Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Mazda Mazda 5 is known for (2005–2016), 2 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Turn the wheel lock to lock when parked and listen for a whine from the pump behind the front bumper.
Why it matters: Losing power steering assist suddenly at low speed or mid-corner is a real safety risk, and owners report failures from about 90,000 km onward, sometimes repeatedly, so the lock-to-lock listen test is one of the most worthwhile checks on this model.
What to look for: From a stone-cold start, listen at the engine's timing end for a rattle that lasts a few seconds.
Why it matters: Left alone, a stretched chain or worn VVT gear can jump timing; on these engines that lets the valves hit the pistons and destroys the engine. Owners have reported engines failing at 145,000-250,000 km after exactly this rattle was ignored, so an early chain-and-tensioner job is far cheaper than the alternative.
What to look for: Run a hand across the inner edge of each rear tyre and check for bald shoulder or saw-tooth cupping.
Why it matters: Because the camber is built into the design, rotating tyres only spreads the damage rather than fixing it, so a car without camber arms fitted will keep eating rear tyres, which is worth pricing into any offer.
What to look for: Run every window, including the sliding doors, fully down and up twice, listening for grinding or a stuck window.
Why it matters: A window that will not close properly is a security and water-ingress problem, and the common fix is a motor and regulator replacement, so testing every window including the sliding doors catches a fault that is easy to miss on a quick look.
Typical repair: NZ$150–NZ$450 in New Zealand · A$150–A$460 in Australia
Got a question about a Mazda Mazda 5? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.