10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,300 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 Mazda CX-5:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

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
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

problem #77

Mar 012024

CX-5

  • miles
Oil started to leak along with a burning smell, ended up being a cracked cylinder head at 77k miles. It was not in an accident & it did not overheat. But it appears this is a known issue with this make, model & year. Now Mazda only wants to pay $1k of $5k charge. I bought the dealers extended warranty, up to 75k miles, which apparently means nothing. My next car will not be Mazda.

- Yukon, OK, USA

problem #76

Mar 252024

CX-5

  • miles
Cracked cylinder head at 75000 miles causing oil to leak, Mazda dealership called it a fire risk

- N. Middletown, NJ, USA

problem #75

Mar 042024

CX-5

  • miles
Head cracked at just under 49,000. Oil dripping on exhaust entering cabin continuously. This issue was identified by Mazda to dealers in 2021 via Mazda TSB SA-031/21. Despite having our vehicle serviced multiple times at the Puyallup Mazda dealership after that date, no mention was made of this noted defect. We drove for about a month inhaling the petroleum fumes often thinking it was from trucks ahead of us on road. Dealership replaced the head assembly but since car was 4 months out of warranty (we are the original owners having purchased it new from this dealership) the dealership insisted on charging us for repairs. We've been breathing fumes from a known issue and others may be as well due to faulty manufacturing the manufacturer and dealer refuse to take full responsibility for.what is clearly a defect.

- Lake Tapps , WA, USA

problem #74

Mar 182024

CX-5

  • miles
2018 Mazda CX-5 with roughly 52,000 miles on it was emitting a burnt rubber smell and white smoke from the engine. Repair shop thought it was a bad timing lock. Replaced that and car continued to emit white smoke and smell like burnt rubber. Engine then began leaking oil. Took the car back to the repair shop and it was confirmed that the engine had a cracked cylinder head. The repair shop said this is a known issue with 2018-2019 Mazdas. In three days time, the engine leaked roughly 1 quart of oil and was deemed not safe to drive by the repair shop.

- Chesterfield, MO, USA

problem #73

Feb 172024

CX-5

  • miles
My 2018 Mazda CX-5 had a rubber burning smell and smoke leaked into the cabin. I noticed the next morning, oil leaked onto my driveway. I brought the car to the dealership and they mentioned it was a cracked cylinder head. My car has approximately 49,200 miles on it and it about 5.5 years old. It is under the mileage limit for powertrain warranty but slightly over on the age limit for powertrain warranty. Mazda informed me that they would cover roughly 37% of the repair costs that the dealership quoted me. I've read online on various Mazda forums that many owners are dealing with the same issue and Mazda admitted that a batch of heads have a manufacturing defect. Owners on this forum mentioned Mazda covered 100% of the repair costs for cars that were out of warranty due to this being a known manufacturing issue. I think the proposed coverage that Mazda provided me is insufficient.

- Port Chester, NY, USA

problem #72

Feb 012024

CX-5

  • miles
There a oil leak either engine cylinder crack or head gasket leak and the car only has 53000 miles when warranty just expires. After searching on the internet, there seems to be many similar cases. Mazda should recall this issue.

- Garden Grove, CA, USA

problem #71

Feb 292024

CX-5

  • miles
We own a 2018 Mazda CX-5 which developed a cracked cylinder head after slightly over 53,000 miles. We had oil leaking in our driveway and our dealership advised us not to drive it as this would be an extreme safety issue. I was advised to contact you as this seems to be an ongoing issue with Mazda CX-5's from 2018-2021. There is a safety bulletin TSB #SA-031-21. I am hoping this will help with resolving this with Mazda costumer service.

- Comstock Park, MI, USA

problem #70

Jan 242024

CX-5

  • miles
There was a TSB #[xxx] for the repair of Cracked Cylinder Head(s). Our 2018 CX-5 incurred a Cracked Cylinder Head at 5,418 miles. This was under the 60,000-mile power train warranty, but after the 5-year term had expired ([XXX]). Our issue started in late January '24. The car had been serviced at the Mazda Dealership in Hyannis, MA until my wife bought a '21 CX-5 model and gave the '18 model to our college son in FL. The TSB was for '18 - '20 models - which has now been increased to the '23 CX-5s. Mazda US would not help us in any way with the engine replacement that the Mazda dealership in Tampa replaced with a '23, 4,000-mile engine. $ $7,462.89 'new' engine that has a '23 engine that could incur the same issue! Also, my wife's newer model, '21, could also be a lemon for the TSB. We're looking for Mazda to step up for it's (loyal) clients! The work was completed and paid for on [XXX]. Mazda reviewed our case ([XXX]) and declined to assist. A reliable vehicle, Mazda, with an engine at 54,000 miles should be cared for by the manufacturer. The reason the time expired and the mileage was low was due to the lack of driving during the Covid era. We have researched online the number of cases for Mazda and the CX-5's issues with the cylinder heads. We are looking for a government interaction to assist consumers like us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- South Yarmouth, MA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »