Need advuce on 2019's
 

We have a 2020, that we our happy with. My son is looking to purchase a 2019. When I look at Consumers Reports, they show 2019's have engine and brake issues. Should I be concerned, and avoid a 2019? Thank you

You don't specify which model/engine.
Personally, I wouldn't touch any diesel but then I'm not a fan of any diesel autos.
It was also the first year of turbo engine meaning, I wouldn't purchase one of those either.

When you purchase used unless you know the previous owner you never really know what you are getting.
I sure some 2019 owners will chime in, this is what I found, take it for what it's worth.
I cannot find that the 2019 Mazda CX-5 with naturally aspirated engine has anymore issues than other used vehicles.
It had 3 recalls for certain VIN#'s for trailer hitch wiring harness, fuel pump and PCM.
You could verify this before purchase to see if the vehicle had a recall and if it was fixed and there are generally ways to verify the vehicle maintenance/accidents/etc.
Car & Driver: rates it a 10/10 top ten best and Editors choice
Edmunds: 4.3/5
US News & World Reports: #5 out 16 compact SUV's
KBB: 4.4/5
Repair Pal: As a used 2019 Mazda CX-5 reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the water pump for $600, engine oil cooler costing $375, along with the intake manifold gasket which costs around $400. They can last up to 250,000 thousand miles, whatever that really means who knows.

Definitely avoid the diesels as @Lobstah said. We have a 2019 CX-5 in the family that has been through hell. It's been nearly totaled by hitting a guard rail, and driven all across the country with easily over 100k miles. Your best bet is to find a 2021+ if possible as that's when most of the issues have been fixed making these cars very reliable.

Thanks. I should have stated, basic 2.5L. Forgot about diesels, that I don't think were ever offered in Canada. Also, not looking for a turbo. Just the basic 2.5.

During the 2017-2020 years there have been some issues with oil leaking through the heads of the engines. But apart from that I wouldn't be too worried. They correct the issue from the 2021 models and onward.

Actually, this is not true. There was thread fairly recently about a '23 N/A car which had the oil issue so it doesn't seem Mazda has done much to address it. That being said, it is not a common issue. I had a '19 with the N/A 2.5 and it ran perfectly for the 2yrs and 20k I had it.

You might consider a 2018. Relatively speaking very few problems. Likely the best production year overall so far?

Thanks for the replies. I think he is going to get a new one, instead. Not happy that they now have Stop/Start, though

That can be said about any new car. There will always be some cars with defects from the factory, hence the warranty. However on the 2021+ models it's incredibly rare and would happen more so due to negligience of maintainence. With the 17-20 years it seems to have been a certain number of batches that had the defective heads as mentioned. Once repaired there's nothing to worry about on them anyways.

My 2 cents
 

I have a N/A 2.5ltr 2018 auto CX-5. Had this for almost 2 years and coming up 200,000k's. Has not skipped a beat and still runs as smooth as silk. Highly recommend the CX-5s apart from the Diesel's.