IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2008 Mazda 5 (CR)

In early 2008, Mazda unveiled the mid-cycle facelift for the Mazda 5 (CR) in the UK, introducing optional electric power-sliding rear doors, updated styling, and improved fuel efficiency.

What changed for 2008

  • •Revised front bumper styling with five-point grille and redesigned rear light clusters
  • •Introduction of optional electrically powered sliding rear doors on Sport trims
  • •Revised suspension dampers and spring rates for improved rear passenger ride comfort
  • •Enhanced cabin noise insulation and refreshed dashboard instrument cluster graphics

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Diesel particulate filter soot blockage on low-mileage urban school run vehicles
  • !Power steering pump hydraulic pressure drop triggering warning alerts
  • !Rear brake disc face corrosion and caliper slider pin sticking
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Known Issues
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Serious
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Moderate
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Minor

All Known Issues

2.0 CiTD Diesel DPF Blockage and Engine Oil Dilution

SeriousExhaust & Emissions

The 2.0-litre CiTD common-rail diesel engine fitted to the Mazda 5 CR utilises a closed-loop Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system that requires sustained exhaust temperatures to burn off trapped soot. On typical UK family school runs and urban errands, the car repeatedly attempts active regenerations by injecting extra post-combustion fuel. Unburnt diesel washes down cylinder walls into the oil sump, causing the engine oil level to rise progressively. Mazda added an 'X' mark above the full mark on the dipstick; if oil reaches this point, there is grave danger of diesel engine runaway or oil starvation. Concurrently, the DPF warning light flashes, requiring forced static regeneration and immediate oil replacement.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£1,100
Warning Signs:

Flashing DPF warning light on the instrument cluster, Engine oil level visibly rising above the 'FULL' mark on the dipstick towards the 'X', Strong diesel smell from the engine bay and reduced engine pulling power in limp mode

What to Inspect:
  • Pull the oil dipstick on cold engine and ensure the oil level is strictly below the stamped 'X' mark
  • Review service history to confirm low-SAPS C1 engine oil has been used at every service
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering Pump Contamination and Assist Loss

SeriousSteering

Like its platform stablemate the Mazda 3, the Mazda 5 CR utilizes an electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPAS) pump assembly located low in the front offside wheelhouse. Over years of driving in wet British weather, internal rust in the fluid lines contaminates the pump's internal flow and pressure sensors. This triggers the steering control module into fail-safe shutoff, causing instantaneous loss of hydraulic assistance. The vehicle remains mechanically steerable, but the steering wheel becomes exceptionally heavy, catching drivers off guard when turning into junctions or parking. The fault was the subject of an official DVSA safety recall requiring replacement of the pump and hydraulic pipes.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£750
Warning Signs:

Sudden loss of power steering assistance while driving or parking, Steering wheel warning light illuminating on the instrument cluster, Audible buzzing or grinding from the electric pump behind the front bumper

What to Inspect:
  • Verify on the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker whether the safety recall for the power steering system was completed
  • Turn the steering wheel rapidly back and forth with the engine idling to check for smooth, continuous power assist
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Rear Suspension Trailing Arm Bush Wear and Inner Tyre Scrubbing

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The Mazda 5 CR features a multi-link rear suspension setup that delivers sharp handling but places immense stress on the rear trailing arm compliance bushes. When carrying family passengers and luggage over UK potholes, the rubber bushes perish, deform, and delaminate. This introduces uncontrolled negative camber and dynamic toe-out on the rear wheels. As a result, the inner edges of both rear tyres scrub down to the cords prematurely, often in as little as 8,000 miles, while the outer tread remains deceptively healthy. Drivers experience a wandering rear axle over motorway expansion joints and road noise, and the hidden cord wear results in immediate UK MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£550
Warning Signs:

Severe wear on the inner shoulder of rear tyres down to the canvas cords, Rumbling road roar from the rear that mimics a worn wheel bearing, Rear axle feels loose or steps out when driving over wet drain covers or ruts

What to Inspect:
  • Turn the steering wheel and reach behind the rear wheels to feel the inner tyre tread shoulder across its entire circumference
  • Inspect the rear trailing arm large rubber bushes for tears, cracks, or oil damping leakage
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2008 Mazda 5 (CR)

  • Facelift 2008-2010 models feature noticeably improved cabin materials and quieter cruising
  • If viewing a model with electric sliding doors, ensure the anti-pinch obstacle detection works reliably
  • Verify that the air conditioning blows ice-cold air to confirm the front condenser has not leaked
20072009
Check a 2008 Mazda 5 (CR) by Registration