Buy the 2024 CX-5 NA to avoid cylinder head crack issue?

[yrwei52]

VIN is easy to get but how would one go about getting engine and transmission numbers on a prospective purchase? And once you have these numbers how would they be used to determine whether or not the car has cylinder deactivation?

From TSB No.: 01-003/24 Check Engibe Light On with DTC P0524 or P055F:

NOTE: To identify vehicles with cylinder deactivation, examine the 8th digit of the VIN.
• L: 2.5L without cylinder deactivation
• M: 2.5L with cylinder deactivation

 

[HyFlyer]

... NOTE: To identify vehicles with cylinder deactivation, examine the (HENRY THE) 8th digit of the VIN.
• L(ove): 2.5L without cylinder deactivation
• M(isery): 2.5L with cylinder deactivation ...

I've got it programmed in my brain now as:

Henry the EIGHTH, LOVE // MISERY

Haha

 

[filter]

I registered on this forum specifically for this issue. I'm wondering why people are saying the new CX-5 models shipping *without CDA" are considered safe? From my research online, there has been no proof that CDA is the cause of the leak/crack.

One of the members of the FB CX-5 owners group was able to take the VIN of a non-CDA listed CX-5 and pull the BOM of parts. The part number in the brand new 2024 CX-5 without CDA was: PYFA-10-100E

If you look that part number up on the Mazda parts site, it states that it fits: "3 models, 57 variants between 2018 and 2020."

That's not very reassuring that the 2024 non-CDA models are any different. Why are people saying these will be any different? It appears to me that the CDA parts are truly part of a supply chain shortage and the cylinder head is still the one with the 2mm wall.

Does anyone have any information that might prove this wrong? I'd love to see proof of a new cylinder head part number in at least some of these 2024 non-CDA models.

 

[yrwei52]

I registered on this forum specifically for this issue. I'm wondering why people are saying the new CX-5 models shipping *without CDA" are considered safe? From my research online, there has been no proof that CDA is the cause of the leak/crack.

The cylinder head used by cylinder deactivation is modified from original head from SkyActiv-G 2.5L NA to accommodate bigger switchable hydraulic lash adjusters and other plumbings for CD. There’re plenty of reports here and NHTSA website on cracked head with oil leak ONLY from the 2.5L NA with CD.

2.5 NA Cracked Cylinder Head with Oil leaking...How common is this?

NA CX-5 with Cylinder Deactivation Engine Repairs - Report In

Cracked cylinder head (2018 CX-5)

Cracked Block (2018 CX-5)

Cracked cylinder head - 2019 Mazda CX5 GT

Cracked cylinder head 2019 CX-5 with 26,000 miles

One of the members of the FB CX-5 owners group was able to take the VIN of a non-CDA listed CX-5 and pull the BOM of parts. The part number in the brand new 2024 CX-5 without CDA was: PYFA-10-100E

This’s incorrect. PYFA-10-100E is the cylinder head with cylinder deactivation. There’s no way the cylinder head is interchangeable between the 2.5L NA with CD and without CD as explained above.

Cylinder head PYFA-10-100E is for 2.5L NA with CD:

Cylinder head PYY2-10-SJ0 is for 2.5L NA without CD:

So if the head is cracked on a 2.5L NA with CD, dealer needs to order a cylinder head set kit p/n 0000-99-SCX5 which included a “loaded” head PYY4-10-SJ0 and all other necessary gaskets and washers to replace the cracked head.

If you look that part number up on the Mazda parts site, it states that it fits: "3 models, 57 variants between 2018 and 2020."

No, PYFA-10-100E is only for 2.5L NA with CD, see above.

That's not very reassuring that the 2024 non-CDA models are any different. Why are people saying these will be any different? It appears to me that the CDA parts are truly part of a supply chain shortage and the cylinder head is still the one with the 2mm wall.

No, the 2.5L NA engine with cylinder deactivation has many differences from the 2.5L NA without CD. The transmission is different so as the exhaust system.

There’s a safety recall and many TSBs and SAs so far on the engine and transmission only for the 2.5L NA with CD. And those potential problems to the engine and transmission all are serious and costly if it happens:

Recall Campaign 3719F - Intake Valve Rocker Arm May Come Out of Position

TSB No.: 01-003/24 Check Engibe Light On with DTC P0524 or P055F: Engine Oil Solenoid Valve to Become Stuck

2017~2024 CX-5 Chirp Noise from Automatic Transaxle on 3-4 upshift - Bulletin 05-005/23

TSB No.:01-002/21 Tapping Noise from Engine, HLAs

SA No.: SA-037/23 New Cylinder Head Assembly Established

Does anyone have any information that might prove this wrong? I'd love to see proof of a new cylinder head part number in at least some of these 2024 non-CDA models.

All have stated above.

 

[filter]

yrwei52, are we sure this is accurate? There have been multiple Mazda technicians on the FB group come out over the last few weeks saying this is still the "cylinder head with the problem, just missing the CDA guts". I was pointed to the parts.mazda.com site and told you can't find *any* 2024 CX-5 cylinder head parts yet, because the site has still not been updated. Only dealers can get parts internally and the replacement parts they are seeing are still the same as well. Sure enough, I verified the parts site can't find anything at all when using a "L" VIN. For example, just try "JM3KFBBL6R0487350" and you'll get "No vehicles found. Please try again.". But this is a VIN of a CX-5 listed at my local dealer.

And quick edit, I was given this direct link, showing the only things listed for any 2024 CX-5 models so far are accessories: 2024 Mazda CX-5 Accessories | Mazda Parts Online

 

[yrwei52]

yrwei52, are we sure this is accurate? There have been multiple Mazda technicians on the FB group come out over the last few weeks saying this is still the "cylinder head with the problem, just missing the CDA guts". I was pointed to the parts.mazda.com site and told you can't find *any* 2024 CX-5 cylinder head parts yet, because the site has still not been updated. Only dealers can get parts internally and the replacement parts they are seeing are still the same as well. Sure enough, I verified the parts site can't find anything at all when using a "L" VIN. For example, just try "JM3KFBBL6R0487350" and you'll get "No vehicles found. Please try again.". But this is a VIN of a CX-5 listed at my local dealer.

And quick edit, I was given this direct link, showing the only things listed for any 2024 CX-5 models so far are accessories: 2024 Mazda CX-5 Accessories | Mazda Parts Online

Thanks for your research. No, I’m not so sure now about this as I answered a similar question in another thread:

I checked with a dealer and they said the CX 5 with the 2.5 NA L without CDA had different heads but I can't seem to verify this. It would be nice to know it all the hardware for CDA and Istop were not installed??

You actually could be right that Mazda could have just added some software only to disable the cylinder deactivation functioning with CD hardware is still there. But I doubt Mazda would be doing this which will cost them more with additional CD components when they openly claim the parts shortage on CD and i-stop features.

Yes the cylinder head is different between the 2.5L NA with CD and without CD (if it isn’t software disabled). See here:

Buy the 2024 CX-5 NA to avoid cylinder head crack issue?

Mazda could have just added some software only to disable the cylinder deactivation functioning with all CD hardware that are still there. But I doubt Mazda would be doing this which will cost them more with additional CD components when they openly claim the parts shortage on CD and i-stop features.

The only way to verify it is Mazda itself. We can go to a Mazda dealer to check the part number on 2024 head and find out if the head on non-CD 2024 2.5L NA is the same as the head from 2023 2.5L with CD.

 

[Lola421]

Has anyone done this yet or have any new information? Strongly considering pulling the trigger on one of these this weekend...

 

[CX5Nut]

We were in the same situation as the OP. Had a 2018 CX5 that was out of warrantee and didn't want to take a chance going forward.

Since the only thing certain is that the Turbo's head was redesigned to fix (hopefully) their crack issue, we went with a 2024 Turbo CX5. Nice bump up in power and MPG not bad...25 around town and 34 on the highway.

 

[stickerbush]

Has anyone done this yet or have any new information? Strongly considering pulling the trigger on one of these this weekend...

I traded my 2020 GT for a 2024 Premium in January. I guess it's still TBD exactly what cylinder head parts are installed in the 2024.

 

[txt990]

I just happened to check 2024 CX-5s for sale online in south Florida. All the sports I looked at had the 'L' in the eighth digit of VIN.

This means cylinder de-activation is not included in these models with 2.5NA. This is the only version I would get if I needed a new CX-5.

 

[badanth]

I just picked up a 2024 Carbon Edition and it doesn't have CDA.

 

[yrwei52]

I just picked up a 2024 Carbon Edition and it doesn't have CDA.

There’s one way for sure to identify, the VIN number:

... NOTE: To identify vehicles with cylinder deactivation, examine the (HENRY THE) 8th digit of the VIN.
• L(ove): 2.5L without cylinder deactivation
• M(isery): 2.5L with cylinder deactivation ...

I've got it programmed in my brain now as:

Henry the EIGHTH, LOVE // MISERY

Haha

 

[jhldiv]

Hello everyone, I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos regarding the CX-5. I'm looking for a vehicle to replace my daily driver 2015 Prius with either the CX-5 (base, non turbo) or a Rav4 (gas, XLE) and I plan on keeping the vehicle for 10+ years. I found so many used CX-5s priced competitively lately here in LA county, California but I only see VIN numbers with "M" instead of "L", even on some 2024 models (non-turbo). I called a dealer to inquire about a 2023 model and asked if it has istop and CD and was told that it doesn't even though the vin has "M" in it. I also read that others have deactivated CD or models produced after November don't have CD anymore but they still reflect "M" on the vin...

Can anyone confirm this or shed light on this discrepancy?
While I've read and have seen so many good things about CX-5s, how reliable is it compared to the Rav4 as a daily driver as I plan to keep the car for a long time?
Which would you say is a better value model, the 24 or 25? While I like a nicer trim, it seems that upper trims have sunroof which I don't like. Is that the case across the board? I'm only familiar with Toyota trims and packages.
Which would you recommend?

 

[HyFlyer]

One thing I'd mention is (IMHO) don't limit yourself to just your local dealerships, find the one you want with a dealer you want to do business with wherever, fly-n-drive it back.

I'm not familiar with the Toyotas but I've had Mazda's from 2015 on and all have been flawless with a 2015 and a 2016 both closing in on 200k miles with nothing but maintenance. (Our newest in the family fleet (Dad's ) is a 2024 cx50)

Good luck to you finding the right one.

 

[yrwei52]

Hello everyone, I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos regarding the CX-5. I'm looking for a vehicle to replace my daily driver 2015 Prius with either the CX-5 (base, non turbo) or a Rav4 (gas, XLE) and I plan on keeping the vehicle for 10+ years. I found so many used CX-5s priced competitively lately here in LA county, California but I only see VIN numbers with "M" instead of "L", even on some 2024 models (non-turbo). I called a dealer to inquire about a 2023 model and asked if it has istop and CD and was told that it doesn't even though the vin has "M" in it. I also read that others have deactivated CD or models produced after November don't have CD anymore but they still reflect "M" on the vin...

Can anyone confirm this or shed light on this discrepancy?
While I've read and have seen so many good things about CX-5s, how reliable is it compared to the Rav4 as a daily driver as I plan to keep the car for a long time?
Which would you say is a better value model, the 24 or 25? While I like a nicer trim, it seems that upper trims have sunroof which I don't like. Is that the case across the board? I'm only familiar with Toyota trims and packages.
Which would you recommend?

This info is from official Mazda TSBs (see post #21 above):

NOTE: To identify vehicles with cylinder deactivation, examine the 8th digit of the VIN.
• L: 2.5L without cylinder deactivation
• M: 2.5L with cylinder deactivation

Always check the VIN. Don’t trust anything else the the Mazda dealer told you. In addition, only 2024 or may be newer CX-5’s may come with a 2.5L NA without cylinder deactivation. All 2.5L NA CX-5’s from 2018 ~ 2023 will have CD, hence the “M” at the 8th position in the VIN. So find a base trim 2024 or 2025 CX-5 with the “L” at the 8th position in VIN.

A friend of ours just bought a brand new 2024 Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid AWD. It’s made in Japan but the price is pretty high at almost $50K with TTL. I’d get a new Toyota Venza for that price.

Personally I’d find a vehicle without cylinder deactivation at all cost as I also keep my cars for as long as I can.

 

[wlong01]

Can anyone confirm this or shed light on this discrepancy?
While I've read and have seen so many good things about CX-5s, how reliable is it compared to the Rav4 as a daily driver as I plan to keep the car for a long time?
Which would you say is a better value model, the 24 or 25? While I like a nicer trim, it seems that upper trims have sunroof which I don't like. Is that the case across the board? I'm only familiar with Toyota trims and packages.
Which would you recommend?

I don't think any domestic CX-5's have Istop unless it's new for 2024. There should be a screen in the infotainment screen that references CD (if vehicle has it). If the vehicle has CD you should be able to view it. It should show what cylinders are active.

As far as reliability our 2 CX-5's have had no problems since new. One is 9 yrs old, other is 5 this month.

 

[N7turbo]

I don't think any domestic CX-5's have Istop unless it's new for 2024. There should be a screen in the infotainment screen that references CD (if vehicle has it). If the vehicle has CD you should be able to view it. It should show what cylinders are active.

Was going to say this. USA CX-5s didn't have i-Stop, that started with the CX-50. And yep, just check the screen. Scroll over from the fuel economy screen. You'll see a picture of the engine with four cylinders.

 

[jhldiv]

Thank you for your input. Got this from 2024 Mazda CX-5 Specsheet:

Due to supply shortage, cylinder deactivation (CDA) and i-stop will be dropped from theSkyactiv-G 2.5 DOHC Engines beginning with October Production for 2.5 S Select and2.5 S Preferred and from November Production for 2.5 S Carbon Edition, Premium andPremium Plus. Cylinder deactivation and i-stop will be reinstated once the supply recovers

Link: https://filecache.mediaroom.com/mr5mr_mazdausa2/223259/download/2024 CX-5 Spec Deck.pdf

I'm curious if other models with "M" on their VIN numbers just have CD deactivated because I called some dealers who confirmed that the cars I inquired about don't have it. I'd still err on the side of going with the VIN.

 

[N7turbo]

Cylinder Deactivation also includes a different transmission. It would be odd to equip cars with it and no CD. So I don't see a scenario where it's just "deactivated".

 

[yrwei52]

Cylinder Deactivation also includes a different transmission. It would be odd to equip cars with it and no CD. So I don't see a scenario where it's just "deactivated".

As discussed earlier, Mazda could have developed a PCM code which “disables” the CD function by software but every hardware is still there.

But it’d be a lot easier for Mazda just re-uses the old 2.5L NA and transmission without all the added CD hardware components. The other benefit for Mazda is both old engine and transmission are much more reliable than those modified to accommodate the cylinder deactivation.

Just stick with the “L” at the 8th digit in the VIN.

“Henry the EIGHTH, LOVE // MISERY”