Selling a dead or damaged Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 has been Mazda's best-selling model worldwide since 2014, Wikipedia says, with about 3.5 million sold by March 2022. That means plenty of them are now old enough to wear out. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Problems by generation

Every CX-5 figure is the owner report total NHTSA showed on October 10, 2026. It isn't a reliability score. Each recall's vehicle number is for the full campaign, and some of them take in other Mazda models too.

First generation (KE): 2013-2016

Production started in January 2012 at Mazda's Ujina plant in Hiroshima. Wikipedia lists 2.0- and 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinders and says the 2.5 became standard on US trims, except the base front-drive Sport with the manual, which kept the 2.0. NHTSA holds 1,215 complaints on these years, counting one filed under a 2012.

The 2016 tops every CX-5 year with 510 complaints, and 153 of them name the exterior lighting. Recall 20V063000 covers 2016 CX-5s whose LED daytime running lights could fail while driving. The 2014 has 377 complaints; 117 name the electrical system and 54 the wipers.

Three recalls span these years. Recall 16V064000 altered the fuel filler pipe attachment on 2014-2016 CX-5s whose filler pipe may rupture. Recall 16V644000 replaces liftgate supports on 2013-2016 CX-5s, in a campaign of 580,455 vehicles that also covers the Mazda3 and Mazda5. Recall 16V203000 checked front strut bolts; its 578 vehicles include the CX-3 and Mazda2.

Second generation (KF) and later: 2017-2026

Wikipedia dates the second generation from November 2016 to 2025, and a third began production in 2025. Engines listed for the second include a 2.5-liter turbo four. These years hold 1,237 complaints so far, and the newest have had little time to collect any.

The engine story belongs here. Complaints naming the engine reach 164 on the 2018 and 118 on the 2019. Those years have two recalls. 19V497000 is a software update for an engine control fault that could stall 2018-2019 CX-5s. 21V875000 swapped out low-pressure fuel pumps with impellers that could crack. Both campaigns include other Mazda models, 262,220 and 121,038 vehicles in all.

The 2021 has 147 complaints, and 73 of them name the engine. NHTSA lists no recall campaign for the CX-5 after 2019. Smaller recalls on this generation: 17V744000 rerouted an accessory trailer hitch harness away from the muffler on some 2017s, and 18V426000 replaced side curtain air bags on some 2018s that might not unfold properly.

Fix the CX-5, or sell it?

1. Look up recalls before anything else. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup. A 2018-2019 that stalls may have the engine software or fuel pump recall open.
2. Engine trouble on a 2018, 2019 or 2021? Get a written diagnosis and quote. Then compare it to what the same CX-5 sells for running. Our blown engine guide covers how to weigh it.
3. Lights or electrical faults on a 2014-2016? Ask about recall 20V063000 on a 2016, then see the electrical problems guide.
4. Quote higher than the car is worth? That's the case for selling it whole. The junk truck or SUV guide has more on selling an SUV that won't drive.

Year-by-year NHTSA counts

CX-5 counts reflect NHTSA complaints on our October 10, 2026 check. A recall that reaches across several years is listed under each one. When NHTSA's unknown-or-other bucket comes out on top, we list the part that comes after it.

Selling a CX-5 whole

1. Jot the VIN, the miles and the biggest issue. Add if it can roll and steer.
2. Request an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us where the CX-5 is parked. Driveway, parking garage, shop lot or street, our truck can get to it. A dead battery or a stuck wheel is worth mentioning so we bring the right truck. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Sell the whole car as it sits. Keep the wheels, battery and converter on your CX-5, and mention any part that's been taken off.
5. On CX-5 pickup day, keep the title and your ID within reach. Still paying on it? See selling with a loan owed.

Comparing Mazda SUVs? See the CX-9, the Tribute, or every Mazda we cover.