← New search

2019 Mazda CX-5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most CX-5 years

Owner complaints for the 2019 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: 43 of 270 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 131 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. 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.

7 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

131 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2024
Engine

Coolant leaks at cylinder head on 2019 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve. Mazda North American Operations released a technical service bulletin (01-013/21) regarding 2016-2020 Mazda CX-5, CX-9, and Mazda6 with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engines. This issue can cause the engine to leak coolant, overheat, and stall, potentially leaving the dr…

Read full complaint

Coolant leaks at cylinder head on 2019 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve. Mazda North American Operations released a technical service bulletin (01-013/21) regarding 2016-2020 Mazda CX-5, CX-9, and Mazda6 with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engines. This issue can cause the engine to leak coolant, overheat, and stall, potentially leaving the driver and passengers stranded in an unsafe location. Mazda is aware of this manufacturing defect but has not recalled these engines to be repaired or replaced if they are outside of their manufacturers warranty period and placing costly repairs and potentially life-threatening situations as the responsibility to their customers. The diagnosis to repair this issue is a replacement of the cylinder head/sleeve or replacement of the engine block, which has since been modified by Mazda to resolve this issue. This is a costly repair for diagnostics, labor hours, and parts and Mazda is refusing to be held responsible for these defects outside of the power train warranty period. Mazda customer support advised this will only be potentially covered if diagnostics are completed at a Mazda dealership and does not provide any assistance if the customer uses a non-Mazda affiliated repair shop. Messaging on the dash console advised excessive heat and thermostat was nearing 260°F

NHTSA ODI #11616241

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2024
Engine

Started smelling smoke randomly and discovered an apparent oil leak in the engine. Mechanic inspected and noted that it appears to be an issue relating to the cylinder head/head gasket, which is in line with a technical services bulletin put out by Mazda several years ago for this make/model/year for a known design flaw that can…

Read full complaint

Started smelling smoke randomly and discovered an apparent oil leak in the engine. Mechanic inspected and noted that it appears to be an issue relating to the cylinder head/head gasket, which is in line with a technical services bulletin put out by Mazda several years ago for this make/model/year for a known design flaw that can result in catastrophic engine failure. I am just outside the five year warranty but well under the 60,000 miles, so expecting them to tell me they won't cover the repair even though this should have been a recall due to the potential outcome. I cannot drive the vehicle until this is repaired because it can cause engine fires (or worse).

NHTSA ODI #11616035

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2024
Engine

There is a coolant leak at the cylinder head. We have been told that the cylinder is cracked at the back of the cylinder head where the exhaust ports meet. The dealer's technician said there is a "redesign" in the cylinder head. This is a known issue that is a defect apparently due to Mazda's design of securing the turbo on exh…

Read full complaint

There is a coolant leak at the cylinder head. We have been told that the cylinder is cracked at the back of the cylinder head where the exhaust ports meet. The dealer's technician said there is a "redesign" in the cylinder head. This is a known issue that is a defect apparently due to Mazda's design of securing the turbo on exhaust studs that are not designed to hold the weight. Why has there not been a recall? There is a Mazda TSB - 01-013/21, issued 10/15/2021 Verbal estimate from dealer for repair - over $7,000

NHTSA ODI #11614947

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2024
Engine

My vehicle started smoking and I smelled a oil burning smell coming through the vents. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they diagnosed it with a cracked cylinder head. The repair estimate is $4,900. It is a 2019 with less than 60,000 miles, but it is a few months out of the powertrain warranty. However, this is a KNOWN …

Read full complaint

My vehicle started smoking and I smelled a oil burning smell coming through the vents. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they diagnosed it with a cracked cylinder head. The repair estimate is $4,900. It is a 2019 with less than 60,000 miles, but it is a few months out of the powertrain warranty. However, this is a KNOWN issue to Mazda. As I have been researching online, many Mazda CX-5 owners have reported the same issue and I believe Mazda has traced it back to defective manufacturing in a batch of these parts. My local mechanic has also told us that he has seen this issue with 2019 Mazda CX-5s and recommended we report them. Mazda SHOULD issue a recall, but I understand that is expensive for them. At the very least, they should alerting drivers to this possibility and voluntarily repairing these cylinders without cost to unsuspecting drivers who could end up with an engine fire. I have submitted a complaint to Mazda customer service and I am awaiting a response.

NHTSA ODI #11613576

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the recent service that occurred on November 14th, 2023. Due to the service's failure and negligence, Luther Brookdale Mazda has jeopardized the safety and well-being of my family members. On [XXX], my 2019 CX-5 was towed from Monticello, Minnesota, to the dealership in Brookly…

Read full complaint

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the recent service that occurred on November 14th, 2023. Due to the service's failure and negligence, Luther Brookdale Mazda has jeopardized the safety and well-being of my family members. On [XXX], my 2019 CX-5 was towed from Monticello, Minnesota, to the dealership in Brooklyn Center around 9 pm. While returning from [XXX] dinner in St. Cloud on [XXX] , a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard: "Engine Coolant Temperature High. Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place." Upon receiving this notification, we pulled over to the shoulder and observed smoke emanating from the engine bay. We promptly turned off the vehicle. Concerned for our safety, we contacted our family to pick us up and had the vehicle towed by AAA. As we awaited the tow truck's arrival, we noticed coolant had sprayed all over the engine under the hood, and the engine cover was missing. Furthermore, the coolant reservoir was below the minimum threshold. This particular issue is the reason I brought the vehicle in for service the week prior, regarding insufficient coolant temperature. It was evident from the state of the engine bay that the dealership failed to follow proper protocol. This lack of oversight likely resulted in damage to the engine and other essential vehicle components, leading to the total loss of the car. I am deeply disappointed by the lack of care and attention to detail in the service provided. This negligence also compromised my family's safety. Moreover, what was meant to be a festive holiday was marred due to the disregard for my property. I have been a loyal customer at Luther Mazda Brooklyn Park for several years, and I am shocked by the incident that has transpired. We have approached the dealer with the issue and they are continue to articulate that there is no engine damage, but with the ongoing class action lawsuit, I am extremely skeptical of their claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11612890

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2024
Engine

This report is for a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the Naturally Aspirated/Non-Turbo engine. This vehicle only has 26,500 miles and has developed a major oil leak from a cracked Cylinder Head. The continued safety of the vehicle has been degraded. The engine could seize while driving making the vehicle inoperable while on roadways. …

Read full complaint

This report is for a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the Naturally Aspirated/Non-Turbo engine. This vehicle only has 26,500 miles and has developed a major oil leak from a cracked Cylinder Head. The continued safety of the vehicle has been degraded. The engine could seize while driving making the vehicle inoperable while on roadways. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by both an independent service center and by an authorized dealer service center. The only warning lamp that appeared was a low oil light. I immediately pulled over for safety and inspected the oil levels of the engine. I determined the engine oil levels were just below the fill line on the dip stick. I then added approximately half a quart of recommended oil and the oil warning light turned off. I then contacted a local service center for diagnostics of the problem. They determined the cause of the oil leak which was a Cracked Cylinder Head on the Engine. I then drove the vehicle to an authorized Mazda service center at the dealership. They also diagnosed the problem as a Cracked Cylinder Head on the Engine. Both the independent service center and the authorized Mazda service center recommended a full Engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11610809

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

I have a 2019 CX5 Mazda that consistently leaks oil and smokes. After taking it to a mechanic, I learned that this is a known Mazda issue, but because my car is under warranty, they won't help me. The Cylinder head is pours, and my mechanic said even if he replaces it, it will happen again due to the design. After I have checked…

Read full complaint

I have a 2019 CX5 Mazda that consistently leaks oil and smokes. After taking it to a mechanic, I learned that this is a known Mazda issue, but because my car is under warranty, they won't help me. The Cylinder head is pours, and my mechanic said even if he replaces it, it will happen again due to the design. After I have checked online, it seems that MANY people have this issue from 2018-2021. Mazda even made TSB #SA-031-21 to cover some of this issue but no recall. As mentioned, my car leaks oil everyday, and I have to constantly put oil in just to keep it from burning up. It smokes really bad, but I cannot afford a new car or afford to pay over $3K to get this fixed, or don't understand why they won't fix it if they know it was poor design???

NHTSA ODI #11609668

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2024
EnginePower Train

UNKNOWN. Vehicle stalls and jumps when I step on the gas pedal or try to increase speed.

NHTSA ODI #11608411

31,000 miles · Aug 8, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was oil leaking from the main gas…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was oil leaking from the main gasket and referred the contact to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ODI #11607350

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2024
Engine

The 2019 Mazda CX5 GT started to make a clicking noise coming from the engine. After much investigation online, sharing multiple resources of videos and sound this seems to be the hydraulic lash adjusters for this specific year and model. Unfortunately this is outside the normal warranty and wasn't noticed until now. The car wa…

Read full complaint

The 2019 Mazda CX5 GT started to make a clicking noise coming from the engine. After much investigation online, sharing multiple resources of videos and sound this seems to be the hydraulic lash adjusters for this specific year and model. Unfortunately this is outside the normal warranty and wasn't noticed until now. The car was inspected by local independent service center. This would pose risk to my family and others if the vehicle seized to work properly. There were no warnings given other than the clicking noise and inspected.

NHTSA ODI #11604422

Official recalls

2

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.

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