Mazda CX-5
In Canada: generations, trims, common issues, recalls and fuel costs
This guide covers the Mazda CX-5 across 3 generations from model year 2013. Transport Canada lists 7 recalls for it since the 2013 model year, the latest issued in November 2021 (list read ). The CX-5 is Mazda Canada’s best-selling vehicle.
Overview
The CX-5 arrived for the 2013 model year as the first Mazda built entirely around its Skyactiv engineering and Kodo styling, replacing the Tribute and CX-7. It is Mazda Canada’s best-selling vehicle, bought by singles, couples and small families who want a compact SUV that feels more upscale and drives more sharply than most rivals. Every CX-5 sold in Canada since the 2022 model year has all-wheel drive, and the all-new 2026 model comes only with the 2.5 L four-cylinder. Earlier versions offered a 2.0 L, a 250 hp turbo and, briefly, a diesel. Things to know on used ones: the liftgate-strut corrosion recall on 2013–2016 models and oil leaks that owners have reported from 2018–2019 2.5 L cylinder heads.
- Body type
- Compact crossover SUV
- Model years covered
- 2013 on
- Generations
- 3
- Transport Canada recalls
- 7 since the 2013 model year
- NRCan fuel rating, 2026
- 9.0 L/100 km combined, about $2,921 a year
Generations
Newest first. Years are model years; “on” means the generation is still in production.
-
Third generation (KM)
2026 on
Longer wheelbase and roomier cabin, Google built-in infotainment with a touchscreen of up to 15.6 inches, and a single 187 hp 2.5 L engine with standard AWD in Canada.[1][5]
-
Second generation (KF)
2017–2025
More refined cabin and a power liftgate; cylinder deactivation arrived for 2018 and the 2.5 L Turbo and Signature grade for 2019. Refreshed for 2022, when all-wheel drive became standard in Canada.[1][6][7]
-
First generation (KE)
2013–2016
Shared its Skyactiv platform with the Mazda3 and Mazda6; launched with a 2.0 L engine, gained an optional 2.5 L for 2014 and a mid-2016 refresh. Built in Japan at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima.[1]
Trims and engines
Trims sold in Canada
| Trim | Years | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| GX | 2013 on | Canadian entry grade since launch; for 2026 it has heated front seats, dual-zone climate and a 12.9-inch screen.[4][5][8] |
| GS (and GS Comfort Package) | 2013 on | Mid grade with a power liftgate and power driver’s seat; the Comfort Package was offered in 2024–2025.[3][4][5][7][8] |
| GT | 2013 on | Top grade at launch and again for 2026, with Bose audio, leather and heated rear seats plus Panoramic Roof and Premium packages.[5][7][8] |
| Signature | 2019–2025 | Luxury flagship of the second generation with the 2.5 L Turbo, and briefly the diesel.[2][4][6] |
| Kuro Edition | 2021–2025 | Blacked-out appearance edition with black 19-inch wheels and red-accented leather, introduced for 2021.[3][4][7] |
| Suna Edition | 2024–2025 | Turbocharged appearance edition with Zircon Sand paint and gloss-black trim.[3][4] |
Engines
| Engine | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L Skyactiv-G I4 | 2013–2016 | 155 hp; the only engine at the North American launch.[1] |
| 2.5 L Skyactiv-G I4 | 2014 on | About 187 hp; cylinder deactivation from 2018. The only engine for 2026.[1][4][5] |
| 2.5 L Skyactiv-G Turbo I4 | 2019–2025 | 250 hp at launch and 256 hp later on premium fuel, 227 hp on regular.[1][4][6] |
| 2.2 L Skyactiv-D diesel I4 | 2019–2020 | Offered in Canada only on the Signature, from mid-2019.[1][2][9] |
Common issues
Problems a source documents for this model, tagged by what kind of source it is. What each tag means:
- Recall
- A safety recall. Transport Canada’s list further down has the recall itself, and a dealer can tell you from your VIN whether it applies to your vehicle.
- Owner complaint pattern
- Owners have reported it in complaints. A pattern in reports is not a recall, and not a finding that every vehicle has the problem.
-
Liftgate stays can corrode and break
Weak anti-corrosion treatment on the outer tube of the liftgate stays can let them rust and snap. Dealers replace both stays.[14]
-
Fuel filler pipe in a rear crash
In rear-impact testing the fuel filler pipe ruptured and leaked more fuel than Canadian rules allow. Dealers change the bracket mounting to alter how the pipe takes the load.[15]
-
LED daytime running lights flicker or fail
Owners have reported many DRL failures, and Mazda Canada recalled 2016 models whose DRL connector gasket material corrodes the light’s circuit board.[11][16]
-
Engine software could damage the valvetrain
A control-software error could keep the valve clearance adjuster from working, leading to misfires, power loss or a stall. Dealers update the software.[17]
-
Fuel pump failure
The fuel pump can fail, causing rough running, a no-start or a stall. Dealers replace the pump.[18]
-
Oil leaks from the 2.5 L cylinder head
Owners have reported engine oil leaks on 2.5 L engines with cylinder deactivation, many describing a cracked cylinder head. Mazda service alerts cover a replacement head assembly for these engines.[10][12][13]
Transport Canada recalls
Transport Canada lists 7 recalls for the Mazda CX-5 since the 2013 model year, grouped below by generation, newest first. A recall that spans two generations is listed under both. Read from Transport Canada on .
Check one model year against Transport Canada’s live list with the recall check, or decode your VIN first with the VIN decoder.
Second generation (KF) 2017–2025
3 recalls
-
Recall 2021-696 · Fuel System
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 20,762 (whole recall)
- Covers
- CX-5 2018–2019
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 5321K
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving.
Safety risk. A sudden loss of engine power while driving could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective action. Mazda will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
-
Recall 2019-322 · Engine
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 42,662 (whole recall)
- Covers
- CX-5 2018–2019
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 3719F
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, a software error in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) could cause the valve clearance adjuster not to work properly. This could result in internal engine damage. If this happens, the engine may misfire and lose power. In the worst case, the engine may stall while driving without the ability to restart it. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) may also turn on in the instrument cluster.
Safety risk. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective action. Mazda will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the PCM software.
-
Recall 2018-341 · Airbag
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 276 (whole recall)
- Covers
- CX-5 2018
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 2718F
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbags may not unfold properly during deployment. This could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash.
Corrective action. Dealers will replace the side curtain airbags.
First generation (KE) 2013–2016
4 recalls
-
Recall 2020-040 · Lights And Instruments
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 6,983 (whole recall)
- Covers
- CX-5 2016
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 4320A
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles equipped with LED daytime running lights (DRLs), the wrong material was used for the gasket that seals the wiring connector. As a result, the gasket material could cause corrosion of the circuit board. This could cause one or both of the DRLs to flicker and/or fail.
Safety risk. Daytime running lights that do not work could make the vehicle less visible to others and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective action. Mazda Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. Dealers will replace the sealing gasket and add an anti-corrosion material inside the headlights, as necessary. Dealers may also replace the headlight units if they have failed due to this problem.
-
Recall 2016-431 · Structure
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 183,808 (whole recall)
- Covers
- CX-5 2013–2016
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 9916H
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the anti-corrosion treatment of the outer tube of the rear lift gate stay may be insufficient. Over time, the outer tube of the rear lift gate stay may corrode and break off, which could increase the risk of injury.
Corrective action. Dealers will replace both rear door stays.
-
Recall 2016-152 · Suspension
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 220 (whole recall)
- Covers
- CX-5 2014–2016
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 9613D
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. On certain vehicles, the nut and bolt holding the strut assembly to the knuckle may not have been tightened properly during the manufacturing process. Over time, this could cause the strut assembly to separate from the knuckle, resulting in a loss of steering control which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property.
Corrective action. Dealers will inspect and replace the nut and bolt holding the strut assembly to the knuckle if found loose.
-
Recall 2016-049 · Fuel System
- Date
- Units affected in Canada
- 54,374 (whole recall)
- Covers
- CX-5 2014–2015
- Manufacturer’s no.
- 9216B
Issue, risk and remedy
Issue. Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 301 – Fuel System Integrity. During rear impact crash testing, the fuel filler pipe ruptured, causing fuel spillage exceeding the limit specified by the standard. As a result, a collision involving the rear of the vehicle could result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage.
Corrective action. Dealers will remove a bolt on the left rear side member attaching the bracket to the fuel filler pipe. This will change the load path during a rear crash impact preventing filler pipe rupture.
Source: Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Fuel economy and cost
Natural Resources Canada’s combined ratings (55% city, 45% highway driving) for the newest model years it has rated. NRCan rates every drivetrain, transmission and package separately, so each row gives the range across them. The yearly cost assumes 20,000 km a year, the distance NRCan’s own fuel consumption search tool assumes, at Statistics Canada’s average self-serve price in Calgary for August 2026: regular 162.3¢/L, premium 188.4¢/L, diesel 210.6¢/L. Each rating is costed at the fuel NRCan rated it on. How far and how you drive will move it.
| Year | Engine | Fuel | Combined L/100 km | Fuel a year (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders | Regular | 9.0 | $2,921 |
| 2025 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (3 versions) | Regular | 8.5–9.8 | $2,759–$3,181 |
| 2024 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (3 versions) | Regular | 8.5–9.8 | $2,759–$3,181 |
| 2023 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (2 versions) | Regular | 9.0–9.8 | $2,921–$3,181 |
| 2022 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (3 versions) | Regular | 9.0–9.8 | $2,921–$3,181 |
| 2021 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (5 versions) | Regular | 8.5–9.8 | $2,759–$3,181 |
| 2020 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (5 versions) | Regular | 8.5–9.8 | $2,759–$3,181 |
| 2019 | 2.0 L, 4 cylinders | Regular | 8.8 | $2,856 |
| 2019 | 2.2 L, 4 cylinders diesel | Diesel | 8.4 | $3,538 |
| 2019 | 2.5 L, 4 cylinders (5 versions) | Regular | 8.5–9.8 | $2,759–$3,181 |
Source: Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings, read . Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Prices: Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0001-01, Monthly average retail prices for gasoline and fuel oil, by geography (https://doi.org/10.25318/1810000101-eng), used under the Statistics Canada Open Licence.
Canada notes
- The CX-5 is Mazda Canada’s best-selling vehicle.[3][4]
- All-wheel drive has been standard on every Canadian CX-5 since the 2022 model year, and the 2026 model adds a wiper de-icer and heated mirrors from the GS up.[4][5][7]
- Canadian grade names (GX, GS, GT, Signature, Kuro Edition, Suna Edition) differ from the U.S. line-up, and Canada got the rare Skyactiv-D diesel on the Signature.[1][2][4]
Ask Calgary-area shops to quote on your Mazda CX-5
Describe the job once. Local shops reply with their own prices.
Or browse shops for the work these issues and recalls lead to: Engine Repair & Diagnostics in Calgary · Brake Repair in Calgary · Tire Shops in Calgary · Inspection & Maintenance in Calgary.
Sources
The entry above was checked against these on . The numbers beside each fact point here.
- Wikipedia, Mazda CX-5. Accessed .
- Mazda Canada, 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature adds another refined power option with Skyactiv-D engine. Accessed .
- Mazda Canada, 2024 Mazda CX-5: pricing and packaging. Accessed .
- Mazda Canada, 2025 Mazda CX-5: pricing and packaging — Mazda’s perennial best-seller offers more value for 2025. Accessed .
- Mazda Canada, Mazda announces pricing and packaging for all-new 2026 CX-5. Accessed .
- Mazda Canada, 2019 Mazda CX-5 debuts with Signature model and turbo engine. Accessed .
- Mazda Canada, 2022 Mazda CX-5: pricing and packaging. Accessed .
- The Car Guide (Guide Auto), Mazda Canada announces 2013 Mazda CX-5 to start at $22,995. Accessed .
- Auto123, 2020 Mazda CX-5 Diesel review: good idea, bad timing. Accessed .
- Mazda North American Operations (via NHTSA), Mazda service alert: new cylinder head assembly for Skyactiv-G 2.5 with cylinder deactivation (supersedes SA-037/23, SA-031/21). Accessed .
- NHTSA, NHTSA owner complaints: 2016 Mazda CX-5. Accessed .
- NHTSA, NHTSA owner complaints: 2018 Mazda CX-5. Accessed .
- NHTSA, NHTSA owner complaints: 2019 Mazda CX-5. Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2016-431: corroded rear liftgate stays (CX-5). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2016-049: fuel filler pipe in rear impact (CX-5). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2020-040: LED daytime running light connector corrosion (CX-5). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2019-322: engine control software and valve clearance adjuster (CX-5). Accessed .
- Transport Canada, Transport Canada recall 2021-696: fuel pump failure (CX-5). Accessed .
Where the recall and fuel data comes from
- Transport Canada, Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
- Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open data).
- Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings search tool.
- Statistics Canada, Table 18-10-0001-01, Monthly average retail prices for gasoline and fuel oil, by geography.
Transport Canada’s recalls and NRCan’s fuel ratings: contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Pump prices: Statistics Canada, used under the Statistics Canada Open Licence. Neither government endorses GarageMap. More Mazda guides: Mazda models · all vehicle guides.