2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · LB63 CZE

A pattern of progressive front‑end wear dominates the MOT record, with repeated advisories on tyre tread depth, steering rack play and a front suspension arm ball‑joint failure that required a remedial MOT in 2025. The latest test on 9 February 2026 passed, but flagged slight wear or play in the steering column universal joint, confirming that the steering system continues to show incremental deterioration despite recent compliance. At 68 359 miles on a 2014 model the average annual accumulation is roughly 5 700 miles, well below the typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The low mileage suggests periods of light use or storage, yet the recurring tyre‑wear advisories indicate that the existing tyres have been subjected to uneven loading or insufficient rotation, and that tread life is being exhausted faster than mileage alone would predict. No significant gaps appear in the MOT chronology, so the vehicle has been regularly inspected, but the mileage profile does not eliminate the need for a thorough wear assessment of consumables. Prospective buyers should concentrate on the front suspension and steering assemblies. The off‑side front suspension arm ball joint was recorded as excessively worn in the 2025 failure, and the steering rack inner joint and near‑side track‑rod end have been noted with slight play in earlier tests. On a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when traversing bumps, feel for any looseness or wandering when steering at low speed, and check that the steering wheel returns promptly to centre. A qualified mechanic should inspect the ball joints, steering rack bushings and the universal joint for excessive clearance and consider replacement if play exceeds manufacturer tolerances. Equally important are the rear shock absorbers, which have shown light oil misting since 2021, and the windscreen washer system, which failed twice in 2023. During a drive, monitor for excessive bounce or a soft‑bottomed feel over uneven surfaces, and watch for fluid seepage around the shock mounts. Verify that both washer jets operate and that the TPMS warning lamp is functional; a persistent lamp may indicate a sensor fault or low tyre pressure that could mask underlying tyre wear. Addressing these items before purchase will clarify the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and help avoid imminent component failures.