Known APK problem

Mazda CX-5 I: steering

On the Mazda CX-5 I the APK inspector finds steering problems 7.2× as often as on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 8.7%, against about 1.2% nationally.

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

What is it?

Play or leaks in the steering rack, tie rods or power steering.

Repair indication: largea substantial repair; have a garage look first.

How to check it at the viewing

Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.

Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the steering rack or tie rod ends?

By age

Share of inspected Mazda CX-5 Is with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.

Age	Type	CX-5 I	95%-CI	National	Difference	n
7 – 8 years	A	0.5%	0.2 – 1.1%	0.3%	1.9×	1,090
7 – 8 years	B	1.4%	0.8 – 2.3%	1.2%	1.2×	1,090
9 – 10 years	A	1.6%	1.3 – 1.9%	0.4%	4.3×	8,064
9 – 10 years	B	4.6%	4.2 – 5.1%	0.8%	5.6×	8,064
11 – 12 years	A	5.7%	5.2 – 6.3%	0.8%	7.6×	7,267
11 – 12 years	B	7.6%	7.0 – 8.3%	1.0%	7.3×	7,267
13 – 15 years	A	8.7%	7.9 – 9.6%	1.2%	7.2×	4,557
13 – 15 years	B	5.3%	4.7 – 6.0%	1.2%	4.6×	4,557

A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.

Comparable cars at 13–15 years

Model	Steering	Vs. national
Mazda CX-5 I	8.7%	7.2×
Nissan Juke I	6.7%	5.5×
Kia Sportage III	2.6%	2.1×
Audi Q5 (8R)	0.4%	0.4×

Looking at a Mazda CX-5 I? Check that car

Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mazda CX-5 Is of the same age.

All weak spots of the Mazda CX-5 I · Steering: which models more often · Checklist for this model

Frequently asked questions

Does the Mazda CX-5 I often have steering problems?

Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a steering defect on 8.7% of inspected Mazda CX-5 Is, against about 1.2% of all cars of the same age (7.2×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

How do you check the steering on a used Mazda CX-5 I?

Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.

Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know