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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
Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2026
Engine

My CX-5 has 86,120 miles. I noticed a burnt oil smell coming into the car and later found oil droplets on my garage floor. I took it in to my neighborhood garage and they found an oil leak coming from the cylinder head. They recommended I take to my Mazda dealer. I had it towed to Pearson Mazda, Richmond,VA. They inspected it an…

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My CX-5 has 86,120 miles. I noticed a burnt oil smell coming into the car and later found oil droplets on my garage floor. I took it in to my neighborhood garage and they found an oil leak coming from the cylinder head. They recommended I take to my Mazda dealer. I had it towed to Pearson Mazda, Richmond,VA. They inspected it and stated I had a cracked cylinder head. I have a 100K extended warranty that will cover most of the cost to repair it. However, I found the Mazda CX-5 2018-2021 models have a cylinder head defect. I found a Mazda Service Alert, #SA-031/21 and on Reddit a Mazda CX-5 owners page that has many stories of the same problem, cracked cylinder head. Some have had Mazda cover the repair cost or given a major discount and provided an extended warranty after repair. I reviewed this with Pearson Mazda and they stated that my car does not fall in the vehicle numbers that they will cover. This is a known issue and they will not acknowledge it for my car. I have contacted Mazda Corporate and waiting for a callback. Litigation has been filed for the CX-5 Turbo customers and they have received restitution. This is also a major issue on non-Turbo customer’s SUVs. I have read that the 2018-2021 manufacturing (casting) of the cylinder head was defective. However, Mazda is not admitting it because a RECALL would cost them millions to fix the cylinder head issue on all the affected vehicles. But, they are at fault and should work with all customers that have been affected by this issue. Therefore, I am requesting NHTSA to make this a public safety matter and have Mazda be accountable for the issue. Thank you!

NHTSA ODI #11734839

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2026
Unknown Or Other

I am experiencing “ghost touch” from the faulty laminate on the touch screen. Can literally see it degrading. It is a widely known issue and is dangerous cause I’m cruising along at 70 on the highway then all of a sudden my car randomly changes to different screens or changes sound settings. Very distracting and disconcerting. …

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I am experiencing “ghost touch” from the faulty laminate on the touch screen. Can literally see it degrading. It is a widely known issue and is dangerous cause I’m cruising along at 70 on the highway then all of a sudden my car randomly changes to different screens or changes sound settings. Very distracting and disconcerting. Unbelievable this hasn’t been a recall - government is certainly complicit in this now.

NHTSA ODI #11734765

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2026
Unknown Or OtherInjury

Defect front doors the opening handle has a( trim metal plastic) section separates and the metal part is very sharp and my wife got hurt with the metal portion like I said it's very sharp. I need to cover the handle to prevent that. Now it's in the passenger side too.

NHTSA ODI #11733874

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2026
Engine

2018 CX-5, VIN [XXX] , 60,182 miles. Skyactiv-G 2.5L with cylinder deactivation (VIN 8th digit M). Head gasket leak diagnosed by independent mechanic and confirmed by Mazda dealer, who referenced Service Action SA-073/24. Oil actively leaking onto garage floor and contacting exhaust manifold, causing burning smell and potential …

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2018 CX-5, VIN [XXX] , 60,182 miles. Skyactiv-G 2.5L with cylinder deactivation (VIN 8th digit M). Head gasket leak diagnosed by independent mechanic and confirmed by Mazda dealer, who referenced Service Action SA-073/24. Oil actively leaking onto garage floor and contacting exhaust manifold, causing burning smell and potential fire risk. Defect was first documented by dealer at 52,966 miles within powertrain warranty. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting the cylinder head casting on 2018+ CX-5 models with cylinder deactivation INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11733339

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2026
Power Train

Upon acceleration it’s not shifting gears properly. The rpm’s rev but the vehicle doesn’t go faster. Traffic behind me continued to accelerate to where i was concerned about being rear ended. I Have not taken it to anyone yet..it has done this a couple of times. Even though it’s a 2018 it only has 25000 miles on it. The dealer…

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Upon acceleration it’s not shifting gears properly. The rpm’s rev but the vehicle doesn’t go faster. Traffic behind me continued to accelerate to where i was concerned about being rear ended. I Have not taken it to anyone yet..it has done this a couple of times. Even though it’s a 2018 it only has 25000 miles on it. The dealer is an hour away and i”m afraid to drive it there because i don’t want to cause more problems. No warnings lights or messages.

NHTSA ODI #11732799

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2026
Engine

Oil leak from defective head that occurred behind exhaust manifold leaking hot oil onto the hot exhaust causing the potential for fire. Leak started at 44,000 miles. This manufacture defect is not being covered by Mazda or a recall even though the high potential of fire and serious injury.

NHTSA ODI #11731395

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2026
Engine

The head gasket on the engine is cracked and is leaking oil and causing the oil to burn when car is driven. The problem was identified by a local mazda dealership and it is a well documented and known issue among SkyActive non-turbo engines. There were no warning lights or messages on the car, other than the smell of burning oil…

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The head gasket on the engine is cracked and is leaking oil and causing the oil to burn when car is driven. The problem was identified by a local mazda dealership and it is a well documented and known issue among SkyActive non-turbo engines. There were no warning lights or messages on the car, other than the smell of burning oil and smoke coming from the engine after driving. I have a toddler and the smoke and burning smell coming into my car every time I drive is concerning to our health. Mazda is well aware that the cracked head gasket issue extends beyond their turbo engines but did not include the non turbo engines in their extended warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11730869

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2026
Engine

I started observing oil leaks and took it to the dealership. They changed the gasket for 2500$ and the oil leak worsened. Dealer is asking for $4500 to replace a bad cylinder head. I am told that this is a common Mazda manufacturing defect and Mazda denied the repair cost coverage request. Any help would be really appreciated. …

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I started observing oil leaks and took it to the dealership. They changed the gasket for 2500$ and the oil leak worsened. Dealer is asking for $4500 to replace a bad cylinder head. I am told that this is a common Mazda manufacturing defect and Mazda denied the repair cost coverage request. Any help would be really appreciated. This is commonly reported Mazda issue and especially on a low mileage vehicle woth 56000 miles on, this is not fulfilling the promise of quality machinery.

NHTSA ODI #11730506

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2026
EngineForward Collision Avoidance

I am reporting a safety issue involving engine failure and fumes entering the vehicle cabin as well as unintended braking post major engine repair at 75,000 miles on my 2018 Mazda CX5. My vehicle developed engine problems consistent with a cylinder head/coolant defect and began allowing fumes/smoke to enter the cabin while driv…

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I am reporting a safety issue involving engine failure and fumes entering the vehicle cabin as well as unintended braking post major engine repair at 75,000 miles on my 2018 Mazda CX5. My vehicle developed engine problems consistent with a cylinder head/coolant defect and began allowing fumes/smoke to enter the cabin while driving. This created a health and safety concern for occupants. I reported this to the dealership and was told the vehicle was safe to drive despite the presence of fumes in the cabin. A major engine repair was later performed. A few days following the repair, additional warning lights and system malfunctions appeared, including brake system warnings, and the vehicle later braked unexpectedly while driving nearly causing me to be rear-ended. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but the root cause of the fumes and subsequent safety issues has not been clearly explained. This situation created a safety risk due to exposure to fumes inside the cabin and unexpected vehicle behavior while driving. Smoke/fumes video and any additional documentation can be provided upon request. Attaching the costly invoice as well.

NHTSA ODI #11730227

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2026
Engine

cracked cylinder head at 109521miles, no warning, no temp gage no light indicators came on. I have pictures of vehicle dashboard showing no warning as it is smoking going to Mazda dealership. Dealership advised me of this being an issue in my make and model> I also have video from dealership. I have reached out to Mazda several…

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cracked cylinder head at 109521miles, no warning, no temp gage no light indicators came on. I have pictures of vehicle dashboard showing no warning as it is smoking going to Mazda dealership. Dealership advised me of this being an issue in my make and model> I also have video from dealership. I have reached out to Mazda several times, its going on 5 weeks and I am getting the run around. Please let me know what other information is needed.

NHTSA ODI #11730122

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