← New search

2018 Mazda CX-5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most CX-5 years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 133.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 83 of 348 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 177 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

348 reports
35,000 miles · Jan 20, 2022
Fuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the mechanic could not diagnose or service the failure. The contact then received notification…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the mechanic could not diagnose or service the failure. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was also notified of the recall and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was not successful. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11448218

27,137 miles · Jan 18, 2022
Suspension

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while having a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the rear shocks were leaking oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The f…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while having a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the rear shocks were leaking oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,137.

NHTSA ODI #11447926

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2022
Engine

Massive oil leak onto exhaust manifold, dealership checked and found oil leaking from right rear area of cylinder head. "Per SA/031/21 should replace cylinder head and all gaskets and hardware". My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because if my car had no oil in it, which it was close to, the engine could have sei…

Read full complaint

Massive oil leak onto exhaust manifold, dealership checked and found oil leaking from right rear area of cylinder head. "Per SA/031/21 should replace cylinder head and all gaskets and hardware". My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because if my car had no oil in it, which it was close to, the engine could have seized and caused an accident. The fumes of burning oil made me severely ill as well. The problem was confirmed by the Mazda dealership and has been inspected as well. The only reason I knew something was wrong was because the oil light came on and I contacted the dealership and they said it was a sensor issue and I did not believe that they were correct so I brought it in and they looked at it and said it was a massive oil leak and then told me that the cylinder head assembly needed to be replaced and it was a rare occurance but it had happened due to a casting issue.

NHTSA ODI #11446314

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2022
Engine

This is more of a general notice to fellow Mazda CX-5 drivers with the issue described below: Our car is a 2018 CX-5 with 25K miles. The check engine light came on upon entering the highway at the beginning of the day. Subsequently, stopping by an AutoZone to diagnose it revealed a malfunctioning thermostat. Only then did I rea…

Read full complaint

This is more of a general notice to fellow Mazda CX-5 drivers with the issue described below: Our car is a 2018 CX-5 with 25K miles. The check engine light came on upon entering the highway at the beginning of the day. Subsequently, stopping by an AutoZone to diagnose it revealed a malfunctioning thermostat. Only then did I realize the car took a long time to reach the operating temperature (for the blue indicator light to go away), and engine temperature would generally stay around 165 and hit 210 only after a very long time of driving, while idling or in traffic. However, our internal heater performance never had any issues while being kept at 75 and blowing mild to moderately. Upon taking the car to our Mazda dealership and requesting a diagnostic service, did we learn it was a malfunctioning coolant control valve that there is a technical service bulletin (# 01-011/21) for such a thing, and covered under our CPO powertrain warranty for replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11446233

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2021
Engine

Engine light came on, pulled over to the side to open the hood. Engine was smoking and oil was leaking all over the floor. Checked the oil dipsitick, still had oil but could smell the burnt oil. Towed the truck to the dealers and said its Engine head cylinder is cracked.

NHTSA ODI #11442815

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2021
Suspension

Our 2018 CX5 has only 28K miles. During a recent oil change at our local auto repair facility I was informed that the driver's side rear shock was leaking oil and needed to be replaced. After some research I found there is a Mazda TSB (Bulletin No.: 02-001/21) stating that many 2017-2020 CX5s left the factory with defective rea…

Read full complaint

Our 2018 CX5 has only 28K miles. During a recent oil change at our local auto repair facility I was informed that the driver's side rear shock was leaking oil and needed to be replaced. After some research I found there is a Mazda TSB (Bulletin No.: 02-001/21) stating that many 2017-2020 CX5s left the factory with defective rear shocks. In my opinion, loss of shocks could affect stability of a vehicle and cause a crash. There should be a recall to replace these defective shocks!

NHTSA ODI #11442706

35,000 miles · Dec 3, 2021
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringCrashInjury

The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the power steering assist and brakes failed, causing the vehicle to crash into trees. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife attempted to turn off…

Read full complaint

The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the power steering assist and brakes failed, causing the vehicle to crash into trees. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife attempted to turn off the vehicle, but it would not turn off. The fire department had to disconnect the battery to turn off the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact's wife was later taken to the hospital for injuries sustained to her knees. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11442553

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

My vehicle has an open recall that poses a safety risk for myself and all passengers. I spoke with Mazda Service Department/Dealer in my area and they stated that Mazda would not have these parts available until summer of 2022. The service department also stated “the vehicle is completely safe to drive”. I am wary of this respon…

Read full complaint

My vehicle has an open recall that poses a safety risk for myself and all passengers. I spoke with Mazda Service Department/Dealer in my area and they stated that Mazda would not have these parts available until summer of 2022. The service department also stated “the vehicle is completely safe to drive”. I am wary of this response as a potential stalled engine is a major safety risk for myself and all passengers. MAZDA will also start mailing out recall letters by January 22nd, which is a huge delay in response. This is unacceptable and I am wary about driving the vehicle. Please let me know what are my options here.

NHTSA ODI #11442113

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

On 11/28/2021, my vehicle suddenly showing five warnings 1, front camera sensor malfunction, 2, smart brake system malfunction, 3, forward smart city brake support malfunction, 4, HBC/LAS system malfunction, and 5, SCBC malfunction. I have no idea which part was go wrong, but this is not the first time my vehicle shows the same …

Read full complaint

On 11/28/2021, my vehicle suddenly showing five warnings 1, front camera sensor malfunction, 2, smart brake system malfunction, 3, forward smart city brake support malfunction, 4, HBC/LAS system malfunction, and 5, SCBC malfunction. I have no idea which part was go wrong, but this is not the first time my vehicle shows the same warning. Back to 12/20/2019, my vehicle has a same warning showed, I bring my vehicle to dealer to check but after they check, they told me nothing wrong. After two year the same problem come out again, I am very concern about the safety of my vehicle. The first time having a issue was my vehicle just a year old, and today the same issue come out again. Please help me to look up my vehicle is it any part has to recall and need to fix it. Thank you

NHTSA ODI #11442066

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System

The vehicle stall at very low speed in a parking lot could not restart it was turning over the battery was fine came back 3 hours later and was able to start

NHTSA ODI #11441197

Official recalls

3

21V875000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 12, 2021

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

19V497000 · Engine; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jun 27, 2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Consequence: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

18V426000 · Air Bags:side/window

Jun 25, 2018

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Mazda CX-5 problems