2018 Mazda CX-5

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 119 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 14 CX-5 model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 119

Of the 2018 reports, 1 involved a crash. 1 person was injured.

Primary concernEngine96 reports · 81% of complaints
Owner complaints119Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship3 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine96
  2. Power train18
  3. Other or unspecified9
  4. Engine and engine cooling3
  5. Forward collision avoidance3
  6. Electrical system2
  7. Fuel/propulsion system2
  8. Back over prevention1

Recalls and investigations

  1. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 12, 2021

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

    Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

    Campaign 21V875000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. EngineJun 27, 2019

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

    An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

    Campaign 19V497000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Air bags, side/windowJun 25, 2018

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

    If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.

    Campaign 18V426000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system

2 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2026

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

  2. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2024

    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.