2018 MAZDA CX-5 Complaints

Vehicle Information Year/Make/Model: 2018 Mazda CX-5 Engine: 2.5L Mileage at Failure: Approximately 115,000 miles Component: Engine Complaint Summary: I am reporting a sudden and unsafe engine failure involving a cracked cylinder head in my 2018 Mazda CX-5. This failure occurred without warning at approximately 115,000 miles and resulted in significant oil leakage from the engine. Description of the Failure and Safety Risk: While operating the vehicle, I detected a strong burning oil odor followed by visible smoke coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspection, it was determined that the cylinder head had cracked, allowing engine oil to leak onto hot engine and exhaust components. This condition presents a serious safety hazard, including the risk of fire due to oil contacting high-temperature surfaces. Notably, there were no warning lights, messages, or prior indicators of any issue before the failure occurred. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not experienced overheating or misuse that would reasonably lead to this type of failure. Repair Information: The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership, which confirmed a cracked cylinder head. The estimated cost of repair is approximately $5,130. Additional Information / Defect Pattern: Through independent research, I have identified multiple reports of similar failures involving Mazda 2.5L engines in comparable vehicles. These reports describe nearly identical symptoms, including sudden oil leakage, smoke, and cracked cylinder heads at relatively low mileage. This pattern suggests a potential manufacturing or material defect rather than normal wear and tear. Manufacturer Response: I have contacted Mazda Customer Experience and escalated the matter. Mazda has declined to provide any assistance, citing the vehicle being out of warranty, despite the nature of the failure and associated safety concerns. Summary: This issue involves a critical engine component failure that can le

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 AWD (2.5L SKYACTIV-G, non-turbo) was diagnosed by a Mazda dealer with a cracked/leaking cylinder head, a known manufacturing defect in the casting of the aluminum cylinder head. Engine oil is leaking from the rear of the cylinder head onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell and visible oil accumulation at the rear of the engine. This is a documented fire hazard. The Mazda dealer confirmed the diagnosis matches Technical Service Bulletin SA-031-21, which Mazda issued in May 2021 specifically for this defective cylinder head design on 2018–2019 CX-5 models. The dealer additionally informed me that Mazda has internally acknowledged this as a growing, widespread problem across the 2018–2021 CX-5 model years, and that a recall may be forthcoming. Mazda customer service denied my goodwill repair claim despite acknowledging the TSB. The estimated repair cost is $7,000. The vehicle is currently not being driven due to the fire risk of oil contacting the exhaust manifold. This defect appears to affect a significant number of 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA open a formal safety defect investigation and compel Mazda to issue a recall. Multiple other owners have reported the same issue on NHTSA and in owner forums. This is a manufacturing defect not normal wear and tear and poses a serious fire safety risk to consumers.

2018 Mazda CX-5, 58,182 miles. Report date is 3/7/2026, low mileage for it's age. Vehicle has been exclusively purchased and serviced at the same authorized Mazda dealership for the lifetime of the vehicle, with all maintenance records on file. I began experiencing a strong burning oil smell inside the passenger cabin while driving. The fumes were noticeable to both the driver and passengers, creating a potential carbon monoxide/combustion fume exposure hazard that posed a safety risk to all occupants. Upon bringing the vehicle to the dealership, the technician diagnosed a cracked cylinder head requiring full replacement. This is a significant structural engine defect. Despite the vehicle being dealer-serviced its entire life, the repair cost was initially placed entirely on the owner. Mazda eventually provided partial financial consideration, though the root cause of why a cylinder head cracked on a well-maintained 58,182-mile vehicle was never adequately explained. I am filing this complaint because fumes entering the passenger cabin represent a serious safety defect, and I believe this issue may affect other 2018 CX-5 owners.

Vehicle developed burning oil smell. Dealership diagnosed a cracked cylinder head. No warning lights (yet. Eventually low oil pressure light would come on.) Potential for engine to lock up and lose power while driving putting occupants and others at risk. Know problem for 2018-2021 model years. Car no longer under warranty. Cost to repair $7,100. Technical Service Bulletin SA-031-21 issued regarding this problem.

Cracked cylinder head confirmed by Mazda Dealership. No warning lights or indicators. We noticed white smoke and a burnt plastic smell after a drive one night. Dealership confirmed oil was leaking onto the exhaust, a potential fire hazard.

All of a sudden, my engine started making this ticking noise. I brought it to a mechanic, and he said the noise is coming from inside the engine. He checked for codes and everything, but nothing came up. The only way to look at it is to take the engine apart from what he told me. I started researching for solutions online before doing this and I came across other Mazda CX5 owners complaining of the same thing. I listened to a few of these videos of the sound it makes and sounds just like my car. Apparently, it is a common issue connected with the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, and I am amazed that Mazda has not reached out to people affected by this. I am not sure what the long-term issue is with this noise, but it can't be good if it's in the engine. Who knows what kind of damage it could cause.

Noticed the smell of burning oil and smoke from the engine while driving on the interstate with my husband and young children in the vehicle. Pulled over at a gas station to inspect and discovered large amounts of oil leaking. While at the gas station the low oil indicator came on. There were no warning or check engine lights prior to the incident. The dealership diagnosed cracked cylinder head. This was an extensive and costly repair. I have now learned that Mazda is aware of how common this issue is with this year/make/model. This should be a covered repair or recalled part.

Turned car on when leaving for work. Smelled a strong burning smell. Fluid all under car on the driveway. Took the vehicle to repair shop and they stated that it was the cylinder head and that there was a possible recall or warranty extension for this particular issue. I called Mazda and they said it was an issue but for the 2019 model and not the 2018. After doing some research I have read where this issue seems to be happening for the 2018 as well and they are not taking responsibility for it.

While driving, my 2018 Mazda CX-5 experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power without warning. The engine shut down while the vehicle was in motion; however, electrical systems such as the radio, heat, and electronics remained operational. The vehicle lost propulsion, creating a serious safety risk in traffic. The vehicle had recently been serviced at an authorized Mazda dealer for completion of PCM and fuel-system recalls. Shortly after recall service, the engine failure occurred. No warning lights or prior symptoms were present. An independent mechanic suggested possible engine seizure, but a full diagnostic evaluation (including compression testing or internal inspection) has not been completed. The cause of the sudden power loss remains undetermined. This incident represents a potential safety defect involving unexpected engine shutdown and loss of propulsion.

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