2013 Mazda CX-5: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

First-year CX-5 (KE) with Mazda's best-in-class handling and efficient SkyActiv power. Generally sound, but early cars show a shifter/power-off electrical quirk and some brake wear. A solid budget buy if recalls are done and the battery checks out. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 ranged from $20,995 to $27,345 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10
Mixed track record

First-year CX-5 (KE) with Mazda's best-in-class handling and efficient SkyActiv power. Generally sound, but early cars show a shifter/power-off electrical quirk and some brake wear. A solid budget buy if recalls are done and the battery checks out.

Sources (2)

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
  • mazda.oemdtc.comhttps://mazda.oemdtc.com/1683/safety-recall-4320a-2016-mazda-cx-5-daytime-run…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Efficient SkyActiv 2.0L and 2.5L engines return strong real-world fuel economy.
  • Interior materials and design feel a class above most rivals at the price.
  • Sharp, engaging handling, the most fun-to-drive compact SUV of its era, with quick steering and a composed chassis.
  • Strong crash-test scores, including IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings in several years.

Cons

  • More road and wind noise than quieter rivals, especially on the highway.
  • The base 2.0L engine feels underpowered when loaded or merging; the 2.5L is the one to get.
  • Cargo room trails the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
  • No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from the factory on these years.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Sport $20,995 discontinued — —
Touring $24,195 discontinued — —
Grand Touring $27,345 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-mazda-cx__5-price

Depreciation

$6k $11k $17k $23k 201320152017201920212023202520272029
2013 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data)

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($20,995). Higher trims started higher (up to $27,345), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mazda-cx-5/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $400–450/yr
Expected lifespan~225k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (3)
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/cx-5
  • insure.comhttps://www.insure.com/car-insurance/mazda-cx-5-insurance-cost/
  • bountifulmazda.comhttps://www.bountifulmazda.com/blog/gasoline-octane-ratings-and-your-mazda

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2013 Mazda CX-5 have?

Documented issue patterns include: LED daytime running lights flicker, dim or fail (one side then the other) from connector-gasket corrosion, addressed by Mazda recall 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063; owners also report dim halogen low-beam output at night. Worst on 2016; Push-button cars can fail to fully power off: the engine stops but the dash, radio, climate and accessories stay live because the transmission shift-position sensor does not register PARK, which can drain the 12V battery. Most reported on the early 2013-2014 build years; Powered liftgate gas struts weaken so the hatch slowly drops or will not stay raised; some owners also report premature front brake wear and rotor warping in this period. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2013 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

First-year CX-5 (KE) with Mazda's best-in-class handling and efficient SkyActiv power. Generally sound, but early cars show a shifter/power-off electrical quirk and some brake wear. A solid budget buy if recalls are done and the battery checks out.

How much did the 2013 Mazda CX-5 cost new?

Between $20,995 and $27,345 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.