Photo: OSX / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2013 Mazda CX-5: common problems and reliability
An average CX-5 year.
194 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2013 CX-5?The 2013 Mazda CX-5 has 194 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Mazda CX-5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CX-5 years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the CX-5?
Across the 15 CX-5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2012) to 510 (2016). With 194 complaints, the 2013 CX-5 sits above the model's median of 120.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 CX-5
structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
Campaign 16V644000Mazda 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 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is predominantly positive, with the CX-5 consistently praised for its reliability, premium interior feel, and engaging driving dynamics. It is frequently cited as a top recommendation for buyers seeking a dependable, well-built compact SUV.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-5. See the full CX-5 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used CX-5 listings typically run $17,362–$24,820.
Other CX-5 model years
Compare every CX-5 year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CX-5 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy