Most common 2013 Mazda CX-5 problems
Share of the 194 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda CX-5 complaints by model year
Best CX-5 years: 2015, 2020, 2017. Years to avoid: 2016, 2014, 2018. Compare all years →
2013 Mazda CX-5 recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate
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…
Remedy: 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.
What 2013 Mazda CX-5 owners say
Electrical system all 58 →
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 in PARK. The contact stated that there was an unknown flashing red warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the PUSH to START button was not able to turn off the vehicle until after several attempts were made, which caused the battery to drain quickly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was waiting for a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine & cooling all 43 →
My car won't shut off! I put it in park and turn it off and the accessories stay on. It is getting worse and worse and has taken up to 7 times of turning it off and on, backing it up and forward before it will just turn off for me. I get scared that it won't turn off. I found this forum online and it seems this is a very common problem that is not being addressed by Mazda. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t49115_ds799849 Not being able to turn my car off is a very big safety risk for me and my 2 year old son.
The car randomly accelerates after depressing the brake. It bucks, revs, lurks then stops. It has happened about 4 time to-date. Today, 6/20, I tapped the car in front of me. No damaged but it is the closes to having an accident since I noticed this issue. Took the vehicle to pacifico Ford in pa to have the issue checked out and they found nothing. That was on 5/23. Plan to take it back there again.
Transmission & drivetrain all 38 →
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 in PARK. The contact stated that there was an unknown flashing red warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
My vehicle does not want to turn off when placed in park. The car is fully in the park position, but the start push button is illuminated with a red light. The power is still on, and the car beeps when door is open. I can only get the power to turn off, after repeatedly tapping the gear shift left, towards the P symbol. It is already fully seated in the park position, but this finally causes the light to go off and the car turns off. Always hoping the power did not turn back on while away from the car. Is this a fire hazard? I will not park my car in the garage as I am concerned it may overheat the wiring, electrical components, etc...??? I have noticed similar complaints for this vehicle on this website also.
2013 Mazda CX-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 32 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 25 / 30 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mazda CX-5 a good car?
Based on 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 CX-5 rates average: 29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CX-5 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mazda CX-5?
The electrical system — 58 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (43) and transmission & drivetrain (38).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mazda CX-5 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 Mazda CX-5, the most recent from September 6, 2016 (hatchback/liftgate). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda CX-5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2020 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2014 and 2018. See the full Mazda CX-5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Mazda CX-5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 39,000 miles; 57% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.