10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,203 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Mazda CX-5 engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Mazda CX-5 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #97

Jun 102024

CX-5

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Defective sealant used on timing cover, already leaking engine oil at 85000km-?? also confirmed as the same engine prone to cylinder head cracking from poor casting dimensions resulting in engine oil contacting the exhaust manifold and smoking. Possible fire hazard. Engine can seize up from low oil pressure at highway speeds and lock up the wheels causing an accident. Not sure why Mazda hasn-??t issued a recall for this obvious safety concern-?? reminds me of Hyundai/Kia engine problems and now they-??ve been sued and replacing thousands of engines for free.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #96

Aug 222024

CX-5

  • miles
Engine seems that it cracked. The car has 66K and has good maintenance record. I took my 2018 CX5 to Mazda for a possible oil leak. Mechanic says block has hairline crack, is leaking oil down exhaust manifold and engine needs to be replaced. It seems a known issue with this model & Mazda is aware of the problem. There is no recall or class action lawsuit that either of us found. Mazda has said this car in no longer under warranty. It has 66K and the engine is broken?

- Berkeley, CA, USA

problem #95

Apr 182024

CX-5

  • miles
The issue started happening [XXX]. I was driving home and the car went into limp mode. Several errors came on the heads up display and on the dashboard. At first I could not go faster than 31mph, then it dropped down to 17mph, then to 7mph by the time I got home. 1.When accelerating from a stop light, car goes into limp mode and won-??t accelerate almost stalling in the road. You must pull over, turn off the car and wait 5 minutes so error clears so you can drive again. 2.Car goes into Limp mode when going up a hill 3.Between 46-48 mph, car hesitates when accelerating 4.Between 56-60 mph, car hesitates when accelerating 5.Error Codes received per Lake Car Care: P2299, C1001, B1303 I brought the car to Lake Car Care and they replaced the spark plugs and coils as the codes said it was a misfire on Cylinder 1 & 2. This cost me $ $947.57. This did not fix the problem. The mechanic Todd took the car for a ride and it went into limp mode for him also. He could not figure the issue out after having the car for a couple weeks so suggested I take it to Mazda in Clermont. Mazda has had the car twice for over 2 months now and cannot figure it out. They replaced the ABS Module for $ 1284 which did not fix the problem. Replaced the injectors for $ 1426 which didn't fix the problem. They did a fuel compression test which came back fine and cleaned the catalytic converter which they said was clogged and this didn't fix the issue either. It is unsafe to drive this vehicle on the road as it does not accelerate so it is putting myself and others at risk. Mazda corporate has been called and case manager has been assigned but has been NO HELP to me at all. Photos are attached of all error messages, text messages with Mazda, repair receipts, etc. August 9th, Mazda told me they are at a loss and don't know what else to do, I haven't heard from them since. Please help. I am at a loss and don't know what my options are. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Minneola, FL, USA

problem #94

Jul 312024

CX-5

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Cylinder head was found to be cracked for a while on the vehicle. This was discovered at 117K miles but likely was cracked well before judging from the age of the oil in the engine bay. Car has been maintained well this shouldn't be happening at all this early into its life.

- Beech Island, SC, USA

problem #93

Jul 232024

CX-5

  • miles
Burnt oil smell started being noticed in the cabin. Checked for leaks and none was found. Took the car to the dealer and it turns out the cylinder head is cracked. Dealer acknowledged this is an ongoing manufacturing issue. I contacted Mazda corporate to see if I qualify for after warranty assistance. No engine lights are on. Car has been maintained properly.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #92

Jul 152024

CX-5

  • miles
I bought this brand new in 2018 (Aug.) and I take care of this car very well. I was in the Korean Army, and I worked at the motor pool taking care of cars and trucks. Last year, I noticed my oil level decreasing that I kept refilling. I just thought it was burning some oil. Last week, I was losing lots of oil with some smoke (oil burning). I took the car to a local shop and they said "the cylinder head appears to be leaking oil from the back drivers side of the head".

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

problem #91

Mar 012024

CX-5

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Cracked Cylinder Head. Oil leak and smoke near passenger side.

- Schaumburg, IL, USA

problem #90

Jun 162024

CX-5

  • miles
I noticed a burning smell while driving. Smoke started coming through the air vents and made me light-headed. I asked my son to take a look, and he said that oil was dripping onto the exhaust and smoking, and it could have caught on fire. There were no warning lamps or any other indicators besides the smell and smoke. I could have passed out from inhaling the smoke and died, or my car could have caught on fire. I took my car to the Mazda dealer. They confirmed that my car was affected by the well-known 2018-2021 CX-5 cylinder head crack. They quoted me $4848 to fix it. When I asked if they could help me with the price, they offered me 10% off. I told them that-??s unacceptable. After much back and forth with the dealer and Mazda Corporate, they dropped the total to $1470.60.

- Hicksville, NY, USA

problem #89

May 012024

CX-5

  • miles
The car (2018 Mazda CX-5) exhibited a strong burning smell coming from either the engine or exhaust which you could smell in the cabin. No warning lamps turned on in the dash indicating any problem. Problem was recreated by Mazda dealership service center and diagnosis is that cylinder head is cracked and is leaking oil into the exhaust manifold. Suggested repair was a replacement of the cylinder head. Was told this is out of the 5 year/60K warranty. Had car for 5 year 11 months and only driven 45K miles. Car has not been inspected by anyone other than Empire Mazda of Huntington.

- Huntington, NY, USA

problem #88

Jun 052024

CX-5

  • miles
2018 mazda started smoking from under hood and noticed a burning oil smell. Took to mechanic and was told engine head gasket has a huge Crack. Car only has 22k on it and never been in any accident. All appropriate preventative services are up to date. There was no indication light no warning light nothing to identify why the car was leaking oil and smoking until it was looked at. This has multiple.complaints in regards to this specific year and model and needs to be addresses before someone's car catches fire or stalls in the middle of highway

- Cortlandt Manor , NY, USA

problem #87

Apr 152024

CX-5

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Oil smell in cabin. Diagnosed by independent repair shop as hairline crack in back of cylinder head. Cylinder head replaced at 91000 miles.

- Dalton, OH, USA

problem #86

Jan 062024

CX-5

  • miles
Constant ticking sound coming from engine, most apparent while idling but continues even after oil change and engine warm up. Goes away for short periods of time. Always comes back and is very loud. Sometimes engine block shakes and can be felt through the steering wheel.

- Bellingham, WA, USA

problem #85

Mar 262024

CX-5

  • miles
This car that I financed on [XXX] 2024 has been back to the dealership over 6 times. My car loses power on the freeway and all main roads. I push the gas pedal and nothing happens so I am forced to pull over and turn the car off and restart it again. It's very dangerous when I'm merging on the freeway and I cannot accelerate and have to pull over in traffic. Sports cars International in Lynnwood Washington is well aware of the issues I've been having and they have not fixed them. They have allowed me to drive off the lot knowing I am in a car that is dangerous and unsafe, a car that could kill another family or myself. They are unresponsive to call of my phone calls and emails. This car has had nothing but problems since then day I drove it of the lot. Come to find out from their Yelp and BBB reviews thus happens to a lot of people that buy cars from them. They are rude to me and I feel like I'm on danger every time I drive this car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Bothell, WA, USA

problem #84

May 092024

CX-5

  • miles
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious issue with the 2018 Mazda CX-5, specifically regarding the structural integrity of the cylinder head. This defect leads to significant oil leakage, toxic smoke entering the vehicle, and substantial repair costs for owners. Despite these problems, it appears Mazda has not initiated a recall, despite being aware of the issue. My wife owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 80,000-90,000 miles. Recently, after she returned home from work, we noticed gray, billowing smoke emanating from the hood. The smell of burning oil and rubber permeated our garage and home, making it difficult to breathe. We took the car to an independent technician at AAMCO, who, after a thorough evaluation, concluded that the cylinder head was cracked. Given the car's mileage and overall condition, they were extremely surprised and double-checked all other possibilities before reaching this conclusion. They informed us that this issue seems widespread, as evidenced by their online research (links provided below). For further verification, I drove the car to a Mazda dealership, which took about an hour due to avoiding the highway. During the drive, I continuously smelled burning oil, which raises significant health concerns, especially for my pregnant wife. The dealership acknowledged that this issue occurs with the CX-5 and quoted us $5,350 before tax for repairs. While my wife and I are fortunate enough to afford this repair, many consumers may not have $5,500 readily available to fix a manufacturing defect. This situation underscores the urgent need for Mazda to address this problem through a recall. Sincerely, [XXX] A few links below: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #83

Apr 222024

CX-5

  • miles
The cylinder head cracked and broke resulting in a massive oil leak that covered all the parts under my car and under the hood and engine which in result started to smoke. This is not only a major issue of extremely costly repairs but more importantly also serves as a major safety issue. This could had caused fire to the vehicle and also engine misfire resulting in engine failure while in drive and potentially lead to critical injury or death for me and my family. Mazda was aware of their poorly designed engineering for this critical and extremely important component and it is known Mazda recognized the issue by issuing a TSB. After further research there are numerous TSB issued for multiple engine failures with Mazda. It is also known that certain VIN number vehicles manufactured with this defect are commonly reported and have experienced this exact same issue within only a few years and or very low mileage. This is a major mechanical failure to happen to vehicles within a short time span of purchase and results in loss of customer trust and loyalty. As a first time car buyer I am deeply dissatisfied and disappointed with Mazda. I would not had purchased a brand new car if I would had known I would experience this only at 5 years and 71 thousand miles. My vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a certified Mazda dealership. I was advised and informed that this is a huge issue that has happened with all customers. Mazda knowingly neglected the proper manufacturing and engineering for the cylinder head and other engine parts, which is the most critical component to any vehicle to function and operate. Lastly what is more concerning was that there was no warning signs such as lights or sensors that were triggered as warning of the issue and vehicle failure posing as another safety concern for drivers.

- New Hartford, NY, USA

problem #82

Mar 082024

CX-5

  • 75,896 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and fuel rail needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,896.

- Sykesville, MD, USA

problem #81

Apr 122024

CX-5

  • miles
Despite a recall on the fuel pump, there continues to be a problem but instead of the -??back-?? fuel pump that was fixed, the -??front-?? fuel pump seems to be having the same issue. When taken to the dealer, the code P0087- fuel rail/system pressure too low shows up. This is causing car to stall, unable to pick up speed or simply pick up too much speed when attempting to accelerate. It-??s a safety hazard for a car less than 6 years old.

- West Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #80

Apr 102024

CX-5

  • miles
Noticed a burning oil smell coming from the car along with leaking oil in the driveway. Vehicle has 53000 miles on it and was 3 months out of powertrain warranty but still under the 60000 mileage cap. Local Mazda dealership came back saying that it was a "SA-037/23 Oil leak at cylinder head, cylinder head replacement with parts kit" and quoted $5100 to repair. Dealership stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. There were no dash indicator lights or symptoms of overheating to indicate that there was a problem outside of the smell. After the diagnosis was made, we researched and found that this was a commonly reported problem for this model year

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #79

Apr 022024

CX-5

  • miles
Noticed an oil smell when driving the vehicle, slightly premature to when it was due for an oil change. Engine was emitting light blue smoke when parked after driving for more than 20 minutes. Took the car to a Mazda dealership to get serviced two days after noticing the issue and was told that the cylinder head was cracked and needed to be replaced. There was oil leaking from the vehicle, which I had not noticed, and it had soaked a lot of the front undercarriage of the car. Research into the effects of an oil leak indicate that it can cause a serious malfunction of the engine and other components of the car, but I did not experience that in the time of noticing the problem and taking the vehicle to get serviced. The problem was diagnosed by the service department at a Mazda dealership and is being repaired there. The oil indicator came on a day after noticing the smell.

- Golden, CO, USA

problem #78

Apr 112024

CX-5

  • miles
The cylinder head and timing cover are leaking oil and need to be replaced. It is at the dealer and available for inspection. The car started smoking and lost oil obscuring my vision. The problem appears to be well known by the dealer and they were able to diagnose the issue. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealer where I purchased it. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. This vehicle has had regular maintenance per the manufacturers specifications since it was purchased new.

- Laguna Beach, CA, USA

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