Mazda CX-5 Complaints (2019)

273 consumer complaints on file.

#11741916June 3, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2019 Mazda CX-5 (equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation) has experienced a severe structural failure resulting in a cracked engine cylinder head. This casting defect allows pressurized motor oil to leak continuously from the cylinder head down onto the hot engine block and nearby exhaust components. This has led to the following severe safety risks: engine oil is leaking onto the exhaust manifold and creates an extreme risk of engine compartment fire when the vehicle is in motion; sudden loss of oil pressure or complete structural failure of the cylinder head can cause the engine to stall or seize unexpectedly without warning, completely disabling the vehicle in live traffic and creating an imminent crash hazard; and dropping oil levels and leaking fluids burning against the engine produce strong smoke and chemical odors that enter the cabin, which can cause driver distraction and severely limiting visibility if smoke escapes through the hood. We are also inhaling these odors. Mazda is fully aware of this structural engine defect and has detailed it internally under Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21 (as well as related TSBs for oil seepage/leaks on these cylinder heads). Despite acknowledging the manufacturing flaw, Mazda has failed to issue a safety recall for this dangerous fire and stalling hazard, forcing consumers to drive unsafe vehicles or pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a known defect. The vehicle currently has 62,317 miles. The crack and oil leak were officially diagnosed by the Carlsbad Mazda dealership service department on 5/26/26. I am requesting that the NHTSA launch a formal safety defect investigation into Mazda 2.5L cylinder head cracking to force a safety recall before this defect leads to a fatal fire or highway accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740076May 26, 2026
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the infotainment system changed settings, made phone calls, and changed the distance for automatic braking, which caused the vehicle's brakes to be applied inadvertently while another vehicle was behind them. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738641May 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel independently switched between features. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee, the contact declined. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737099May 11, 2026
ENGINE
This 2019 Mazda CX 5 is experiencing a crack in the oil cylinder. THis appears to be connected to: There is no official, broad NHTSA recall for cracked oil cylinders in the 2019 Mazda CX-5, but Mazda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #SA-031-21) to address this known issue. It affects certain 2018–2021 CX-5s, particularly those with 2.5L engines, where a cracked cylinder head leaks coolant or oil. If this is a known issue with this vehicle, why has a recall not been addressed?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736667May 8, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There is an existing class action lawsuit regarding the turbo versions. There are complexities as to wh this lawsuit is on behalf of the turbo engines, and not the non turbo engines, however the same problems are well documented and widely acknowledged throughout hundreds if not more instances of people online and by Mazda's acknowledgment of the problem through the TSB's. This put me at great safety risk. I was driving north bound right beside semi trucks and busy traffic at speed limits of 70 mph when my engine started smoking. I was able to pull over and get it to a nearby mechanic. They officially diagnosed the vehicle w the cracked cylinder head matching the aforementioned TSBs. Mazda denied my goodwill case, even though it was made without complete information on my situation and car, despite my best attempts to get to the one representing my case with the dealership(I tried to reach him for 2 days with no success). Getting a repair from Mazda dealerships was inconvenient for my location and schedule, but I've always had my vehicle properly serviced. Mazda said this repair would cost near $7500. A mechanic quoted me at least the amount of $5500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736171May 6, 2026
ENGINE
I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 36,000 miles. The vehicle developed a strong burning oil smell while driving, particularly through the HVAC/vent system. I initially reported the odor to a Mazda dealership, but no issue was identified. Approximately two months later, the smell returned and worsened. The vehicle was later diagnosed by a Mazda dealership with an oil leak originating from the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. According to the repair documentation, oil was accumulating on the exhaust due to seepage from the cylinder head. The repair required full cylinder head replacement. This created significant safety concerns because leaking oil was contacting hot engine/exhaust components while the vehicle was being operated. Burning fumes entered the passenger cabin through the vents while driving. I was concerned about the risk of fire, smoke inhalation, sudden oil loss, and possible engine failure while on the road. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. The primary symptom was the persistent burning smell. The dealership replaced the cylinder head. The original repair estimate was approximately $6,000. Mazda later provided partial goodwill assistance, but I was still required to pay approximately $2,500 out of pocket. After researching this issue further, I found numerous similar NHTSA complaints involving 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles experiencing cylinder head leaks/cracking near the exhaust manifold, burning smells, smoke or fumes entering the cabin, and major engine repairs at relatively low mileage. Mazda has acknowledged similar cylinder head concerns in CSP11 and TSB 01-002/23 for certain VIN ranges but denied coverage for my vehicle because the leak involved oil rather than coolant and because my VIN was outside the covered range. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader cylinder head defect affecting additional 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles outside the currently covered VIN range.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735831May 5, 2026
ENGINE
Cylinder head is cracked and leaking oil. The Cylinder head has an active warranty extension but Mazda only applies this to coolant leaks and not oil leaks. The root cause is a casting defect along with a exhaust manifold design issue that imparts undue stress onto the cylinder head causing cracks. The limitation of the warranty to the type of fluid that leaks rather than the failure due to design issues with the exhaust manifold and cylinder head does not make sense given that both components have been redesigned due to the prevalance of both coolant and oil leaks from cylinder head cracks. Problem has been confirmed by Quality Mazda Service departmetn on April 4, 2026 but no warranty coverage extended to repair the failure due to the fluid leak being oil and not coolant. No warnings or messages given prior to leaks. Leaks began at roughly 76,400 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734784April 30, 2026
ENGINE
The cylinder head cracked, causing a coolant leak, which then lead to the car overheating. My car was taken into Mazda dealership because there is a warranty extension for this specific part CSP111. The Mazda dealership, corporate, and warranty department all stated the known widespread defect cracked cylinder head will not be replaced on their behalf due to an overheating code. Mazda is using a symptom as an excuse to the problem. Due to the overheating code, Mazda recommended replacing the whole engine for $10,000 with 20 hours of labor. This defect part and Mazda’s unwillingness to provide a proper solution caused my car engine to fail, posing a safety risk. No symptoms other than low coolant were present, which my car was then parked, not driven, and towed to the dealership, in hopes the warranty would be honored.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734157April 27, 2026
ENGINE
A Mazda Dealership should me a Mazda cx5 2019, in 2023, at nearly 38k miles, right about where many have reported a cracked cylinder issue due to a manufacturing issue in age, and in milage. There is a lawsuit ongoing regarding the turbo version, however many reporting the same issue in the non turbo versions. My engine started smoking while on the highway causing a highly dangerous scenario to which I was barely able to make it to a mechanic where all the oil spilled out upon arrival. I got a diagnostic from a reputable mechanic confirming the cracked cylinder.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732869April 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My wife's vehicle has a "Infotainment screen" (dashboard touch screen). There is a class action suit (CSP13d dealer letter) for issues regarding the screen performing tasks (Ghost screening touch) on its own. In lieu of a Mazda vehicle mass recall, they agreed to "FIX" the issue with a software update and replace the CMU Module of the vehicle to rectify this issue. I am here to report / advise you that MANY Mazda owners are NOT happy and have taken it upon themselves to disconnect these screens and do other "work around self repairs (removing/ disabling the unit) in order to fix the issues that occur. I have directly contacted Mazda in regards to my issues and they stat they can ONLY do what was advised on the court ordered settlement and NOTHING more to fix the issue. I want to advise you first hand, their FIX for this issue does NOT fix the problems. In fact, it is making it much worse! NOW my wife's vehicle is operating this screen by itself, WHILE driving, creating a MAJOR distraction. This "Ghost Touching" is actually going into the braking system settings and trying to change/ alter them AS she is driving! A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. She has had to, on several occasions, pull over /off the road, shut down the vehicle and try to "reset" what has occurred and check her system for ANY altered setting..if possible. As a retired Police Officer, I can tell you first had that if we ever encountered such thing/ safety issues reported by drivers, we would NOT allow them to travel any further with the vehicle and have it safely towed to a dealer or mechanic for repair. For their safety as well as the rest of the publics safety!! Mazda has refused to fully fix this issue and you can even see on numerous social media posts of MANY others reporting similar issues, disabling their devices on their own and doing other work arounds to mute or disable their devices totally. I Implore you to do a FULL RECALL of ALL affected vehicles to fix the problem ASAP!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731751April 17, 2026
SEATS
Today I was using this vehicle and the cars my pocket got stuck in between the car seat dial for the movement of the car seat and the door and as I was in reverse the car seat started to move and pushed me all the way to the steering wheel as I was in a drive situation mode so I had to break it all off disconnected and everything
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723966March 12, 2026
ENGINE
Engine has a crack in the head, well under 100,000 miles. It's a known defect but Mazda refuses to do anything about it. It is currently a very expensive paperweight sitting under our carport.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723326March 10, 2026
ENGINE
My 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 78,000 miles developed a sudden major engine oil leak. The Mazda dealership diagnosed the issue as a cracked cylinder head and quoted approximately $5,600 for repair. The vehicle was properly maintained and this failure occurred without warning. A cylinder head failure at this mileage appears premature and may represent a defect. The oil leak created a large puddle under the vehicle and could pose a potential safety hazard due to loss of engine oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723140March 9, 2026
ENGINE
2019 Mazda CX5 has a cracked cylinder head. This is causing oil to leak out. The oil is leaking out onto the exhaust manifold which is causing the manifold to smoke and has the possibility to catch fire. Mazda is aware of this issue and issued CSP 11( customer service program). This does not cover the oil leak, only coolant leak. Several Class Action Lawsuits have been filed. Local Mazda dealership has inspected the car and confirmed the issue. The issue occurred suddenly with no warning. Again, Mazda is aware of this issue but has failed to issue a recall or service program to fix it, this is a dangerous issue as it can lead to a fire with the oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722147March 5, 2026
ENGINE
I am reporting a premature engine failure on my 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 55,000 miles. The vehicle developed a significant engine oil leak that was diagnosed by a repair facility as a casting failure in the cylinder head behind the timing cover. Due to the location of the leak and the nature of the defect, the entire cylinder head assembly had to be replaced. The total repair cost was $5,262.32, which I paid out of pocket. The repair documentation indicates that Mazda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin addressing this condition, but there is currently no recall or warranty extension covering the issue for my vehicle. A cylinder head casting failure at such low mileage appears premature and not consistent with normal wear and tear on a properly maintained engine. An engine oil leak of this nature could potentially create safety risks, including oil contamination of engine components or the possibility of oil leaking onto hot engine parts. Because this issue appears to be documented by Mazda through technical service guidance and has resulted in a costly major engine repair at relatively low mileage, I believe it should be investigated to determine whether a broader manufacturing defect exists that could affect other vehicles. I am submitting this complaint so that the issue is documented and can be evaluated for potential safety concerns or a future recall if similar failures are occurring in other vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722300March 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My VIN indicates the 2.5L non-turbo SKYACTIV engine. Many 2019 CX-5 Touring models with this engine used cylinder deactivation, which is the version that has had some cylinder head cracking complaints. The engine type has documented failures my mileage (96k) is not extremely high for an engine The repair cost is very high ($5,500+) Mazda is refusing to help me out of goodwill assistance and ive only had the car for a year. They know this is a problem and fixed it for the turbos but not the non turbos! This is ridiculous, i expected a car to last more than 96k miles this can cause a fire or a stall and can cause a crash
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722301March 5, 2026
ENGINE
My 2019 Mazda CX-5 started to smoke from the engine and I could smell oil burning. My car was due for an oil change so I brough it to a mechanic. After a diagnostic, they determined that there was a major oil leak and that the cylinder head was cracked and suggested I take it to the dealership. I did and they confirmed that there was a cracked cylinder head causing the massive oil leak. The technician even said in a video sent to me that the oil is leaking "in the same place as the others". I was then quoted $5,960.75 to make this repair. I did research and found that this is a manufacturing defect that is long known to Mazda. There is a TSB and a CPS that extends the warranty for this issue but only for turbo engines, not my non-turbo engine. My car is 2 years past the warranty but I only have 32K miles on it. I asked if Mazda could cover all or some of the cost since it is a defect, not caused by anything I did or didn't do. I was then told that because I didn't take my car there regularly for service, that they wouldn't cover it. I regularly took my car in for oil changes and other maintenance to a local shop as the nearest dealership was almost 30 miles away so it was very inconvenient. It's outrageous that Mazda won't issue a recall or extend the warranty for the same issue in the non-turbo engines. Asking me to pay $6K for a defect they caused is unconscionable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721866March 3, 2026
ENGINE
The head on the 2.4L engine of the 2019 Mazda CX5 has shown a manufacturing defect that Mazda has addressed in certain models, but not all of the models with this engine. This leaves a large amount of vehicle owners with the financial liability to pay out of pocket for Mazda's engineering and manufacturing defect that they know about. The oil leaks onto the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard. When driving our car, we cannot use outside air on the vents, A/C because the intake pulls in smoke coming from the engine compartment. I brought the car in today to Mazda and was denied any help in the repair, I am continuing with Mazda corporate to try and reach a resolution. Currently this will be roughly a $7000 repair. I do not have an estimate yet from the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721085February 27, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I purchased a 2019 Mazda CX-5 (As is) on July 20, 2015. On September 11, 2025, as I was traveling on a three lane highway. I attempted to pass another vehicle. As I was attempting to go around the vehicle, my Mazda suddenly began braking and quickly losing acceleration. The speed limit on the highway was 70 mph. I estimated my speed at the time was between 70 and 75 mph as I attempted to pass. Pressing on the accelerator pedal did nothing. I had to try and very carefully steer the car to the right hand side of the road while trying to avoid oncoming traffic approaching from behind. When I finally got the car off the road, this is when I noticed that the car had stalled. The car started right back up and I continued to my appointment. The "radar cruise control" was activated at the time of the incident. On September 15, 2025, I contacted the dealer where the car was purchased and explained what happened. I was asked to bring the car in that same day. The car was supposedly looked over and connected to the Service Dept.'s computer to see if any error sign appeared. Nothing showed up. I service technician was then asked to ride with me to see if the car would replicated the same stalling as it has previously done. We could not get the car to stall as it had previously done. Before leaving, a salesman asked me if I wanted him to explain the "radar cruise control" to me some more. I agreed. The salesman then proceeded to tell me that "the car did not stall, it was simply braking from the activation of the radar cruise control". Being an experienced driver, I told the salesman that the car had stalled as evidenced by the fact that I had to restart it. The situation was not resolved to my satisfaction, but no other offers were made by the dealer. I requested additional diagnostic work to be done, but the dealer refused to cooperate. I did take the car to another Mazda dealer, but could get no offer but to connect the car to their computer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720336February 25, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My fuel pump burned out after only 60k miles.... very expensive repair. Mazda said the problem was only with the early 2019 models so mine wasn't included yet my fuel pump did exactly what the ones included in the recall did, but I was left with over $1700 repair bill to replace the fuel pump. Obviously the "improved design" used in the second half of the year isn't really improved, and I've never had to replace a fuel pump on a vehicle with so few miles on it. We were sitting idle waiting for food at a restaurant and the engine just died and we were unable to re-start the vehicle. No issues prior to this, always kept fuel at least 1/4 tank or more full and no engine warning lights until AFTER the engine died.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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