012 to 2017. A KE suits a family that wants a good to drive SUV and checks the oil on diesels before buying.
Big jobs
- 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.
- 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.
Workshop jobs
- Transponder keys. Owners have been quoted large sums to replace faulty or missing transponder keys.
- 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.
Small jobs
- Bluetooth. The Bluetooth system can refuse to pair with a phone, or pair but not allow calls.
- Multiple warning lights. Several dash warning lights at once are reported, and a Mazda software update is often the cure.
- Road noise (early cars). Owners complained about road noise on early cars, and Mazda added sound deadening and thicker glass later.
Questions for 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?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.