2019 Mazda CX-5 Owner Complaints

In early 2025, my 2019 Mazda CX5 automatic would not shift always shift when it should - - it would take several seconds. This was especially concerning when I merged onto freeways and when I drove up hills or steep roads, and needed to pass a slower vehicle. The problem was especially noticeable & lasted longer when the engine was cold. I took the car to my mechanic who said it was the TCM, there was a recall notice, & that I needed to take my car to a dealer. (I never received a recall notice.) I took my car to Mazda in Sacramento because my local dealer (Salinas, CA) would not address the issue without me paying a $395 "diagnostic fee" - - even though I had the recall info from my mechanic. Maita Mazda ([XXX]) reprogrammed the TCM XXX, but now 16 months later, my car is exhibiting the exact same symptoms as before the TCM was reprogrammed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11755884

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

This is a follow-up to my complaint 11754947, filed 8/5/2026 on the same vehicle. The defect has now been confirmed in writing by an authorized Mazda dealer. On 8/6/2026, San Francisco Mazda (repair order 1085786) diagnosed the cylinder head as the source of the engine oil leak on my 2019 CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation, engine code PYUD. The dealer inspection report states: "CYLINDER HEAD LEAKING — FOUND THE CYLINDER TO BE THE SOURCE OF THE OIL LEAK." The repair estimate is $10,655.34, including a replacement cylinder head assembly, cylinder head bolts, and four gasket kits. Mileage at diagnosis was 51,483, approximately 7,000 miles per year, dealer-maintained since new. The technician inspection video shows engine oil actively dripping onto components below, and extensive burnt oil residue baked onto the metal surfaces above the engine. That residue is physical confirmation that leaking oil has been contacting hot surfaces repeatedly over an extended period. Still images from the dealer's own inspection video are attached. A burning oil odor is detectable both outside the vehicle and inside the cabin. Timeline. In April 2026 I found oil accumulating beneath the vehicle. On 5/18/2026 the same dealer (repair order 1079428) noted oil leaking from the cylinder head gasket area and from a plug near the firewall. The dealership replaced the valve cover, charged $1,218.26, and instructed me to drive 1,000 miles and return for reinspection. I drove 1,077 miles as instructed. During that period the leak persisted and progressed, developing the burning odor. On 8/6/2026 the same dealership confirmed the cylinder head as the source and confirmed the plug is not the source. I want to emphasize the safety implication of that sequence. An authorized Mazda dealer misidentified the source of an oil leak and instructed me to continue driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles. The oil was in fact reaching hot exhaust components duri

NHTSA ID

11755382

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation has developed a significant engine oil leak at the front of the engine, accompanied by a strong burning oil odor detectable both outside and inside the cabin. Mileage is approximately 50,000, averaging about 7,000 miles per year with all maintenance performed on schedule. The burning odor indicates engine oil is contacting hot exhaust components, creating a fire hazard. I have stopped driving the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle to two authorized Mazda dealers for this identical issue. One was unable to locate the source of the leak. The other quoted approximately $10,000 without providing a written diagnosis identifying the failed component. The vehicle is scheduled for a third dealer diagnosis on August 6, 2026. More than two weeks of dealer possession across two visits produced no identified cause. Mazda has acknowledged cylinder head cracking in this engine family. CSP11 extends powertrain warranty coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles for cylinder head repairs on the 2.5T turbo engine, and TSB 01-002/23 addresses cylinder head leaks. Mazda also revised the cylinder head casting for the 2021 model year. However, owners of naturally aspirated 2.5L vehicles with the same casting failure have been denied coverage on the grounds that the leak involves oil rather than coolant, or that their VIN falls outside the covered range. I request that NHTSA investigate cylinder head cracking in naturally aspirated 2.5L SkyActiv-G engines in 2018–2020 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. Numerous complaints describe the same pattern: oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold, burning odor and smoke, fumes entering the cabin, and failures at low mileage. This presents a risk of engine compartment fire and of sudden stalling from loss of oil pressure. The affected population appears substantially larger than the vehicles currently covered.

NHTSA ID

11754947

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G engine with cylinder deactivation. At approximately 70,491 miles, the vehicle began leaking and burning engine oil, accompanied by a strong burning-oil odor and visible white smoke from the engine bay. This began on or around 7/15/2026 I took the vehicle to an authorized Mazda dealer, which confirmed that the cylinder head is cracked and leaking engine oil. I was quoted approximately $10,000 to repair. The repair is not covered because the vehicle is just outside the factory warranty. I received regular Mazda dealership maintenance through 52,000 miles, then regular 3rd party shops after. The oil is leaking onto/near the exhaust manifold. Oil contacting the hot exhaust creates a serious fire hazard, which I can detect from the burning-oil odor and smoke. Separately, ongoing oil loss risks sudden engine failure or stalling while driving, which could cause a loss of motive power and a crash, especially at highway speed or in traffic. This appears to be a widespread manufacturing defect. Many owners of 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5, and related Mazda3 and Mazda6 vehicles equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation, have reported the identical failure — cylinder head cracking near the exhaust manifold causing an oil leak — frequently at low mileage. Mazda issued an internal service alert (SA-058/20) addressing cylinder head cracking on these engines, which shows the manufacturer is aware of the defect. Despite this, affected non-turbo owners are being denied repair assistance and are paying thousands of dollars out of pocket to fix a defect that presents a fire and crash risk. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. I am reporting this because the defect is safety-related, appears to affect a large number of identically built vehicles, and warrants investigation and a potential recall to protect owners — especially those outside the warranty period.

NHTSA ID

11753878

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

The cylinder head has cracked and is leaking externally. The engine oil that is leaking out is leaking directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. This can place us as risk due to the engine oil getting ignited by the hot exhaust manifold. There were no warning lamps that came on but there was a smell of burning oil that all of a sudden came up through the vents. This vehicle is currently at Woodhouse Mazda in Bellevue, NE and they have confirmed that the leak is active and has damaged the engine beyond repair.

NHTSA ID

11751895

Incident

May 12, 2026

I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 50,000 miles. I am experiencing an active engine oil leak accompanied by a burning smell and visible smoke from the engine compartment. This is consistent with a cracked cylinder head assembly — a known manufacturing defect in 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles documented in Mazda's own Service Alert SA-031/21, which Mazda characterizes as a fire hazard. Despite this, Mazda has extended warranty coverage only to turbo-equipped models (Program CSP11), leaving non-turbo owners with the identical defect unprotected. At only 50,000 miles, this is a premature failure caused by a manufacturing defect — not normal wear and tear. Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust manifold constitutes a serious fire risk to vehicle occupants and the public. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this pattern of failure across 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 non-turbo models and consider whether a formal recall is warranted. I have contacted Mazda North American Operations directly requesting goodwill warranty coverage and have a case number on file. I have yet to hear a response but was initially informed my car was out of warranty.

NHTSA ID

11749139

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

The infotainment system is experiencing the "ghost touch" problem already identified by Mazda and there has already been a class action lawsuit won regarding this problem. I was not aware of this class action lawsuit or I would have participated to have my system repaired. My infotainment system is completely unusable and I have been told it is over $500 to repair/replace. I am the original owner of this vehicle. The system continuously beeps and changes all settings while I am driving. If I am using navigation, the screen switches to something else so that I can't see where I'm supposed to be going, causing undue slowing and or braking in city traffic. This is a safety problem. My infotainment system continuously goes into the settings and changes the navigation guidance volume and the car yells at me that, "NAVIGATION WILL BE AT THIS VOLUME." This has startled me and caused me to either swerve or brake abruptly due to being yelled at with out warning while alone in the vehicle. This is a safety issue. As a female who drives by alone 99% of the time, I have my doors set to lock and unlock in a specific manner to keep me safe. The system randomly resets all of these settings while I'm driving so I have no idea if the doors will be locked or unlocked and whether I will be safe when stopping in city traffic. This is a personal safety issue and causes undue stress. The system calls and hangs up on my family repeatedly, making them think that I am in danger or hurt. They try to call by and get hung up on. This is a safety issue because it causes distracted driving because I am focused on that problem instead of the road. All in all, the whole system is a safety problem and needs attention, especially since Mazda has already admitted to the problem.

NHTSA ID

11746531

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

I am reporting a safety defect in my 2019 Mazda CX‑5 involving the heated seats and airbag system. The vehicle was bought certified pre‑owned with a warranty up to 100,000 miles included in the sale. Around March, at about 82,000 miles, the heated seats began causing electrical problems, and I was told this fault could affect the airbag system and that the airbags might not deploy in a crash. I have taken the car to a Mazda dealer four times and the issue has not been fixed; the dealer disconnected the heated seats and now claims they are “aftermarket,” even though they were on the car when I bought it and were never disclosed as aftermarket. I am now at about 87,000 miles, still within the warranty, and facing a large repair bill while Mazda corporate and the dealers refuse to correct this safety‑related defect under warranty. I am asking NHTSA to record this complaint and consider investigating similar issues with Mazda heated seats and possible airbag non‑deployment.

NHTSA ID

11746027

Incident

Mar 23, 2026

The engine has an oil leak from the head. It is a common problem with this year and make. It is a manufacturer's defect called a porous head where oil leaks through the casting not a seal. I've already spent $2000 to repair but still leaks. Oil leaks onto the exhaust and smokes causing fumes in the inside of the car and can be a fire hazard. Mazda is well aware of the problem but has yet to address it.

NHTSA ID

11744167

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

We began occasionally smelling an acrid smell, but didn't think much of it due to lack of visible leaks or warning lights. During a routine oil change at the mazda dealer, we asked about the smell, and the tech almost immediately found the issue, saying he had seen it a few times before. The oil is leaking from the head down onto the manifold due to what seems to be a recurring defective casting issue. quote from mazda dealer service department "During the vehicle's inspection, found oil leaking from the engine. A further inspection found the oil to be leaking from behind the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. oil is leaking through the casting of the cylinder head it appears. will recommend replacing the cylinder head due to the oil leak."

NHTSA ID

11743725

Incident

Mar 12, 2026

On May 11th I was driving my 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 35,000 miles when my cabin filled with the smell of gasoline. The smell became overwhelming within minutes, causing concern for my safety and the safety of other drivers. I immediately drove to the closest auto repair/body shop for an emergency inspection. Upon inspection, the technicians discovered there was a "crack at rear cylinder head and leaking oil excessively. Oil is leaking on to hot exhaust manifold....car is not safe to drive since oil leak is excessive". I was advised that this must be a manufacturer defect as you should not see this issue at such low mileage. The vehicle was then towed to the nearest Mazda dealership/service center, where a cracked rear cylinder head was diagnosed and confirmed. I was informed that continued operation of the vehicle could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure, engine seizure, fire risk from leaking oil contacting hot engine components, or sudden loss of power while driving, creating an extremely dangerous driving situation. Prior to the failure, there were no major warning indicators other than the sudden strong fuel/oil smell. The issue occurred unexpectedly despite the vehicle being properly maintained and having low mileage for a major engine failure. I have been the sole owner. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11743039

Incident

May 11, 2026

Cylinder block cracked on back side of engine. This crack leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold. Condition Confirmed by Mazda dealer. Oil burns on the exhaust filling the cabin with smoke impairing the driver. Also a high risk of combustion in the engine compartment Inspection report and pictures available. No sign or warning of issue. Crack happened on a daily drive to work. No engine lights noise or smell until head suddenly cracked causing a large oil leak. Mazda has an internal TSB 01-002/23 admitting that these cars in this year range have a manufacturer defect in the block

NHTSA ID

11742857

Incident

May 15, 2026

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 (equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation) has experienced a severe structural failure resulting in a cracked engine cylinder head. This casting defect allows pressurized motor oil to leak continuously from the cylinder head down onto the hot engine block and nearby exhaust components. This has led to the following severe safety risks: engine oil is leaking onto the exhaust manifold and creates an extreme risk of engine compartment fire when the vehicle is in motion; sudden loss of oil pressure or complete structural failure of the cylinder head can cause the engine to stall or seize unexpectedly without warning, completely disabling the vehicle in live traffic and creating an imminent crash hazard; and dropping oil levels and leaking fluids burning against the engine produce strong smoke and chemical odors that enter the cabin, which can cause driver distraction and severely limiting visibility if smoke escapes through the hood. We are also inhaling these odors. Mazda is fully aware of this structural engine defect and has detailed it internally under Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21 (as well as related TSBs for oil seepage/leaks on these cylinder heads). Despite acknowledging the manufacturing flaw, Mazda has failed to issue a safety recall for this dangerous fire and stalling hazard, forcing consumers to drive unsafe vehicles or pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a known defect. The vehicle currently has 62,317 miles. The crack and oil leak were officially diagnosed by the Carlsbad Mazda dealership service department on 5/26/26. I am requesting that the NHTSA launch a formal safety defect investigation into Mazda 2.5L cylinder head cracking to force a safety recall before this defect leads to a fatal fire or highway accident.

NHTSA ID

11741916

Incident

May 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the infotainment system changed settings, made phone calls, and changed the distance for automatic braking, which caused the vehicle's brakes to be applied inadvertently while another vehicle was behind them. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11740076

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

Mileage

45,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel independently switched between features. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee, the contact declined. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11738641

Incident

Nov 27, 2024

Mileage

35,000 mi

This 2019 Mazda CX 5 is experiencing a crack in the oil cylinder. THis appears to be connected to: There is no official, broad NHTSA recall for cracked oil cylinders in the 2019 Mazda CX-5, but Mazda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #SA-031-21) to address this known issue. It affects certain 2018–2021 CX-5s, particularly those with 2.5L engines, where a cracked cylinder head leaks coolant or oil. If this is a known issue with this vehicle, why has a recall not been addressed?

NHTSA ID

11737099

Incident

May 5, 2026

My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There is an existing class action lawsuit regarding the turbo versions. There are complexities as to wh this lawsuit is on behalf of the turbo engines, and not the non turbo engines, however the same problems are well documented and widely acknowledged throughout hundreds if not more instances of people online and by Mazda's acknowledgment of the problem through the TSB's. This put me at great safety risk. I was driving north bound right beside semi trucks and busy traffic at speed limits of 70 mph when my engine started smoking. I was able to pull over and get it to a nearby mechanic. They officially diagnosed the vehicle w the cracked cylinder head matching the aforementioned TSBs. Mazda denied my goodwill case, even though it was made without complete information on my situation and car, despite my best attempts to get to the one representing my case with the dealership(I tried to reach him for 2 days with no success). Getting a repair from Mazda dealerships was inconvenient for my location and schedule, but I've always had my vehicle properly serviced. Mazda said this repair would cost near $7500. A mechanic quoted me at least the amount of $5500.

NHTSA ID

11736667

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 36,000 miles. The vehicle developed a strong burning oil smell while driving, particularly through the HVAC/vent system. I initially reported the odor to a Mazda dealership, but no issue was identified. Approximately two months later, the smell returned and worsened. The vehicle was later diagnosed by a Mazda dealership with an oil leak originating from the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. According to the repair documentation, oil was accumulating on the exhaust due to seepage from the cylinder head. The repair required full cylinder head replacement. This created significant safety concerns because leaking oil was contacting hot engine/exhaust components while the vehicle was being operated. Burning fumes entered the passenger cabin through the vents while driving. I was concerned about the risk of fire, smoke inhalation, sudden oil loss, and possible engine failure while on the road. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. The primary symptom was the persistent burning smell. The dealership replaced the cylinder head. The original repair estimate was approximately $6,000. Mazda later provided partial goodwill assistance, but I was still required to pay approximately $2,500 out of pocket. After researching this issue further, I found numerous similar NHTSA complaints involving 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles experiencing cylinder head leaks/cracking near the exhaust manifold, burning smells, smoke or fumes entering the cabin, and major engine repairs at relatively low mileage. Mazda has acknowledged similar cylinder head concerns in CSP11 and TSB 01-002/23 for certain VIN ranges but denied coverage for my vehicle because the leak involved oil rather than coolant and because my VIN was outside the covered range. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader cylinder head defect affecting additional 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles outside the currently covered VIN range.

NHTSA ID

11736171

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

Cylinder head is cracked and leaking oil. The Cylinder head has an active warranty extension but Mazda only applies this to coolant leaks and not oil leaks. The root cause is a casting defect along with a exhaust manifold design issue that imparts undue stress onto the cylinder head causing cracks. The limitation of the warranty to the type of fluid that leaks rather than the failure due to design issues with the exhaust manifold and cylinder head does not make sense given that both components have been redesigned due to the prevalance of both coolant and oil leaks from cylinder head cracks. Problem has been confirmed by Quality Mazda Service departmetn on April 4, 2026 but no warranty coverage extended to repair the failure due to the fluid leak being oil and not coolant. No warnings or messages given prior to leaks. Leaks began at roughly 76,400 miles.

NHTSA ID

11735831

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

The cylinder head cracked, causing a coolant leak, which then lead to the car overheating. My car was taken into Mazda dealership because there is a warranty extension for this specific part CSP111. The Mazda dealership, corporate, and warranty department all stated the known widespread defect cracked cylinder head will not be replaced on their behalf due to an overheating code. Mazda is using a symptom as an excuse to the problem. Due to the overheating code, Mazda recommended replacing the whole engine for $10,000 with 20 hours of labor. This defect part and Mazda’s unwillingness to provide a proper solution caused my car engine to fail, posing a safety risk. No symptoms other than low coolant were present, which my car was then parked, not driven, and towed to the dealership, in hopes the warranty would be honored.

NHTSA ID

11734784

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

A Mazda Dealership should me a Mazda cx5 2019, in 2023, at nearly 38k miles, right about where many have reported a cracked cylinder issue due to a manufacturing issue in age, and in milage. There is a lawsuit ongoing regarding the turbo version, however many reporting the same issue in the non turbo versions. My engine started smoking while on the highway causing a highly dangerous scenario to which I was barely able to make it to a mechanic where all the oil spilled out upon arrival. I got a diagnostic from a reputable mechanic confirming the cracked cylinder.

NHTSA ID

11734157

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

My wife's vehicle has a "Infotainment screen" (dashboard touch screen). There is a class action suit (CSP13d dealer letter) for issues regarding the screen performing tasks (Ghost screening touch) on its own. In lieu of a Mazda vehicle mass recall, they agreed to "FIX" the issue with a software update and replace the CMU Module of the vehicle to rectify this issue. I am here to report / advise you that MANY Mazda owners are NOT happy and have taken it upon themselves to disconnect these screens and do other "work around self repairs (removing/ disabling the unit) in order to fix the issues that occur. I have directly contacted Mazda in regards to my issues and they stat they can ONLY do what was advised on the court ordered settlement and NOTHING more to fix the issue. I want to advise you first hand, their FIX for this issue does NOT fix the problems. In fact, it is making it much worse! NOW my wife's vehicle is operating this screen by itself, WHILE driving, creating a MAJOR distraction. This "Ghost Touching" is actually going into the braking system settings and trying to change/ alter them AS she is driving! A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. She has had to, on several occasions, pull over /off the road, shut down the vehicle and try to "reset" what has occurred and check her system for ANY altered setting..if possible. As a retired Police Officer, I can tell you first had that if we ever encountered such thing/ safety issues reported by drivers, we would NOT allow them to travel any further with the vehicle and have it safely towed to a dealer or mechanic for repair. For their safety as well as the rest of the publics safety!! Mazda has refused to fully fix this issue and you can even see on numerous social media posts of MANY others reporting similar issues, disabling their devices on their own and doing other work arounds to mute or disable their devices totally. I Implore you to do a FULL RECALL of ALL affected vehicles to fix the problem ASAP!

NHTSA ID

11732869

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Today I was using this vehicle and the cars my pocket got stuck in between the car seat dial for the movement of the car seat and the door and as I was in reverse the car seat started to move and pushed me all the way to the steering wheel as I was in a drive situation mode so I had to break it all off disconnected and everything

NHTSA ID

11731751

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

Engine has a crack in the head, well under 100,000 miles. It's a known defect but Mazda refuses to do anything about it. It is currently a very expensive paperweight sitting under our carport.

NHTSA ID

11723966

Incident

Feb 17, 2025

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 78,000 miles developed a sudden major engine oil leak. The Mazda dealership diagnosed the issue as a cracked cylinder head and quoted approximately $5,600 for repair. The vehicle was properly maintained and this failure occurred without warning. A cylinder head failure at this mileage appears premature and may represent a defect. The oil leak created a large puddle under the vehicle and could pose a potential safety hazard due to loss of engine oil.

NHTSA ID

11723326

Incident

Mar 5, 2026