Is the 2013 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 has 292 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Mazda CX-5?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (58 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (43 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (38 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Mazda CX-5?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Mazda CX-5?

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Mazda CX-5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is approximately $1,585/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Mazda CX-5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 has 292 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 188. The most common issue is electrical problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: this evening i was running 2 errands less than 3 miles from house. as i drove from the first errand and arrived at the second, the malfunction indicators illuminated: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0a4bjzana9e/umf10emozji/aaaaaaaaahk/aklxhahwfsw/s1600/2012-12-11_cx-5.jpg i parked at my second errand, . There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 7 crash reports 5 injuries

292

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

58 complaints

20%

• THIS EVENING I WAS RUNNING 2 ERRANDS LESS THAN 3 MILES FROM HOUSE. AS I DROVE FROM THE FIRST ERRAND AND ARRIVED AT THE SECOND, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED: HTTP://1.BP.BLOGSPOT.COM/-0A4BJZANA9E/UMF10EMOZJI/AAAAAAAAAHK/AKLXHAHWFSW/S1600/2012-12-11_CX-5.JPG I PARKED AT MY SECOND ERRAND,
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE INTERIOR CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ELECTRICAL FUSE PANEL THAT WAS UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE FIRE MELTED TH
• WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE VERY SUDDENLY DECELERATED (FROM ABOUT 55 TO 40), ALMOST AS IF IT SLIPPED BACK A COUPLE OF GEARS- IT WAS A JARRING AND IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER, AND I COULD HEAR THE ENGINE STRAIN AS IF IT WAS FORCED INTO A LOWER GEAR. THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND TIRE PRES

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“THIS EVENING I WAS RUNNING 2 ERRANDS LESS THAN 3 MILES FROM HOUSE. AS I DROVE FROM THE FIRST ERRAND AND ARRIVED AT THE SECOND, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED: HTTP://1.BP.BLOGSPOT.COM/-0A4BJZANA9E/UMF10EMOZJI/AAAAAAAAAHK/AKLXHAHWFSW/S1600/2012-12-11_CX-5.JPG I PARKED AT MY SECOND ERRAND, ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Mazda CX-5

Based on 231 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 38K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 47K mi · 40 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 34 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 29K mi · 22 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE06/09/2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Mazda CX-5

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Mazda CX-5

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,585

Full coverage / month

$132

Liability only / year

$626

vs US avg

-5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1585

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda CX-5 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2013 CX-5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 292 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: THIS EVENING I WAS RUNNING 2 ERRANDS LESS THAN 3 MILES FROM HOUSE. AS I DROVE FROM THE FIRST ERRAND AND ARRIVED AT THE SECOND, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED: HTTP://1.BP.BLOGSPOT.COM/-0A4BJZANA9E/UMF10EMOZJI/AAAAAAAAAHK/AKLXHAHWFSW/S1600/2012-12-11_CX-5.JPG I PARKED AT MY SECOND ERRAND,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON FRWY, STARTED LOSING POWER FAST. AS IF THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. AT LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. PULLED TO SIDE OF FRWY TURNED CAR OFF, SAT THERE IN DISBELIEF. I THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE BACK ON - ONLY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I WAS DRIVING AT THE LISTED SPEED ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE. WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE WENT FROM SIXTH GEAR TO FOURTH, RAPIDLY LOSING SPEED IN THE FAR LEFT LANE. THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING, AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON SOLID YELLOW. I PULLED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I FIRST STARTED HEARING THIS SCREECHING NOISE BACK IN MAY 2015, AFTER WHICH I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THINKING WHATEVER IT WAS COULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY CAME BACK SAYING THAT IT WAS DUE TO NOT HAVING ANY REAR BRAKE PADS LEFT AND MY ROTORS WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)