2018 Mazda CX-5 Driver assistance Problems

I am reporting a safety issue involving engine failure and fumes entering the vehicle cabin as well as unintended braking post major engine repair at 75,000 miles on my 2018 Mazda CX5. My vehicle developed engine problems consistent with a cylinder head/coolant defect and began allowing fumes/smoke to enter the cabin while driving. This created a health and safety concern for occupants. I reported this to the dealership and was told the vehicle was safe to drive despite the presence of fumes in the cabin. A major engine repair was later performed. A few days following the repair, additional warning lights and system malfunctions appeared, including brake system warnings, and the vehicle later braked unexpectedly while driving nearly causing me to be rear-ended. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but the root cause of the fumes and subsequent safety issues has not been clearly explained. This situation created a safety risk due to exposure to fumes inside the cabin and unexpected vehicle behavior while driving. Smoke/fumes video and any additional documentation can be provided upon request. Attaching the costly invoice as well.

NHTSA ID

11730227

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11708847

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11685123

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

The infotainment system on the Mazda consistently glitches causing vehicle settings to be changed while the vehicle is in motion or stopped. The volume changes, navigation settings change, maintenance settings change including door settings and any setting that can be controlled by the touch screen. If a phone is connected to the system it will make calls and stop volume on system. Additionally, when reversing and the back up camera is enabled/used the screen glitches and you can no longer see a large portion of the rear view - making it a very large safety hazard. There are thousands of people who report this and little has been done for years other than people being charged for an entire replacement and the issue just comes back. Please see duffy v. Mazda, filed this year. There has also been another Mazda model where the infotainment was identified by nhtsa to be faulty - the repair period was extended 7 years but has been expired for years now - it has not covered any of the CX models. Dealers are very aware of this.

NHTSA ID

11617639

Incident

Oct 2, 2024

The center display on it own ( ghosting) changes setting randomly this impacts safety information displayed including rear camera, and distracts the driver. The cause is a defectinve digitizer on the LCD screen panel. The 2016 model year of the same car Mazda CX-5 has a simalar problem and was recalled There is no warning prior to these occurances

NHTSA ID

11613906

Incident

Aug 25, 2024

While driving through town the braking system malfunctioned and the car came to a stop in the middle of the road with messages on dash saying the smart city braking support was malfunctioning as well as brake assist. Engine light came on as well as traction control light right after the car coming to a sudden hard braking stop. Drove straight to shop to check engine code which was p0882. I am so afraid of this happening on the highway with my daughter in the car. There is a recall for this system but my car isn’t under the recall so I'm sure there are others that are having the issue but aren’t covered under the recall either.

NHTSA ID

11612167

Incident

Sep 2, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID

11609965

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

The infotainment center glitches and starts clicking things on its own, often changing the volume to all the way loud suddenly orchanging radio station constantly, startling me while I am driving and causing major distraction which can easily lead to an accident. Settings, including safety setting start to get changed on their own while driving as well. The edges of the screen on the infotainment center are also crackling on their own inside the screen somehow, and I am not sure if heat has caused this, and been making this issue worse because it is only ever wiped with a microfiber cloth.

NHTSA ID

11605354

Incident

Jul 30, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11602402

Incident

Jan 5, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11597795

Incident

Jun 30, 2024

Multiple instances of phantom braking, which resulted in two instances where we were just inches from being rear-ended. The circumstances of the phantom braking are similar, and has occured many times. CIRCUMSTANCES OF PHANTOM BRAKING are as follows: vehicle in front in lane makes right hand turn from lane (with or without turn signal or braking). The vehicle in front typically has exited the lane, and the Mazda emergency brakes hard! Variable vehicle acceleration/deceleration dynamics factors: the Mazda could be coasting, decelerating with brake litely applied, accelerating in lane (because vehicle has fully exited lane), accelerating and exiting lane (go around turning vehicle). Variable turning vehicle rear lights (signals, brake lights) factors: the turning vehicles can be braking or not, turning with or without signaling- it does not matter. The Mazda will brake hard regardless. This may be an extension of the same: when traveling on an Interstate Highway, nominally at the posted speed. When a faster vehicle safely accelerates into the Mazda’s lane, the Mazda will brake hard. The Mazda does not recognize that the vehicle entering the Mazda lane is accelerating, nor does the Mazda seem to understand (anthropomorphism) the context (dynamics) of the situation (accelerating merging traffic). Hard braking in these circumstances has resulted in several near misses being rear-ended. The request for DATE below should be “NA”, because the phantom braking has happened many times.

NHTSA ID

11584189

Incident

Apr 12, 2024

Was driving at low speed and out of nowhere the warning lights came on , smart city , abs, among others. It's caused by this vehicles front facing camera and or front radar emblem malfunctioning causing the vehicle to slow down , low power , and steering wheel jerking making mechanical sounds. There's a tsb as well.

NHTSA ID

11548943

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

On 7/30/23, I was driving home from church, and was driving on the freeway in the fast lane when my 2018 Mazda Cx-5, that was only 5 years old, with only over 33.2K miles on it, started to stall. Thankfully, it didn't come to a complete stop, but slowed down tremendously, and had at least 5 malfunctioning lights come on all at once. The car wouldn't go over 25 miles afterwards. I was very thankful to make it home safely, but this was very alarming, since I never had any issues with that car, and always kept it very well maintained. For a car that was only 5 years old and had only 33.2K miles on it, to experience such a drastic problem, is very confusing. It was very concerning that the car almost came to a complete stop unexpectedly without any warning ahead of time, especially while driving in the fast lane on a freeway. I also took pictures of the malfunctioning lights that came on right after the incident took place. I had the car towed into the dealer the next day, and they told me that it was unusual that my engine would do that. They said that it needed a tune up earlier than expected. I was told that the 3rd cylinder was misfiring, and also when the engine isn't working properly, everything else in the car would shut down. Now, why would a car that's been very well maintained, with only 33.2k miles on it need a tune-up? And I always kept up with the oil changes on time. I found out that there was an engine recall on these particular models, but I was told by Mazda that my VIN # did not qualify; however, what I experienced, did fit the description of the recall. I've since then, decided to trade in the car, because I was just too afraid to continue driving it after this experience. I am however, very upset that I had to give up a car that I invested a lot of money in and took very good care of, and only had 33.2k Miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11540195

Incident

Jul 30, 2023

Cruise control suddenly ceased operating and I believe that is disabling the automatic collision avoidance system.

NHTSA ID

11530895

Incident

Jul 4, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11509157

Incident

Feb 26, 2023

Automatic Emergency Brake comes on at random. Driving at medium speed, no cars in view, car brakes and dashboard displays EMERGENCY BRAKE. Has not yet been inspected by a dealer because car is out of warranty. 2018 Mazda CX5 with only 19,000 total miles driven.

NHTSA ID

11499151

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

UNKNOWN My vehicle stalls while I’m driving. My RPM tends to stay at one number when this happens. I was nearly struck by a vehicle while trying to merge onto the highway. This is very dangerous. There’s also I light that comes on my dashboard that seems to be indicating an accident or something of that sort.

NHTSA ID

11477066

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

Module in the the car Sofi and radio stop working at times Car slow acceleration from stop to move

NHTSA ID

11470223

Incident

Jun 21, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the cruise control and the auto distance features activated, the vehicle would not accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions while attempting to accelerate overtake a second vehicle, the speed suddenly decelerated instead. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as designed. During the failure, the Automatic Braking and Back Over Prevention camera was displayed. No further information was available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update and later replaced the throttle body however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,154.

NHTSA ID

11456972

Incident

Jun 10, 2019

Mileage

15,154 mi

Will not accelerate at times no matter how far you press down on gas pedal and will stall right after. I will pull over shut off vehicle and restart. This sometimes corrects the problem right away. Other times it lasts longer. System malfunction light randomly comes on.

NHTSA ID

11432642

Incident

Sep 12, 2020

I find I have to put my foot down on the gas pedal to the floor to make it literally go at times. Ive heard this cloaking noise several times like its getting ready to conk out. The brakes seems to me don't stop as they should at times I have to go in hard on the brake pedal. The air conditioner does not blow cold an see where previous owner had same issue 2 yrs straight from looking the the service invoices that was left in the truck. The sensor detection does not always work to let me know car/person is around. Coleman Taylor Transmission informed me that this thing does have a issue, the rpm are not as they should be. When I took it back to Kia Gossett about the brakes the used mgr drove it made it seems there were no issues as well as Norcross Mazda. Previous owner invoice show brakes were a concern as well. Had I known there was a prior recall on the PCM I would never bought this JUNK!

NHTSA ID

11425333

Incident

Mar 12, 2021

hacker broke into my home network, laptops, cellphones and my vehicle. Settings keep being changed relating to Adas and bluetooth. poss using sql os sqlite

NHTSA ID

11420779

Incident

Jun 13, 2021

WHILE PARKING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, THE MAZDA SUDDENLY AND ON ITS OWN ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO A FIXED OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS OFF THE ROAD IN A GRASSY PARKING AREA WHEN IT HAPPENED.. . *TR

NHTSA ID

11330163

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

33,000 mi

ON MAY 9, 2020, OUR MAZDA CX5 LOST THRUST, STALLED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY GOING 55 MPH ON A STRAIGHT 3 LANE ROAD. THIS OCCURRED DESPITE THE PCM PROGRAMMING WAS RE-CALIBRATED DUE TO A MANUFACTURER RECALL IN SEPTEMBER 2019 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 19V497000). THE CAR IS TOWED TO A MAZDA SERVICE CENTRE AND IS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324001

Incident

May 9, 2020

Mileage

16,000 mi

MADE A SLOW RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING PLACE TO PICK UP MY DOGS AT THE GROOMER, WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP, THE CAR ACCELERATED LURCHING FORWARD. I THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND REAPPLIED INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN THE CAR SPED UP AND WAS ONLY STOPPED WHEN I HIT A BRICK BUILDING. I HAD TWO DASH WARNINGS "FRONT CAMERA SENSOR SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" AND "FORWARD SMART CITY BREAD SUPPORT MALFUNCTION" I AM NOT CERTAIN HOW FAST THE CAR WAS MOVING WHEN I HIT THE BUILDING BUT THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR IS SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED. FURTHER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE PHOTOS OF BOTH THE COLLISION DAMAGE AND THE WARNING LIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP REQUESTED THEY RUN DIAGNOSTICS AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG CLAIMING THE ACCIDENT WAS MY FAULT AS I MUST HAVE PUT MY FOOT ON BOTH THE BRAKE AND GAS AT THE SAME TIME. I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER AND THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. THE ALSO STATED THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT NOT THE CAUSE. I AM ONLY GRATEFUL I WAS NOT PULLING INTO A SPACE CLOSER TO THE DOOR AS I WOULD HAVE GONE THROUGH A PLATE GLASS WINDOW AND MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE CAUSE A SERIOUS INJURY TO ANYONE STANDING IN THE LOBBY.

NHTSA ID

11306813

Incident

Jan 25, 2020

Mileage

9,563 mi