Second Hand Mazda CX-5 Bonnet Strut

The Mazda CX-5 does use gas-charged bonnet struts (also called bonnet stay rods or bonnet lift supports) rather than a traditional prop rod — one strut is fitted on each side of the engine bay to hold the bonnet open. This applies across all variants of both generations sold in the UK, regardless of engine or trim level. When sourcing from a breaker, you will typically need to replace them as a pair if both are losing pressure.

The CX-5 changed generation in 2017, with the first generation running from 2012 to 2017 and the second generation from 2017 onwards — these are entirely different platforms with different bonnets and different strut mounting points, so parts from one generation will not fit the other. Always make sure the breaker is quoting you a strut from the correct generation by confirming your registration with them. Mixing generations is one of the most common fitment mistakes on this model.

The first-generation CX-5 received a facelift around 2015 that updated the front end including the grille and lights, but the bonnet and its strut mounting positions may well have carried over — however, whether the struts themselves interchange directly across that facelift boundary is something you should confirm with the breaker against your exact registration rather than assume. The breaker will be able to check the part numbers against your vehicle to be certain. It is always worth asking this question specifically when requesting a quote.

Engine choice has no effect on bonnet strut fitment for the CX-5, as the bonnet and its supporting hardware are shared across all engine variants within a generation. A strut from a 2.2 diesel donor car will be mechanically identical to one from a 2.0 petrol car of the same generation and facelift period. Focus your search on matching the generation and approximate year rather than worrying about engine codes.

Trim level makes no difference to bonnet strut fitment on the CX-5 — the bonnet and struts are the same across SE, SE-L, Sport Nav, GT Sport and any other trim within a given generation and facelift period. You may find cosmetic differences such as paint colour or minor panel markings when buying from a breaker, but the strut itself is identical. Simply match the generation and year and any trim-level donor car will be suitable.

Used bonnet struts are a common and cost-effective purchase from a breaker, but it is worth asking the breaker how the strut has been stored and tested, as gas struts can lose pressure over time even when not in use. To get the right part, give the breaker your full registration number so they can confirm the correct generation and facelift variant — the two CX-5 generations (2012–2017 and 2017 onwards) use different parts. Replacing both the NS (nearside) and OS (offside) struts at the same time is advisable so both sides hold with equal strength.