Total Complaints
433 filings
MAZDA CX-5 · model year
433 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash reports, and 3 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2018MAZDACX-5 carries 433 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 28 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2018 CX-5 is engine with 156 filings, followed by unknown or other (51) and power train (34). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA currently has 21 investigation files overlapping the 2018 CX-5, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.
Total Complaints
433 filings
Crashes Reported
28 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 156 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 51 |
| POWER TRAIN | 34 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 31 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 19 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 18 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 12 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 11 |
| AIR BAGS | 9 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 8 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 5 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3 |
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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
All of a sudden, my engine started making this ticking noise. I brought it to a mechanic, and he said the noise is coming from inside the engine. He checked for codes and everything, but nothing came up. The only way to look at it is to take the engine apart from what he told me. I started researching for solutions online before doing this and I came across other Mazda CX5 owners complaining of the same thing. I listened to a few of these videos of the sound it makes and sounds just like my car. Apparently, it is a common issue connected with the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, and I am amazed that Mazda has not reached out to people affected by this. I am not sure what the long-term issue is with this noise, but it can't be good if it's in the engine. Who knows what kind of damage it could cause.
Noticed the smell of burning oil and smoke from the engine while driving on the interstate with my husband and young children in the vehicle. Pulled over at a gas station to inspect and discovered large amounts of oil leaking. While at the gas station the low oil indicator came on. There were no warning or check engine lights prior to the incident. The dealership diagnosed cracked cylinder head. This was an extensive and costly repair. I have now learned that Mazda is aware of how common this issue is with this year/make/model. This should be a covered repair or recalled part.
Turned car on when leaving for work. Smelled a strong burning smell. Fluid all under car on the driveway. Took the vehicle to repair shop and they stated that it was the cylinder head and that there was a possible recall or warranty extension for this particular issue. I called Mazda and they said it was an issue but for the 2019 model and not the 2018. After doing some research I have read where this issue seems to be happening for the 2018 as well and they are not taking responsibility for it.
While driving, my 2018 Mazda CX-5 experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power without warning. The engine shut down while the vehicle was in motion; however, electrical systems such as the radio, heat, and electronics remained operational. The vehicle lost propulsion, creating a serious safety risk in traffic. The vehicle had recently been serviced at an authorized Mazda dealer for completion of PCM and fuel-system recalls. Shortly after recall service, the engine failure occurred. No warning lights or prior symptoms were present. An independent mechanic suggested possible engine seizure, but a full diagnostic evaluation (including compression testing or internal inspection) has not been completed. The cause of the sudden power loss remains undetermined. This incident represents a potential safety defect involving unexpected engine shutdown and loss of propulsion.
The infotainment system consistently changes stations and volume on its own. Knob will not allow you to make adjustments . Contacted dealer and infotainment Is not covered under warranty , or extended warranty. Now the collision notification is not working. Warnings from system that it has failed and causes system to not Register any movement . This has been going on recently. Now have to drive it as it doesn’t have the system. And have to use my Apple play for radio as infotainment keeps failing to include radio and navigation Told by dealer that the infotainment system is not Mounted into the dash and sticks up , so the heat from sun and summer has fried th system. Has been ongoing for over a year just found site to report it . Will not buy another vehicle with infotainment system sticking up out of dashboard
The infotainment system consistently changes stations and volume on its own. Knob will not allow you to make adjustments . Contacted dealer and infotainment Is not covered under warranty , or extended warranty. Now the collision notification is not working. Warnings from system that it has failed and causes system to not Register any movement . This has been going on recently. Now have to drive it as it doesn’t have the system. And have to use my Apple play for radio as infotainment keeps failing to include radio and navigation Told by dealer that the infotainment system is not Mounted into the dash and sticks up , so the heat from sun and summer has fried th system. Has been ongoing for over a year just found site to report it . Will not buy another vehicle with infotainment system sticking up out of dashboard
The infotainment system consistently changes stations and volume on its own. Knob will not allow you to make adjustments . Contacted dealer and infotainment Is not covered under warranty , or extended warranty. Now the collision notification is not working. Warnings from system that it has failed and causes system to not Register any movement . This has been going on recently. Now have to drive it as it doesn’t have the system. And have to use my Apple play for radio as infotainment keeps failing to include radio and navigation Told by dealer that the infotainment system is not Mounted into the dash and sticks up , so the heat from sun and summer has fried th system. Has been ongoing for over a year just found site to report it . Will not buy another vehicle with infotainment system sticking up out of dashboard
Cracked cylinder head due to defect in the casting process. Oil leaking thru the crack landing on the exhaust manifold causing an odor and possibly toxic fumes in the cabin of the vehicle.
Mazda has inspected the car and determined that there is a crack in the cylinder head. This is apparently a known defect in 2018-2021 Mazdas with 2.5L engines, including, without limitation, the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The cracked cylinder head has caused leaking coolant, which can drain into the engine and create serious safety issues. Mazda is aware of the issue, however, they are claiming that it is not covered by warranty.
Hydraulic lifters keep having issues
2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L NA Has been diagnosed with leak in the cylinder head cover, which has resulted in engine oil leaking directly onto the exhaust manifold. This leak produces significant smoke and a strong burning oil smell while the vehicle is running. There are numerous reports on Mazda owner forums describing the same issue occurring in Mazda CX-5 models. Some owners even reported instances of minor fires or active burning under the hood due to oil contacting hot components. Mazda released Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21, which includes a redesigned cylinder head for the 2018–2019 CX-5 models. This bulletin demonstrates Mazda’s awareness of the design flaw. The TSB only covers turbo 2.5L engines and not normally aspirated engines. There is substantial evidence that this is a widespread defect in these model years, unrelated to owner misuse or vehicle mileage. Mazda should take full responsibility by issuing a formal recall or providing an extended warranty to ad
2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L NA Has been diagnosed with leak in the cylinder head cover, which has resulted in engine oil leaking directly onto the exhaust manifold. This leak produces significant smoke and a strong burning oil smell while the vehicle is running. There are numerous reports on Mazda owner forums describing the same issue occurring in Mazda CX-5 models. Some owners even reported instances of minor fires or active burning under the hood due to oil contacting hot components. Mazda released Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21, which includes a redesigned cylinder head for the 2018–2019 CX-5 models. This bulletin demonstrates Mazda’s awareness of the design flaw. The TSB only covers turbo 2.5L engines and not normally aspirated engines. There is substantial evidence that this is a widespread defect in these model years, unrelated to owner misuse or vehicle mileage. Mazda should take full responsibility by issuing a formal recall or providing an extended warranty to ad
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine, and the contact smelled an oil-burning odor. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head was damaged, causing oil to leak into the cylinders, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and promised to open a case and give the contact a callback within 24 to 48 hours. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
Mileage: 59,000
Driving fine at low speeds (under 40mph), once I accelerate to highway speeds the engine misfires, check engine light flashes, Smart City Brake System Malfunction, Radar Malfunction, and car losses all engine power. Car just coast, lights and brakes still work. Check engine code moves around and will be on cylinder 3 sometimes and cylinder 4 other times. Able to replicate this issue multiple times. Serious safety concern.
2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine The vehicle has been diagnosed with a leak from the cylinder head cover, resulting in engine oil dripping directly onto the exhaust manifold. This issue causes noticeable smoke and a strong burning oil odor inside the cabin while the engine is running. This defect presents multiple serious safety concerns: 1) Health hazard due to prolonged exposure to burning oil fumes inside the vehicle. 2) Fire risk from oil contacting hot engine components. 3) Potential engine failure, which could lead to vehicle stalling or loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash and possible loss of life. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21, which introduced a redesigned cylinder head for 2018–2019 CX-5 models. The release of this TSB indicates Mazda’s awareness of the underlying design flaw. There is substantial evidence, including numerous owner reports, that this is a widespread issue affecting these model years. The defect is not
Cracked cylinder head leaks oil directly onto hot exhaust, causing smoke, fumes in cabin and a fire risk.
the cylinder head has a crack in it witch sprays oil all over the engine.it also sprays oil on to the very catalitic converter that's very hot .smoke is everywhere and iam afraid it will cause a fire
the cylinder head has a crack in it witch sprays oil all over the engine.it also sprays oil on to the very catalitic converter that's very hot .smoke is everywhere and iam afraid it will cause a fire
I own a 2018 Mazda CX-5. I currently have 64,770 miles on the car. I have had a burning smell and smoke coming from the engine. The car was taken to the dealer (John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken) and I was told it was fixed by replacing a gasket. The smell and smoke persisted. I took it back to the dealer and now I am told there is a leaking cylinder head. I do not feel safe driving this car especially with my kids in the car while the engine is smoking. I have had to pull over on the highway due to this. No warning lights were on until a week prior to taking it back a second time when my oil light finally came on.
Back up cameras fail infotainment system reboots and maps on the system inadvertently counts stops plus changes volume at loudspeaker telling me “this is the level “ and is on highest volume. Which you can’t turn down. All are dangerously interfering with driving. Please put pressure on Mazda to fix and not just update software when the problem has been fixed called CMU
Momentary increase in steering effort after recall remedy
Inadvertent Curtain Air Bag Deployment
Front Subframe Corrosion
Lower ball joint separation
Brake Booster Failure
Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2018 MAZDA CX-5; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.