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2013 Mazda CX-5
Solid pick — the complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
194 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Electrical system problems dominate (30% of complaints, typically reported near 34k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaint reports have faded — early issues appear resolved or aged out.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2013 Mazda CX-5, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Speed control (22) · Body & structure (15)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Electrical system
30%58 complaints · typically near 34k mi
“When you shut the car off the radio and other components do not shut down. You have to start the car back up and put in gear then back in park and shut the car off (so…”
Engine
22%42 complaints · typically near 30k mi
“The car battery will not turn off when I turn off the vehicle.”
Transmission & drivetrain
20%38 complaints · typically near 38k mi
“The contact owns a 2013 MAZDA CX5. The contact stated while attempting to shut off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off due to the transmission not being fully …”
Brakes
13%26 complaints · typically near 24k mi
“PURCHASED USED 2013 MAZDA CX-5 IN DECEMBER 2015. APRIL 2017 HAD REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED DUE TO RUST. SCREECHING BEGAN, AGAIN, END OF JUNE 2019 WHILE DRIVIN…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Structure · 16V644000
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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2013 Mazda CX-5 beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2013? See how every CX-5 model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.