Mazda CX-5 Problems

The Forester has been a top choice but these days I would rate it behind the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage for class and value. And the best car in that class is now the Mazda CX-5.

If you genuinely have an unlimited budget, the best mid-sized prestige SUV is the Porsche Macan. If you're being more realistic, the Mazda CX-5 gets The Tick.

You will struggle for space in a CX-5 as it's smaller than the CX-7. I would go for a Hyundai Santa Fe, which gets The Tick with seven seats, quality, a five-year warranty and lifetime capped-price service costs.

The CX-5 is rated to tow 1800 kg (braked) and as long as you stay within that limit you should be fine. There shouldn’t be any need to fit an additional transmission oil cooler, and any increase in tyre wear should be minimal.

Save the money and get the front-driver. You won’t notice the difference in your driving.

The CX-5 is the one that gets The Tick. You should only go for diesel for heavy towing or if you drive more than 30,000km a year.

The software fix alters the purging of the particulate filter to overcome the problem of diesel getting into the engine oil. It would seem that Mazda is saying that it's ok for the oil to rise to the new level without causing any problems. You would have to believe that Mazda has done some testing to verify that and is now content that with the two fixes the problem has been eradicated. Anyone with a CX-5 should contact their dealer about getting their car updated.

Mazda has assured us that the changes, most notably the revised calibration of the fuel injection into the DPF as part of the purging process of the filter, that have been implemented on problem cars in the field and in production have fixed the problem.

Mazda told us that the fix to rectify CX-5 models affected by oil dilution issues has been made available. Along with a simple software update to modify the operation of the Diesel Particulate Filter, a revised dipstick will also be fitted. Mazda dealers have been contacting owners of affected vehicles to arrange to have the fix applied under normal warranty provisions. The software change should affect the operation of the filter and fix the problem, so you shouldn't have any more trouble with the oil level rising. Talk to your dealer and make sure your car has the fix.