Model reliability

Mazda 5 reliability

The Mazda 5 fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 49.5% of 10,380 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old

33% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 2,089 MOT tests of Mazda 5s this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 4× as oftenSuspension arms8.5% vs 2.3%

Fails 86% more oftenTyre condition6.5% vs 3.5%Fix about £90

Fails 5× as oftenAnti-roll bars4.5% vs 1%

Fails 50% more oftenMechanical brake components4.2% vs 2.8%

Advised 52% more oftenMechanical brake components25.3% vs 16.6%

Advised 37% more oftenTyre tread depth24.4% vs 17.8%Fix about £90

Advised 4× as oftenSuspension arms19.7% vs 5.3%

Advised 5× as oftenAnti-roll bars7.8% vs 1.5%

Over 10 years old

49.5% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 10,380 MOT tests of Mazda 5s this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 3× as oftenSuspension arms12.8% vs 5.1%

Fails 3× as oftenAnti-roll bars11.3% vs 4.2%

Fails 2× as oftenExhaust emissions10.9% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 51% more oftenPosition lamps8% vs 5.3%Fix about £30

Advised 36% more oftenTyre tread depth26.2% vs 19.3%Fix about £90

Advised 44% more oftenMechanical brake components24.3% vs 16.9%

Advised 83% more oftenSuspension arms22.2% vs 12.1%

Advised 3× as oftenAnti-roll bars16.6% vs 6%

Safety recalls

5 DVSA recalls for the Mazda 5

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2013/0358 Apr 2013Built 2010–2012Fire may occur

Water may enter the glow plug control module due to poor sealing of the waterproof connecter for the front harness. In some cases the glow plug control module could get corroded due to the water ingress and in the worst case there is a possibility that the glow plug control module could melt resulting in a vehicle fire.

Fix: A Mazda dealer will inspect the glow plug control module and if necessary replace the glow plug control module. Also the installation location of the glow plug control module will be changed to prevent future water ingress.

Recalled models: 5 · 1,031 vehicles

R/2010/2174 Jan 2011Built 2009–2010Engine may stall

It is possible that due to cleaning process of the fuel tank water may have built up between the fuel pump and wiring harness connectors which can cause corrosion of the connector pins. In the extreme cases corrosion could result in an inoperative fuel pump which could cause the engine to stall or the inability to start.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and inspect the connectors for corrosion. If corrosion or damage is found a short section of the wiring harness and fuel pump top section will be replaced.

Recalled models: 5 · 1,518 vehicles

R/2008/1949 Feb 2009Built 2005–2007Engine revs may increase inadvertently

It is possible that white smoke can occur from the exhaust pipe and engine speed may increase whilst driving.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace Power Control Module.

Recalled models: 5 · 15,854 vehicles

R/2008/0508 Apr 2008Built 2005–2007Engine mounting may fail under sudden acceleration

It has been identified that the number 4 engine mounting bolt may not have been tightened to the correct torque during production. This could result in the engine mounting failing under sudden acceleration.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the mounting bolt checked for compliance. Should the torque on the subject bolt be found to be outside of the specification.The appropriate action as described in the technical instruction will be applied as necessary.

Recalled models: 5 · 3,965 vehicles

R/2006/09821 Jul 2006Built 2005Engine may stall.

It is possible for the camshaft sensor plate mounting bolts to loosen. If the vehicle continues to be used in this condition the sensor plate and bolts may fall off resulting in an engine stall and inability to restart.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and tighten the sensor plate to the specified torque. Only replace parts if they are seen to be damaged.

Recalled models: 5 · 2,005 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Mazda 5 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Mazda 5 reliability

5 DVSA recalls for the Mazda 5

Checking a Mazda 5 before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.