Mazda CX-5 Complaints (2018)

353 consumer complaints on file.

#11722628March 6, 2026
ENGINE
Cracked cylinder head confirmed by Mazda Dealership. No warning lights or indicators. We noticed white smoke and a burnt plastic smell after a drive one night. Dealership confirmed oil was leaking onto the exhaust, a potential fire hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719213February 19, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718745February 18, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716158February 6, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714123January 29, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708847January 5, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707998December 31, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705314December 16, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699908November 17, 2025
ENGINE
Hydraulic lifters keep having issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697198November 3, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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 address the problem and prevent safety risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694487October 20, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693210October 13, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691786October 7, 2025
ENGINE
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 related to vehicle mileage or user negligence. Mazda should be held fully accountable and take corrective action by issuing a formal safety recall or offering an extended warranty to affected owners. Immediate attention to this matter is necessary to protect consumer safety and prevent future incidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689793September 25, 2025
ENGINE
Cracked cylinder head leaks oil directly onto hot exhaust, causing smoke, fumes in cabin and a fire risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685332September 5, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685038September 4, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685123September 4, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680493August 13, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Cylinder heads started to leak at 75k miles causing oil and coolant to leak and puddle. This was after a fuel pump recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673041July 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Infotainment system acts randomly, changing to max volume during driving, startling driver. Also changes stations, skips audio programs and distracting driver. Rear view camera has intermittently failed to show video feed when driving in reverse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669056June 24, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The radio changes stations by itself, speakers/music goes in and out. The screen freezes and cannot change stations. And also the car lags on taking off sometimes. Often smells like fuel when you turn on the car, Assuming a fuel pump issue, not sure. I spoke to the salesman who sold me the car (adam) within less than 30 days of having the vehicle and told me the electrical issue with radio would be covered. Then when I called to have the issue fixed I was told it wasnt going to fixed on their behalf. This car was sold to me with a few issue that I was not aware at the time of purchase.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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