Used car guide

2012 Mazda CX-5: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Mazda CX-5s, from 1,319 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,319MOT tests in 2025
63%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
7,800typical miles a year
4.3×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Mazda CX-5s than on all cars registered in 2012.

  • Track rod ends4.3× usual
    Mazda CX-5
    21.3% All 2012 cars
    4.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.7%, against 2.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Suspension arm3.9× usual
    Mazda CX-5
    10.2% All 2012 cars
    2.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Ball joint2.4× usual
    Mazda CX-5
    13.3% All 2012 cars
    5.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Link ball joint covers2× usual
    Mazda CX-5
    5% All 2012 cars
    2.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Better than most

Coil springs: 1.5% here, against 9.6% of all 2012 cars. Number plate lights: 2.7% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars.

By area

The share of 2012 Mazda CX-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    51% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    30% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    28% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    17% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    5% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Mazda CX-5?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20227,252Tyres 18%
20215,478Tyres 22%
20205,650Tyres 25%
201910,124Tyres 26%
201810,104Tyres 26%
20177,290Brakes 28%
20167,017Suspension 32%
20156,872Suspension 38%
20146,553Suspension 45%
20134,809Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Mazda CX-5s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score