Mazda CX-5 premature wear problems

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Engine · NY

I am submitting this report to document a persistent ticking noise in my 2022 Mazda CX-5, which appears to be the same issue outlined in Mazda Service Bulletin 01-002/21 for previous model years. This issue is commonly associated with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs), which maintain proper valve clearance. The noise occurs most prominently during cold starts and resembles the previously reported HLA ticking sound. Owners of earlier CX-5 models have attributed this issue to air bubbles or insufficient oil supply within the HLAs, with cold weather exacerbating the problem due to restricted oil circulation. Despite Mazda's claim that revisions to the engine components have resolved this issue in newer models, my experience suggests it remains unresolved in the 2022 model year. I am concerned about the long-term reliability of these engine components and the potential repair costs if the issue leads to premature wear or failure. While Mazda has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the 2022 CX-5, multiple owners have reported similar ticking noises online, indicating that the problem may persist. I have a video recording of the noise but am unable to attach it to this submission. If further investigation is warranted, I would be happy to provide the footage upon request. Additionally, similar reports and video evidence from other owners can be found on online forums, including the CX-5 subreddit, where searching for “clicking” will yield multiple examples. I urge the federal safety agency to review this issue, as it may indicate an unresolved mechanical defect affecting the reliability of the 2022 Mazda CX-5’s engine. Please advise on any potential investigations or next steps regarding this matter.

Filed Feb 21, 2025 · Transmission · PA

I purchased my CX-5 from Mazda dealership when new. The vehicle has been having coolant issues where the Electronically controlled thermostatic valve (ECTV) will open prematurely at 120°F instead of at higher temperatures. This all leads to higher fuel consumption, premature wear and tear on the engine, higher water condensation in the engine oil, poor engine and cabin air performance. I had it diagnosed at the Mazda dealership where I bought it from (Previously it was Sussman Mazda of Abington, now Fred Beans Mazda of Abington in PA) and they said the values are admissible by Mazda and not indicative of a problem. However, my vehicle cannot reach normal operating temperature of 198°F when driven for 50 miles at ambient 28°F for over an hour due to premature opening of the ECTV at lower temperatures. There are no codes showing up relating to the issue, therefore the dealership declined any repair works to be done.

Filed Feb 11, 2022 · Brakes · CA

The brake pads on this vehicle wear out prematurely, despite not using them aggressively. All four brake pads on the SUV wore out in less than the first 16,000 miles (first 3 years) and had to be replaced. The braking has also aways been “soft” and the car takes longer to come to a full-stop in the event urgent braking has to be done in traffic. The rotors have corroded prematurely too, despite keeping the car very clean and dry as a matter of habit. The dealer dismissed this issue stating the brakes were fine, as if this was the first car I was driving. I do not engage in hard stops, or perform sudden, jerky, brake applications and yet the brake pads wore out to almost nothing. All the other cars that I’ve owned historically had their brake pads last for 6-8 years of normal driving while this car wore them down in just 3 years. Premature brake pad wear can be a huge safety issue since an unsuspecting driver may not be aware of it and can result in an accident on the road from the vehicle not being able to come to a full stop in time.

Filed Aug 17, 2021 · Brakes · WV

Drivers side emergency brake drags just enough to prematurely wear inner brake pad down to the metal. 60,000 miles on car. All other pads are at 50% wear.

Filed Jul 7, 2020 · Brakes · 10 miles · VT

Issue was a frozen caliper bracket on the rear drivers side which resulted in creating excessive heat and premature wear of the pads and rotors

Filed Jul 1, 2020 · Brakes · 20 miles · VT

Rear drivers side caliper becomes stuck when electric brake when disengaged causing over heating of rotor and excess heat to the wheel resulting in premature wear of rotor and brake pads and also could lose breaking capability I have made an appt with dealership to resolve issue on july 6th

Filed Nov 19, 2019 · Brakes · 27,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 mazda cx-5. The contact stated that the brakes made a squealing noise and failed numerous times. The vehicle was taken to ferra auto group mazda (3363 south arlington road, akron, oh 44312, (330) 645-7275) where it was determined that the brake pads were wearing unevenly. The dealer further stated that the brakes remained engaged and caused the brake pads to wear prematurely. The inner brake pad was at a two level and the outer brake pad remained at level six. The contact was informed that the premature brake pad wear may be caused by the calipers and hydraulic flex line. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 27,000.

Filed Apr 3, 2019 · Brakes · NY

Over the lifetime of my vehicle, I have replaced my rear pads and rotors three times (have also replaced front pads and rotors two times during the lifetime of the car). The most two recent occurrences were in november 2017 and april 2019, where both the rear brakes pads and rotors were completely replaced both times. The mileage in between both repairs was only 22,326. I have called with my concerns to the dealership, and they explain that there are so many factors that it is difficult to say what the issue could be. I take care of my vehicle, it is always repaired and serviced on time, has frequent car washes, including the wheel and undercarriage area. I have an approximate half hour commute with only highway miles, because we have an additional car for our local errands. It seems as though this is a problem with a lot of 2013 mazda cx-5 owners, not juts myself, as I've discovered from many vehicle complaint boards online who speak of the same exact issue of having to constantly replace prematurely worn brake pads and rotors. I personally feel that there is definitely something more to this recurring issue than what I am actually being told, and feel as though it should be investigated once and for all. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Filed Dec 22, 2018 · Brakes, Electrical · 35,000 miles · TX

Ebrake would not disengage on the mazda cx-5 2016 gt with city brake and electronic e-brake at 36,100 miles during various parking locations scenarios. Vehicle would start normally at push of start button but the e-brake light would stay on in the flashing mode. Turn engine off/restarting would resolve the problem temporarily just to return to the same issue at random parking locations. Dealership suggested a replacement battery main 12 volt battery for $185+tax+installation. Battery replacement suggested based on a claim of low voltage measured at the e-brake switch located on the center console. There was no other solutions provided by the dealership for further testing/isolation of issue priir making a payment, to include confirmation that in fact the battery is the culprit. Utilizing an alternate/test battery could be a temporary testing solution. Payments were made as requested and the issue of the flashing e-brake light flashing/e-brake not disengaging is less apparent with 2 incidents 1 month after battery replacement. Incidents observed while in covered/uncovered parking scenarios, outside temperature oscillate from 75 to 92 f. Vehicle rear brakes were replaced under 5000 miles by dealership due to noises and premature wear. Vehicle also has a mazda remote start system installed by dealership with a history of electrical failure of the A/C compressor. Documentation available for review.

Filed Dec 19, 2018 · Brakes · 20,900 miles · MD

Excessive rear brake wear. Rear pads worn down to metal backing plate at 20,900 miles with no audible break wear indicator. Front brakes 70% worn at same milage.