2019 Mazda CX-5
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 270 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 14 CX-5 model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 7 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
Representative owner complaints: engine
134 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Feb 20, 2024
I developed a cracked cylinder head in my 2019 Mazda CX-5 that only had 33,000 miles on it. I lost approximately 50% of my oil in a 4 mile drive. I believed I had been leaking oil, checked the dipstick, drove 4 miles (max speed of 35 mph), smelled the burning oil, pulled over, saw smoke coming from the hood and checked the dipstick again. Losing this much oil is a safety risk with the possibility of a fire especially if driving at a faster speed and inability to have a safe place to pull over along with smoke from the burning oil causing visibility issues which at higher speeds such as on an interstate can cause a safety concern. No indicator lights/messages appeared, this was determined from seeing what I thought was oil on the ground and then checking the dipstick. Mazda is well aware of the issue. When picking up the car for the dealership after being fixed, I asked what kind of parts were used to ensure this does it happen again. The shop employee said they were “revamped” parts due to the known issue with this model and pointed out 4 other Mazda cx5s currently in the shop with the same issue getting repaired.
Power train, Engine, Feb 1, 2024
Had the sudden onset of strong exhaust fumes in the cabin as others have described - especially when idling at a light. Returned to dealer after having it up on a rack to find oil dripping everywhere (shield underneath prevents from seeing drops when parked) - got word today it is indeed the cylinder head assembly. How is oil running on hot exhaust not a fire concern? I had to roll my windows down for fresh air in zero degree weather the fumes were so strong inside the vehicle. On top of that the P0126 (thermostat stuck open) diagnostic code is back for the second year in a row after having the “fix” installed under warranty last year.
Engine, Jan 24, 2024
My engine started smoking while I was driving fast got out of car oil leaking everywhere there was a crack in the cylinder head, another few minutes of driving and the car could have burst into flames seems like it’s a common issue with Mazda cx5 a quick google search has shown me I’m not the only one with this issue, worst thing about it is Mazda refused to fix it.
Engine, Dec 29, 2023
OIL COMING THROUGH CYLINDER HEAD ABOVE EXHAUST MANIFOLD DUE TO BEING POROUS, CAR LEAKING OIL AND NEED TO PUT MORE OIL IN EVERY OTHER DAY. MAZDA KNOWN ISSUE TSB# SA-031/21
Power train, Engine, Dec 16, 2023
The 2019 CX-5 has approximately 31086 miles. It was discovered that the cylinder head is cracked and causing the car to leak oil.
Engine, Dec 4, 2023
My engine suddenly started smelling like burning oil. I was due for an oil change and needed it immediately so I went to a quick oil change shop. They told me oil was sprayed all over the engine and I should take it to the dealer. It's been at Napleton Auto Park in Urbana, Illinois for a week and they finally diagnosed a cracked cylinder head. They said it could take up to 2 months to repair and they're checking to see if it's covered by my warranty.
Power train, Engine, Nov 29, 2023
My 2019 Mazda CX-5 cylinder head cracked at only 60,000 miles. I noticed my breaks were smoking and stopped driving. I then noticed oil leaking from my engine which had blown into my breaks, causing the smoke. There was no check engine indicator on my dashboard, nor did it indicate that my engine had overheated. There was no indication that there was any issues with the vehicle until i noticed the smoke coming from my brakes. I towed the vehicle to the Captial Mazda Dealership in San Jose, CA. Per Mazda Dealership Repair Estimate: "cylinder head cracked by cylinders 2 and 3". When i asked the dealership service center why this happened, their only response was it was a engine failure and that "over time the cylinder can become warped and crack" and while it that doesn't happen often "it can happen" I asked if there was anything I did that caused this, their only response was "i can check with the technician again". Apparently I did not purchase the "extended warranty" so while the repairs are no fault of my own, I have to pay the $6,000 repair cost.
Engine, Nov 21, 2023
Cracked cylinder head which caused engine to leak oil and smoke
Power train, Engine, Nov 14, 2023
Smoke coming out from hood, upon looking at it we found oil leak, took to nearest service shop and found cracks in engine head. Brought car to the dealer ship for further inspection and repairs.
Engine, Oct 30, 2023
Noticed the smell of burning oil in the cab on 30 mile drive. No warning lamps or other symptoms; vehicle continued to operate normally. After parking and inspecting the engine for the burning smell, noticed oil dripping from underneath engine bay and a pool of motor oil was forming on the ground underneath the vehicle. The next day, vehicle was brought to local Mazda dealer for inspection. They diagnosed the cause and stated the engine needs a cylinder head replacement. Oil leakage was so prolific, if this were to occur during a long distance drive, the engine would have lost all of the oil and stranded motorist - safety concern. Cylinder head failure is a known issue (Mazda TSB [XXX] ) with this engine. This known safety issue should trigger a recall. At minimum, the repair should covered by manufacturer for life of vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Oct 7, 2023
Cracked cylinder head with oil leaking. There were no warning from my car prior to a diagnostic test. The car has a very strong rubber burning smell and white smoke comes out from the engine part before I took my car back to the Mazda Dealer. From a quick search, the cracked cylinder problem seems widespread with the 2018-2021's Mazda Cx-5. Took the car back to the dealer and dealer replaced the head cylinder and gaskets. There were no warning from the car.
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
2 weeks ago I noticed an oil leak 2019 cx5 . Riley Mazda of Stamford check and found a cracked on the cylinder head. The cylinder head needs to be replaced cost around $5000. luckily we noticed the leak while car was park. Imagine if the car was on the road. Dangerous things could have happened. Mazda is aware of this situation years ago. A technician Service Bulletin was released by Mazda in 2019/2021 to all dealerships technicians repair guideline and why the cylinder cracks. On the Mazda bulletin it clearly explained a design defect resulting cylinder head cracks. Also Mazda failed to warn cx5 owners about the dangerous situation. On top of everything Mazda refuse to pay the Defect cracked cylinder head that cost around $5000 . I email mazda Numerous times and decline any goodwill repair . Reason is out of warranty. Most Cylinder heads past 200,000 mile mark. Not unless your engine overheats but it not. Mazda should reimburse us owner who paid the repair cost
Engine, Aug 10, 2023
Smoke started coming from the front end of the car so I brought my car into the Boniface Heirs Mazda dealership for a diagnostic. I was informed by the mechanic that my car has a factory defect and the head of the engine was welded wrong. Apparently this is a known factory defect in the 2018-2019 Mazda CX-5s as I have seen other reports for the same issue. I reached out to Mazda corporate to see if they could help with “after warranty assistance” since this was a manufacturers issue and I do everything to maintain my car properly. They denied any help and do not plan on recalling the part. I had no warning lights just smoke pouring from the font of my car. I do not understand how this is not considered a safety issue. I’m lucky my car didn’t catch on fire. I now have to decide between spending $5000 to fix the engine head or to sell my car and find a new one.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 7, 2023
While driving down the road my Mazda CX-5 continues to just stall and the engine light turns on and the safety features turn off. I was driving down a road in town and the engine started stalling as I came to a red light and slowed the engine shut off and I was almost hit from behind. It took several attempts at starting before the car would start. This has now happened for the past 3 days and is happening more and more frequently. I do not have any other means of transportation and after attempting to get the dealership to check due to the recalls on the Mazda CX-5 for fuel pump failure and the mechanic saying it appears the fuel pump is bad the dealership refuses to attempt any repair because the VIN is not listed in the recall at this time. This is a severe safety problem because if it stalls in traffic I will be in an accident as I have no ability to maneuver the vehicle when it stalls to get out of the way of vehicles approaching. If this issue isn't resolved it is going to cause injury to myself or others. People have had to swerve into the path of other vehicles to keep from hitting me when it stalls, which is eventually going to result in harm to others and/or myself and family.
Engine, Aug 2, 2023
purchase a new 2019 cx5 at riley mazda stamford. after 3 years and with 88t miles ,the head gasket cylinder gasket needs a replacement for $4500. while searching i read the same complaints from 2019 cx5 owners about head gasket blownout. a TSB Technician Service Bulletin was release by Mazda in 2019 regarding this issue and another one 2021 with affected vin numbers included , this car is un drivable , oil leaks like water falls and burning smells along w it
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
Crack in Cylinder Head at only 67,000 miles, leaking fuel into exhaust system, causing smoke while driving. Multiple shops consistently mentioned seeing this problem with this year, make and model. Due to 60k powertrain warranty, no fixes are being covered by Mazda
Engine, Jul 24, 2023
After noticing a burning oil smell following an oil change, I brought my 2019 Mazda CX-5 Touring (42,000 miles) back to the Mazda dealership assuming an issue with the fuel filter. There were no warning lights/messages associated with the smell. The Mazda dealership inspected the vehicle and indicated the leaking oil was due to a cracked cylinder head, which was known issue covered under Mazda's warranty.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
Vehicle warning system notified operator of engine overheating. Operator took vehicle to repair shop where mechanic identified a cracked cylinder head. Mechanic mentioned no reason crack should have occurred, potential manufacturer defect with forged aluminum casing.
Engine, Jun 20, 2023
Oil light came on. Cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak in rear of engine onto exhaust system. This gives off burnt oil smell into vehicle passenger area. Concerned this could cause fire. Vehicle was taken back to dealer where it was found to be leaking. Dealer stated will order new cylinder head but does not know when it will be in. dealer stated drive vehicle until part comes in.
Engine, May 22, 2023
The cylinder head is “seeping” out oil Not a crack and not gasket failure Dealer service advises they could help us get it fixed IF ONLY we had receipts of oil changes. We do not because we change the oil ourself.
Engine, Apr 27, 2023
My 2019 Mazda CX-5 has 61,500 miles on it and has a cracked cylinder head and has a massive oil leak. I took it to the dealer and they are aware of this issue but told me Mazda hasn't so far made a recall. No warning lights went off and i lost 1 quart of oil over a 30 mile drive. Upon Acceleration the engine could seize and could cause a crash. A fire is also not out of the question as the parts in the engine area are hot and oil can catch fire. Mazda declined to pay for the total cost of the repair but did partially pay for some of it. They should be held accountable for the lousy design and it's only a matter of time someone will have an accident because of it.
Engine, Mar 20, 2023
While driving the vehicle at highway speed, the check engine light came on at just under 28,000 miles. I took the vehicle to AutoZone, who did not come up with a code; however, I took it to the dealer with engine code P0126, which stands for insufficient coolant temperature. Apparently, there is a flaw in the coolant control valve, but the part is on backorder until June or July. In the meantime, my gas mileage is awful, my car takes forever to warm up, and the engine performance is awful and the vehicle is not safe to drive at highway speeds. This really merits a recall and a whole lot more attention from a company that was Consumer Reports most reliable brand for 2022. I am really disappointed with Mazda and how they have handled this situation and they have permanently lost my business over this.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated became aware of engine oil on his driveway. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal oil burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an oil leak coming from the cylinder head and determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic researched online and related the oil leak failure to Mazda Service Alert Number: SA-031/21 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2023
I drove my wife to work and noticed that the car was stuttering and had weak acceleration. I parked in my garage and a couple of hours later returned to see a massive oil leak on my driveway, I had to tow the car to the nearest dealership where a cracked cylinder was diagnosed. There was also a terrible burning smell. If the massive leak happened on an acceleration ramp or on the highway there could have been an accident.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 25, 2021
I was driving on the highway, at about 65 mph. The engine lost power and the car began to slow down. It did not respond to the accelerator, but the power was still on. I was lucky enough to be able to pull over to the shoulder without colliding, but it was extremely fortunate that no cars were obstructing me at the time. I put the car into park once stopped and turned the engine off. I tried to restart but the engine did not turn over and several warning signs came up on the dash and the car emitted irregular dinging/beeping noises before going silent (I do not recall specifically, but I believe the check engine and/or battery indicator lights came on) The hazards worked, also the interior lights. But I was stranded in a remote area in complete darkness on a very narrow shoulder with large trucks whizzing by. A CHP officer appeared eventually and expedited a tow truck, which brought me to the nearest Mazda dealership 100 miles away. It was midnight by the time we arrived. Both the tow truck driver and the technician (the next morning) were both unable to jumpstart the car. Engine would not turn over at all. The technician opened up the engine and sent reports to Mazda. We are waiting to hear back but they would not give me a loaner vehicle without knowing the cause of the failure. Very relieved I was not hurt but also very upset at the chance I could have been.