10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,802 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2018 Mazda CX-5 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #40

Sep 122024

CX-5

  • miles

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

My car has a center display that is touch screen when you're not driving but once moving you have to use controls to move around the screen. Lately as I'm driving the screen starts moving rapidly into different menus whether it's the music or time or contacts. Most recently it started changing my display from day to night. So that during the day it dims so dark I can no longer use it for mapping causing safety issues. As well, I've tried getting it to stop while driving which is of course not good. Today I was using car play and playing iheart radio and suddenly it was switching to different iheart channels. I've googled and found many other Mazda owners have had the same problem. Some of have gone to the dealership and if out of warranty they've had to pay upwards to $1200. Others have posted videos showing how to DIY it. That's something I'm not going to try as it could end up creating more problems. Apparently this is a result of the touch screen. So people are going through and disconnecting the touch screen capability.

- Hartwell, GA, USA

problem #39

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 #38

Jan 052024

CX-5

  • miles
The info-tainment system (Android Auto/Apple Car Play) is unstable and will come on at any time and change/delete settings and make calls, texts, etc. without any input. It is distracting as the screen shows what it it doing and the driver will need to make it stop. It could cause an accident. It has at times: Changed radio stations Deleted presets and other settings Deleted contacts from my phone Made phone calls and sent texts Deleted and reset the navigation to a destination not selected by the user. I understand this is called ghost touch and requires the touch screen to be fixed although I have never used the touch screen. I understand they recalled and fixed the 2016 to 2017 cars, but I have to pay to get the 2018 fixed out of pocket. This has been happening and getting worse for the past 6-8 months. Also, the forward collision has alarmed when there was nothing in front of me.

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #37

Jun 302024

CX-5

  • miles

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

Mazda vehicles currently have an infotainment system that that is touch screen when the vehicle is stopped or below 10 MPH. Above 10 MPH, the touch screen disables and can only be used with the control console. Mazda infotainment systems have a "ghost touch" issue where when stopped, will behave abnormally and select random menus, options etc. Today while stopped at a red light, this ghost touch issued caused the infotainment system to TURN OFF blind spot monitoring and smart city brake support (automatic braking.) Due to the ghost touch, the control console wheel does not over ride the ghost touch issue. I could not turn these safety features back on until I started moving the car (accelerating ABOVE 10 mph) while driving at which point the touch screen "disables" and only allows the input of the manual control wheel. Mazda is aware this is an issues and refused to recall/fix these defective units outside of warranty without charging $500 - $1000 per customer.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #36

Jun 012024

CX-5

  • miles
Mazda has a safety problem with the infotainment system in their CX-5 models 2014 - 2020 and refuses to recall or do anything about it. The infotainment system has a ghost in the machine that changes settings while driving and literally screams at you through the stereo system. The ghost turns the volume all the way up and shouts, "navigation will be at this volume" over and over again (10+ times in a row). I try turning down the volume, but the ghost continually changes the volume back to max and continues shouting. Most often, this occurs when facing the sun. The ghost also changes all sorts of system settings, some relating to safety features such as lane departure, and blind spot warnings. When this occurs, it is incredibly distracting, and many times I have had to pull off the side of the road, until the issue subsides, just to get back on the road and have the issue continue to persist. This safety issue surfaced shortly after my warranty expired. In having the vehicle serviced, I was told it was either the control knob or infotainment screen. In 2023, I opted to have the control knob replaced out of pocket as that was the less expensive option ($600+). The screen replacement was quoted at $1200+. Since that time, the issue has persisted and worsened. In doing my own research online, thousands of Mazda customers have this exact same issue in models spanning from 2014 - 2020. The ghost is attributed to the touch screen function and a faulty wire mechanism. Many consumers have taken apart their dashboards (a huge undertaking) to disconnect the touchscreen wire and resolved the ghost problem, leaving the touchscreen non-functional. I have tried contacting Mazda corporate to explain this is a major safety concern and that I am a person who has auditory/sensory sensitivities. They refuse to make this right and I refuse to spend more money to fix a known issue that spans over 7 years.

- South Jordan, UT, USA

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problem #35

Apr 192024

CX-5

  • miles
My 2018 Mazda CX-5 has been having issues in which the infotainment system randomly starts scrolling across the screen and changing channels, hanging up on my phone calls, muting me during phone calls, changing my navigation screens, etc. while driving. This is a serious safety concern as the only way to make it stop happening is to park the vehicle, turn the vehicle off, and then turn it back on. It is quite alarming when driving to have your navigation change on you without warning or to mute a call when Ohio is a hands free state by law now. This started randomly a couple of months ago and is now happening daily. I contacted Mazda customer service to see if any recalls, none have been issued for the CX5 yet, although the same problem had recalls for the Mazda 3 back in 2019. There are numerous reports all over about this same issue for CX5's all over the web. I do have an appointment with the dealership to have the car serviced, but ridiculous a known issue is not under a recall and charging owners to fix a known problem; especially considering the safety concerns.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #34

May 242024

CX-5

  • miles

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

Moon roof exploded

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #33

Oct 012023

CX-5

  • miles
For the past year my car has been in and out of the Mazda dealership. There is a red key with an explanation point through it that was been coming up once I am in the car and someone else opens a door then it stays flashing the whole time I'm driving. My trunk has been having issues too with not opening like it should and when I'm driving then I go to turn it starts beeping. The dealership keeps telling me they can't replicate the problems and keep giving me the car back. I have only had this car for two years. I love my Mazda but it's sad I have no other options at this point.

- Xenia, OH, USA

problem #32

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 #31

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 #30

Feb 202024

CX-5

  • miles

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

Touch screen malfunctions, causing actions to take place without being touched. The phone randomly hangs up or randomly calls people. The GPS moves the cursor away from the car making it impossible to follow directions. The radio will go to full volume. The screen will change settings randomly. This is very distracting and dangerous, makes drivers more likely to get in an accident. The touch screen itself is rarely used and has never been damaged. This problem has been reported on many Mazda forums and there has been a recall for the touch screen for the years up to 2017, but the 2018 models have the same screens and are also experiencing "ghost touching". Dealers are charging $1200 to replace. Later models also need to be recalled.

- Berlin, NJ, USA

problem #29

Feb 052024

CX-5

  • miles
Transmission is continuously jerking at lower and higher speeds While driving in traffic or in parking lot areas

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #28

May 022021

CX-5

  • miles
Ghost Screen, a very well know issue for Mazda. The screen change on its own, no way to fix it. Mazda recalled all their 2014-16 screen, and the 2017-18 are affected by same issue but they are not taking responsibility for it. Dealership wants to replace the screen, that's over $1,000 repair. Please make Mazda earn their mistake.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #27

Dec 302023

CX-5

  • miles
The radio (aka infotainment system) goes crazy sometimes- changing radio stations, fliipping around to different settings, stations, etc, all on its own- like it's possessed. this causes a distraction to the driver and is unsafe. its also really upsetting for this to happen on a card i've only had 3 years.

- Camarillo, CA, USA

problem #26

May 012023

CX-5

  • miles
Infotainment system has begun exhibiting phenomenon described as "ghost touch" where options are selected randomly by the system due to touchscreen failure. This happens while the vehicle is moving and creates a significant distraction to the driver, creating a safety hazard for driver, passengers, and other cars on the road. This vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership but internet information indicates it is a known issue but a recall has not been issued from Mazda, which compromises the safety of the vehicle. No warning for incidents. This is an ongoing issue and occurs routinely during daily driving.

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #25

Apr 012023

CX-5

  • miles
Infotainment system has begun exhibiting phenomenon described as "ghost touch" where options are selected randomly by the system due to touchscreen failure. This happens while the vehicle is moving and creates a significant distraction to the driver, creating a safety hazard for driver, passengers, and other cars on the road. This vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership but internet information indicates it is a known issue but a recall has not been issued from Mazda, which compromises the safety of the vehicle. No warning for incidents. This is an ongoing issue and occurs routinely during daily driving.

- New Caney, TX, USA

problem #24

May 042023

CX-5

  • miles
Key fob accidentally left inside vehicle when exiting and all door-??s automatically locked with 3 year old child inside. No recourse other than breaking window to enter vehicle as it was in direct sunlight on 80 degree day. This dangerous scenario should not be possible and needs to be fixed.

- Alameda, CA, USA

problem #23

Apr 162023

CX-5

  • miles
Sunroof suddenly exploded on the highway for no reason

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #22

Feb 262023

CX-5

  • miles
When I drive 100 to 150 fest the front camera blocked warning light come on. The only way to reset is to stop turn of car and restart, only to have it happen again and again. The main thing is when and if I can get into cruise control and I am on a major highway and have the cruise set unannounced the warning comes on and turns off the cruise control. If there is someone close they run up on me. I have had it back to the dealer and have called Mazda, all they said was maybe the sun was setting it off, I guess I can only drive at night. The dealer had the car for over 2 weeks and did not fix it. I have recently discovered that if I keep the cruise control on it will not do it, it is very frustrating and now it is off warranty.

- Albany, NY, USA

problem #21

Jan 252023

CX-5

  • miles
We were driving down the highway in light to medium traffic. Weather was about 40 degrees, no rain. The moonroof suddenly exploded. It does not appear to have been hit by anything. Luckily the shade was drawn so glass didnt go inside the car.

- Oakland, TN, USA

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