Buying a Used Mazda CX-5 or Mazda 3 in Australia? Common Problems & What to Check

For over a decade, the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda 3 have been two of Australia’s best-selling cars. Walk down any suburban street and you’ll spot their signature "Soul Red" paint and sleek styling.

Here is what every used car buyer needs to know: Petrol and diesel variants have different maintenance needs and inspection points. Do not choose on price or reputation alone; match the exact engine and usage to documented servicing and an independent assessment.

On petrol models too, inspect carefully for leaks, suspension wear and electrical problems. Repair costs vary by model, parts and workshop; obtain a written quote before negotiating.

Here is exactly what to check before buying a used Mazda CX-5 or Mazda 3 in Australia.

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1. The 2.2L SkyActiv-D Diesel: Extra Inspection Points

When browsing for a used Mazda CX-5, Mazda 3 or Mazda 6, confirm the engine and build date. Some diesel variants need particular attention to oil condition, injector-related service work and DPF operation; a lower asking price does not establish a fault.

On applicable 2.2L SkyActiv-D variants, ask a Mazda or diesel specialist about these inspection areas rather than assuming every engine has them:

• Leaking Injector Copper Washers & Blocked Oil Strainers: Combustion gases leak past the fuel injector seals into the rocker cover, turning engine oil into thick black carbon sludge that clogs the sump oil pick-up strainer—starving the twin turbochargers and camshafts of oil.

• Soot-Choked Intakes & DPF Regens: Heavy carbon soot builds up inside the intake manifold and EGR system, while incomplete DPF burns dump raw diesel fuel down the cylinder walls into the engine oil (causing the oil level on the dipstick to rise toward the "X" mark!).

• Coolant Pushing & Head Gasket Failure: Pressurised exhaust gases breach the head gasket, pushing coolant out of the overflow bottle under highway load.

• How to check a Diesel CX-5 (if you still choose to inspect one):

  • Follow the handbook’s oil-level procedure with the engine stopped. Where an X limit is specified, oil at or above it needs workshop advice before further driving. Oil dilution has several possible causes; it does not prove a failed DPF.
  • Look behind the coolant overflow reservoir near the passenger-side firewall for dried crusty white/green coolant spray—a classic sign the head gasket is lifting under boost.

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2. Petrol Models (2.0L & 2.5L): Leaking Belt Tensioners & Timing Cover Sweats

For 2.0L or 2.5L SkyActiv-G petrol versions, review the exact service schedule and inspect visible areas for oil leaks with the engine stopped and cold. Do not reach near belts, fans or hot exhaust components.

• Leaking Hydraulic Drive-Belt Tensioner: Mazda uses a small hydraulic damper on the drive-belt tensioner pulley that regularly bursts its seal around 60,000km–100,000km, coating the front side of the engine and belts in dark oil ($300–$450 to replace the tensioner and twin belts).
• Cylinder Head & Oil-Leak Concerns: On any variant, investigate oil or coolant loss and burnt-oil smells professionally. Engine, turbo and cylinder-deactivation designs differ, so confirm VIN-specific campaigns or technical advice with Mazda rather than assuming one defect applies to every 2018–2020 model.

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3. Infotainment "Ghost Touch" & Broken Folding Side Mirrors

Once you sit inside a 2014–2020 Mazda 3 or CX-5, test these two interior faults that drive owners crazy:

• The "Ghost Touch" Screen: Look closely at the corners of the pop-up MZD Connect infotainment screen on the dash. If you see a "spiderweb" peeling pattern under the glass, or if the screen randomly changes radio stations, zooms the map, or calls people in your phonebook while sitting still, the touchscreen digitiser has delaminated in the Australian sun.
• Power-Folding Wing Mirrors: Press the mirror fold button on the driver's door switch (or lock the car). Both wing mirrors should fold in smoothly and quietly to the exact same angle. Plastic internal gears inside Mazda CX-5 and Mazda 3 mirrors strip constantly, leaving one mirror stuck halfway out or buzzing loudly.

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4. Front Lower Control Arm Bushes & Rear Brake Calipers

On your test drive, listen and feel for these two common suspension and brake items:

• Torn Front Lower Control Arm Bushes: Look behind the front wheels at the big rubber donut bush at the rear of the front lower control arm (and listen for a dull thump when going over speed bumps or braking sharply). These rubber bushes crack and split around 80,000km–120,000km ($500–$850 for a pair fitted plus wheel alignment).
• Electric Park Brake (EPB) Rear Calipers: On 2015+ models with a button handbrake, if a backyard mechanic forced the rear brake pistons back without putting the computer into "Maintenance Mode," the internal electric caliper motors snap—causing a flashing park-brake warning light on the dash.

👉 Inspecting a Mazda CX-5 or Mazda 3 this weekend? Read our Complete Used Car Inspection Guide and print out the Free A4 Used Car Inspection Checklist to take with you!

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Compare Models or Check a Specific Car's History

Tossing up between a Mazda CX-5 or Mazda 3 and a Hyundai Tucson, i30, or Kia Sportage? Or looking at a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux for towing?

Use The Lemon Check below to check available VIN/PPSR records and research model-level inspection points. Neither guarantees that the car is free of hidden debt, unrecorded damage or mechanical problems.