2018 Mazda CX-5 Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife pulled over and discovered that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the #5 and #7 cylinder heads were cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

I am writing to formally document a significant engine failure on my 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (VIN: [XXX], License: [XXX], Odometer: 78,159 miles). The vehicle began exhibiting visible smoke from under the hood and severe oil leakage — oil was actively pooling beneath the car and leaving a trail. Upon inspection by Cal West Auto Center (San Marcos, CA), the vehicle was diagnosed with a leaking cylinder head gasket requiring full cylinder head removal and replacement. I am aware that Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21 specifically addressing a cylinder head casting defect in 2018–2019 CX-5 models equipped with the 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation — the exact configuration of my vehicle. This is a documented manufacturing defect, not normal wear and tear, and the repair estimate I have received is $4,800.84. Given that this failure is tied to a known defect acknowledged by Mazda, I am requesting that Mazda Motor America cover the cost of this repair in full, or provide a clear explanation of what goodwill or warranty coverage is available to me. I am happy to provide the repair estimate, vehicle documentation, and any additional information needed to process this request promptly. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. [XXX] Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My Mazda 2018, CX-5, Grand Touring, was diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head at 64,599 miles. This issue could posed a safety hazard for not only us but others on the road by: *Engine Failure / Sudden Loss of Power-A crack allows coolant and oil to mix or leak, leading to overheating and potential catastrophic engine seizure. A seized engine can cause sudden, unexpected loss of power — especially dangerous at highway speeds or during lane changes/merges. *Oil and Coolant on the Road-Leaking fluids drip onto the roadway, creating slick surfaces for motorcyclists and other vehicles — similar to a spilled oil hazard. This is especially dangerous on curves and in wet conditions. *White Smoke / Steam Billowing from Exhaust-When coolant enters the combustion chamber, it burns off as thick white smoke. This can instantly reduce visibility for drivers behind the vehicle, potentially causing rear-end collisions. *Fire Risk-If oil leaks onto hot exhaust manifolds or engine components, it can ignite. An engine fire can spread quickly and, in traffic, puts surrounding vehicles and occupants at risk. *Debris from Engine Destruction-In extreme cases, a severely overheated or seized engine can cause internal components to fail violently. Debris from a catastrophic engine failure can damage undercarriages of nearby vehicles or become road hazards. *Stalling in High-Risk Locations-A vehicle that stalls due to engine failure in a tunnel, on a freeway on-ramp, in an intersection, or on a bridge creates an immediate collision risk for surrounding traffic. This is part of why Mazda's handling of the cylinder head defect is so problematic — it's not merely a costly repair, it's a public safety issue that arguably warrants regulatory attention (NHTSA). We had NO warning lights, no overheating issues. Repairs have been made to the cost of almost $5400.00 *Please note there are many, many people complaining of this same issue on this model of car in multiple on-line forums.

Cylinder head suddenly cracked, causing heavy oil leakage onto hot exhaust manifold. Car started to smoke heavily. Vehicle turned off before potential engine fire.

Check engine light on when read it comes back with P0171 code

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.

Unintended acceleration incident. I entered the parking lot of a business where the Salvation Army is located to drop off a donation. The parking spaces were on the left side. As I pulled into a parking space and was in the process of parking, the vehicle suddenly lurched/accelerated forward unexpectedly and struck the concrete wall of the building. The airbags did not deploy despite the frontal impact. No one was seriously injured, but my husband, daughter, and I experienced soreness the following day from the impact. Thankfully, I had chosen a parking space in front of a concrete wall rather than the glass storefront windows, which could have resulted in far more serious injuries or damage. I contacted my insurance company, and the vehicle has since been repaired.

Sometimes, the breaks will not go all the way down to the floor and act like theyre not working. it's very odd and only does it once in a while. i have constant issues with the technology in the car. it changes my music, the buttons get stuck and my it acts up. my aunt has the same model and is running into the same issues. i never received a letter in the mail about the last recall and have had issues where it doesnt seem like my engine is getting the power it once did. this was early on after i got the car. my gas mileage has significally decreased even after oil changes.

Touch Screen and/or infotainment center causing ghost touch. Available for inspection. Ghost touch (known Mazda issue) with touch screen has been changing radio stations, increasing volume to max. Will go into user settings and change guidance voice to full volume, increasing bass to full volume, fast forward songs, mute phone call feature, randomly switch from bluetooth to handset of phone. All of this is done without the driver or anyone else in the car touching anything. When this happens there is no easy fix. I cannot just stop the song, mute the volume. We have to wait for it to decide to stop and fix itself. It is a safety issue because You are driving and randomly volume goes to full blast an startles you, cannot hear what is going on around you, and hurts your ears. This is distracting and I have swerved my car because of it. Bluetooth capability is suppose to be handsfree, so if it keeps muting my call or switching to my phone, that is now a safety hazard as well. vehicle was inspected in 2021 by Mazda dealership. At that time they said the only thing they can do it remove the SIM card, and we would lose navigation. However the issue did not stop. It would cost us about $1000+ between labor and parts and inspection to get this fixed. It was addressed again in 2023 and 2025. 2025, when the infotainment system had a class action law suit but ours wouldn't be covered because its the touch screen and not the computer. No warning systems.

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.

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.

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

Multiple paint chips on Ref Soul Mazda. Dealer did not want to address issue. I would have to pay out pocket. The hood and sides of car.

MAZDA'S SOUL CRYSTAL RED PAINT ON MY CX-5 THAT HAS ONLY 12000 MILES AND IS GARAGED DAILY HAS 12 OR MORE CHIPS ON THE HOOD AND SEVERAL ON THE DOOR. THIS COLOR WAS A $700 DOLLAR OPTION AND THE PAINT IS INFERIOR IN QUALITY AND EASILY CHIPS. HAVE READ ON LINE OF THOUSANDS OF OTHER MAZDA OWNERS COMPLAIN OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THEIR PAINT. A RECALL SHOULD BE INSTITUTED.

SRS Airbag light went off and ODB-II reader indicated passenger side supplemental restraint module error. We called Mazda October 20,2023 as the vehicle was nearing end of warranty period for the airbags system (warranty ended October 30, 2023). Mazda stated they could get the vehicle in on November 12, 2023, which is after warranty period and we would be required to pay to fix the car. An online search quickly resulted in seeing many other people with the same model of Mazda having the same issue for the passenger seat. I called national Mazda today, December 15, 2023 and they said that the vehicle is now 45 days out of warranty and no longer their problem.

I work for a body shop and we took this seat out in order to replace the frame underneath. While the seat was sitting on the ground, no one near it, the airbag deployed. We have it on video. We have concerns about replacing the seat/airbag if it's going to randomly deploy and potentially injure our technician or the customer. According to Mazda, there are no known recalls related to this and the customer is responsible for buying a new seat and airbag. I see online that other people have said this too, but they were driving the vehicle at the time it randomly deployed. I'm wondering if there are other complaints regarding this/a way for us to get Mazda to replace this since it seems like a part defect.

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the sunroof glass shattered without impact. The contact stated that the glass shards fell onto her; however, no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 mph, the sunroof exploded without impact or warning. The sunroof shattered into several small pieces. The glass fell on the driver and she sustained injuries to her body and legs, but medical attention was not provided. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred her to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

Certified Mazda cx5 sold with faulty wheel bearing and had to be back in service less than 24 hours from purchase. They failed to replace the piece of engine after 35.000 maintenance and another dealer found 5 areas that needed work 3 weeks later. Brake warning system went off took5 days to determine it was a dead switch and replaced exactly one month later Brake system warning goes off after car was In park and off for 25 minutes at the airport. I was told that I was fine to drive it despite the manual clearly saying do not drive if Brake warning lights go on. And it was supposed to have been repaired. The dealership expected me to believe that a rubber mat set off the high tech Brake system this is ridiculous They bought back car did not return the 5000 down payment or 14000 trade in and refused to honor the store warranty of buy back for life KBB 125 of trade in value. They refused to do anything to cancel warranty but then [XXX] canceled all 3 and had no authority or permission by me to illegally cancel my warranty and refuse to provide the documentation that the warranty company insist the dealer has to provide. There is no record of my ownership of this vehicle when VIN is run ir the excessive amount of damage to the car by Koons Mazda silver spring INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while having a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the rear shocks were leaking oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,137.

The lighting system on the 2018 Mazda cx-5 base sport model has it so that during the daytime, the low beams continuously run. This and the continuously lighted dashboard make it hard to tell when you need to turn on the headlight/tail lights, since the headlights are always on. These arent even side drls, they are full low-beam lights. I've seen many Mazda cx-5 base models that do not have auto headlights drive around with there without any taillight and makes it dangerous for traffic behind to see the vehicle. Additionally, when others borrow the car, they always never turn on the headlight because there is no indication that anything needed to be turned on unlike older cars where the dashboard is fully black when the headlight/taillight is off.

When driving at night or in diminished lighting, the headlights will turn on but the taillights do not. The taillights will only activate if the headlight switch is moved to the on position. When the headlights activate, it gives the driver the appearance of everything is operating as designed when in fact there are no taillights illuminated.

Back seat seat belt cord unlatched from main holding while in use with passenger.

The contact owns a Baby Trend Easy Ride 35 Travel System Car seat, Model Number: TS40B65B, Manufactured Date: 5/18/22. The car seat was installed in the middle rear seat of a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the child was seated in the car seat, the car seat harness buckle malfunctioned and could not be unlocked. The child could not be immediately removed from the car seat. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and retailer were not yet notified of the failure.

We purchased this vehicle used from Mazda of Orange in July 2025 with 52,399 miles on it. After 6 months of ownership and approximately 3,000 miles there was a burning smell. We took it to our local mechanic and the following repairs were required: Replacement of cracked belts, Replacement of cracked axle boots, Replacement of an excessively loose front axle, Replacement of valve cover gasket. Cost was $3,000 and the dealer refused to reimburse us. Now the car is leaking oil and needs a new head gasket and cylinder head surface machined. Quote was approximately $3,500. We have requested Mazda perform this repair. Will you please look into these vehicles? These are significant defects on a car with such low miles. We also believe that some of these defects were know to the dealer but are unable to prove it. We believe our vehicle is part of a batch that has signficant mechanical defects. Current mileage of the vehicle is 56,865.

The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the power steering assist and brakes failed, causing the vehicle to crash into trees. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife attempted to turn off the vehicle, but it would not turn off. The fire department had to disconnect the battery to turn off the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact's wife was later taken to the hospital for injuries sustained to her knees. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Certified Mazda cx5 sold with faulty wheel bearing and had to be back in service less than 24 hours from purchase. They failed to replace the piece of engine after 35.000 maintenance and another dealer found 5 areas that needed work 3 weeks later. Brake warning system went off took5 days to determine it was a dead switch and replaced exactly one month later Brake system warning goes off after car was In park and off for 25 minutes at the airport. I was told that I was fine to drive it despite the manual clearly saying do not drive if Brake warning lights go on. And it was supposed to have been repaired. The dealership expected me to believe that a rubber mat set off the high tech Brake system this is ridiculous They bought back car did not return the 5000 down payment or 14000 trade in and refused to honor the store warranty of buy back for life KBB 125 of trade in value. They refused to do anything to cancel warranty but then [XXX] canceled all 3 and had no authority or permission by me to illegally cancel my warranty and refuse to provide the documentation that the warranty company insist the dealer has to provide. There is no record of my ownership of this vehicle when VIN is run ir the excessive amount of damage to the car by Koons Mazda silver spring INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

I PURCHASED A 2018 MAZADA CX5 IN APRIL. IN MAY I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE HESITANT TO STOP AND THAT THEY ALSO MAKE GRINDING NOISE. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MAZADA. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NEW IT WOULD MAKE GRINDING NOISE AND THAT THEY WOULD EVENTUALLY EASE UP. IT IS NOW NOVEMBER AND THE ISSUE STILL EXIST. IN JUNE MY PASSENGERS SEAT BELT BEGAN HAVING DIFFICULTY LATCHING CAUSING THE CENSOR TO GO OFF. THIS HAPPENS DAILY. IN OCTOBER MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON STATING THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW. I PLACED AIR IN MY TIRES AND THE CENSOR LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF. ON OCTOBER 18, 2018, I WENT TO THE MAZADA DEALERSHIP FOR A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, INFORMED THE SERVICE ADVISOR OF MY CONCERNS AND THEY STATED EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THE CENSOR WAS RESET. TODAY IS NOVEMBER 2, 2018 AND MY TIRE CENSOR IS BACK ON. MY BRAKES ARE STILL GRINDING AND NOW THEY SLIDE BEFORE STOPPING AND MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT STILL IS NOT LATCHING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF AND PASSENGERS.

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that after she drove her four-year-old grandson to school, she parked and turned off the vehicle; however, she left the key on the inside of the vehicle and exited the vehicle to remove her grandson from the rear seat however, the doors inadvertently locked while her grandson was inside. The contact stated that she was unable to unlock the doors as the vehicle was designed to remain unlocked while the key was inside of the vehicle. The Police Department was notified of the issue; however, while the Police Officers were approaching, her grandson was able to remove himself from the safety seat and unlock the door manually. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to schedule an appointment. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

My husband (driver) and I (front passenger) were in my 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring and were stopped in traffic on the interstate due to construction. While completely stopped, we were rear-ended by a car traveling at 55-60+ miles per hour (the car did not brake at all before hitting us). Both of our seat backs failed upon impact and went all the way back, with the headrests flying out of both seats. Thankfully no passengers or pets were in the back seat when this happened, but this is a serious safety concern. Attached are photos of the inside of the car in the state it was in after the crash.

P225/65R17 GEOLANDAR G91A 100H tire was loosing air with 12k miles. mazda service dealer claimed many punctures due to driving in NYC but car was sold in NYC. (3) nails located in very soft rubber and tire failed at 15k miles casing emergency situation. (3) others tire have no single issue. after getting new tire and after removing damaged tire following picture is in side the bad tire: many layers of rubber chipping off the tire. please investigate this tire and after searching internet for this tire I realized that something is going wrong with this tire type.