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
270 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2022
I believe my car has been affected by the FDM fuel pump replacement recall (#5321K). My car has stopped working. Parts are currently unavailable. What can be done as I need my vehicle for work?
Air bags, Jan 30, 2022
The "Passenger Air Bag is not active for passenger' warning light was constanstly showing in the dash panel even when nobody was sitting in the passenger seat nor any object was sitting on the seat. The problem was "solved" by the dealer under the car's warranty. They said something about dirty contacts in the seat wiring. Now the warning light is back and my SUV's warranty period is over.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2022
Safety recall just received for my car. Fuel pump failure may result in engine failure increasing risk of crash. Repair parts not available. It is expected parts may be available summer 2022. I will be driving cross country to return home to NY from AZ in March. What am i supposed to do?
Power train, Jan 3, 2022
My 2019 Mazda CX 5 with 25000 miles stopped moving on my way home. It was towed to John Kennedy Mazda in Conshohocken PA on 11/22/2021. It was diagnosed with a failed transmission and still awaiting replacement as of 1/3/22.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 1, 2022
At high speeds, air enters through the front windshield from outside of the car and into the cabin, making a whistling sound. It seems the problem is with the windshield design or fit.
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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 20, 2021
At about noon on 12/19/21 I was approaching the Tappan Zee (Mario Cuomo) Bridge in New York State going west. My car briefly stopped accelerating when I put my foot on the gas pedal but then continued on as normal. No warning lights or other signs of trouble appeared, and I continued onto the bridge and was in the center lane. There was moderate traffic on the bridge. Suddenly, my car started shaking and slowing as if the brakes were being pumped (although I did not put my foot on the brake), and the messages "Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction" "Forward Smart City Brake Malfunction" and "Smart Brake System Malfunction" all flashed on the dashboard screen. My husband turned on the emergency flashers and took a photo of the screen. The car continued slowing down and shaking no matter how hard I pressed the gas pedal. This created an incredibly dangerous situation; I had to get over to the right lane as we continued losing speed, and find somewhere safe to pull over once we got off the bridge. A car or truck going at a normal speed could have easily hit us and caused a catastrophic crash on the bridge. If I could not get out of the center lane quickly, at the rate the car was slowing down, it would have come to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. I was able to merge right, get across the bridge and get to an exit, all as the car continued lurching and slowing down. At the bottom of the exit, there was a red light; I stopped and turned the car off and back on again. When I tried to accelerate out of the stop, smoke began pouring off the wheels. The car moved across the intersection at a few miles per hour and I was able to pull over safely on the right shoulder on the other side of the intersection. I had only bought the car the previous day, less than 16 hours before the incident. I called Mazda Roadside Assistance and the dealership; the dealership told me to have the car towed to their service department, so I did.
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2021
Almost every time you drive at speeds of 75 mph+ or when there are strong winds on the highway, there is a whistling noise that comes from the drivers side door frame. This has been reported online in many groups. There are even video's with the exact problem available. NHTSA ID Number: 11429312 goes into the details in depth and I can say that my experience is exactly the same as theirs.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 17, 2021
There was a warning "chime" and then this message appeared on the instrument panel. "Front Radar Malfunction". The car was in the left lane on the PA turnpike going approximately 73 miles per hour. The car immediately began a rapid deceleration after the warning "chime". Automatic braking activated. The driver could not accelerate. Traffic was heavy with a trailer truck to the right and cars behind. There were no vehicles in front of the decelerating car. The vehicles behind were able to slow and avoided collision. We were forced to pull over in a very narrow center medium next to a large concrete divider. It was a very dangerous place to stop. The engine was turned off for approximately a minute. When it was started there were no messages and the driver had full control of the car. The car is available for inspection. The dealer will be contacted tomorrow. The car has been in service for 23 months and has been driven 12,200 miles. The road surface was wet from recent rain and the car had been driven through a downpour with water pooling on the road approximately 15 minutes before this incident.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed and shifting from second to third gear, the engine revved up, hesitated, and lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the low-beam headlights were inoperable. There was a clunking noise detected while making a three-point turn. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic diagnosed that there was an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign number 19V497000 (Engine, Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Engine, Sep 8, 2021
1) It happened last week on 8/30, when I drove back home after work at night. After I parked my vehicle at the driveway and I had noticed there's smoke going into the cabin through the vent. The smell was very bad, it smells like burning rubber/plastic type. Then I went underneath the car and checked, the oil dripping out from the plastic panels where the oil pan is. Next morning, I jacked the car up and have a deeper inspection. I have notice the oil actually leaking from the Timing belt/chain cover area. I immediately called local dealership @ Putnam Mazda and drove it in for service on 8/31. When I arrived to the service department, my whole front end was full of smoke coming out from the hood. After a hour of inspection, service advisor told me that my car is having a blown cylinder #3 and oil leaks from cracked cylinder head. They will have to order a new cylinder head from Japan for my replacement, which will take more than 2 weeks or even longer due to part shortage. This is ridiculous!!! My car only have 21,500 miles on it, and it's a 2019 model year. The advisor told me they had quite a few were having the same issue. I guess he doesn't want to give me the exact numbers. But this is a safety concerns for other Mazda customers as well. I guess it has to do with the cylinder deactivation they put into the engine which cause this problem. The recalls that they had last year was not a fix or cure. 2) This is a safety concern and putting my life on risk, the oil leaks might cause fire or create accident on the road while operating. The smoke that I suck into my system may cause permanent damage to my lung and my health concern. 3) Problem had been confirmed with dealership. Mazda should declare a recall. You can't just wait for someone have an accident or cause their life to correct the issue. 4) The vehicle is at the servicer dept. and been inspected. 5) This is critical, I don't have any engine light or any indication. Even my scanner detected no code.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20mph the vehicle would brake suddenly. Which resulted in the contact sustaining whiplash and sought medical treatment. The contact stated Brake warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2021
The center infotainment system operates by itself when driving at a low speed. The screen will automatically enter menus, place calls, and select items without any sort of input from the driver or passenger (ghost touch). The control knob, which is used to navigate the center screen, will not be functional whenever this happens. This ghost touch issue happens periodically, sometimes it goes away and sometimes the problem returns. Whenever the screen places calls or enters menus by itself, the driver is being distracted from the road and will have to focus on canceling whatever action the infotainment automatically decided to do. For example, I use Apple CarPlay for navigation but sometimes the screen will operate other functions by itself - I will have to manually click back to the navigation screen every time. A similar issue was found in the 2014-2016 MY of the Mazda3, which uses the exact same infotainment and controller setup as in the CX-5 products. I have provided a link to the relevant service bulletin here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10164268-0001.pdf The system has not been examined by the manufacturer nor have there been any types of warning messages or lamps within the vehicle.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2021
Oftentimes when driving at speeds of approximately 80mph or more, a loud whining/whistling noise appears. It appears to be coming from the area of driver side front door, passenger side front door, both front doors simultaneously. The issue has an earlier onset in the presence of crosswind, or headwind. I was able to record several videos where the noise can be heard very clearly. Some of these videos have been posted online: https://vimeo.com/547826873 https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/580602909 and the links have been shared both with my local Mazda dealership (Oak Tree Mazda by DGDG in San Jose, CA: 4250 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129) as well as with Mazda of North America. However, my complaints have been ignored as the dealership keeps stating that they are "unable to duplicate problem". There are several threads on two Mazda owners forums that describe this very issue with Mazda CX-5 in USA, Canada, as well as in Europe. This video from an owner in Germany shows the very same issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zykyoCIsItc&t=204s https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/index.php?threads/2019-cx-5-signature-whistling-noise-on-highway-or-high-speeds.123868506/page-2#post-6727077 https://www.mazdaworld.org/threads/cx-5-2018-version-high-pitched-squeal-whistle-like-noise.337073/#post-754625 According to one of the forum members, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) R084/20 to address this issue has been issued by Mazda in Europe and Russian. The root cause has to do with door trim seals. Under the "CASUE", this TSB reads, "When driving under following conditions, a negative pressure generated on the doors pulls them outside. The counterforce exerted by the weatherstrips mounted on the doors is lower than the sucking force, resulting in weatherstrip vibration. -The vehicle is exposed to a side wind while driving at a speed higher than 160km/h -The vehicle is exposed to a strong side wind while driving at a speed higher than 120km/h."
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on five separate occasions, intermittently there was an abnormal grinding noise detected underneath the hood. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 mph. Additionally, while accelerating the vehicle slowed down without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where no codes had been detected. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Additionally, the vehicle was towed to Sport Mazda North (400 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750, (407) 339-4777) where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 30, 2021
When the system think there might be a collision and initiates a hard braking even when there might be enough space in front of you. Multiple times, the car behind me had to do a hard break as well not to hit me from behind. This also happens when switching lanes. As you are in the middle of switching, if sometimes thinks you are getting to close to the car in the original lane and it starts a hard break. Since I’m in between lanes, it causes the car on the other lane to do a hard break also, almost causing a chain accident. A google search revealed multiple people complaining of that. The system is too aggressive even at it’s lowest setting. Mazda informed me I can only turn it off one drive cycle at a time. This system has almost caused more accidents than it protected me from them.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 15, 2021
Driving on highway, cruise control ser to 82, no cars in front. The car suddenly jolted twice, engine light and battery light comes, lost of power. Pulled over to shoulder in the middle of nowhere in Nevada. Tried to start the car, engine won't turn on, starter just kept cycling. Veh temp was just below 210 with a 1/4 tank of gas. Called dealership and service person asked is to use key to turn on car, no change and provided no other solution other than to take to dealership with the closest one being over 300 miles away. We decided to unhook and rebook the positive side of battery. Car restarted and currently driving it home as I write this complaint. 600 miles overdue for maintenance (by date due on July 26, 2021) and was scheduled upon return from trip which at the time should be approx 1000 miles over due.
Engine, May 14, 2021
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED AN OIL LEAK ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMPASS MAZDA (200 DOLSON AVE LOT A 204, MIDDLETOWN, NY 10940: (844) 258-3818) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MASTERCYCLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000.
Power train, Structure, Engine, May 4, 2021
BROUGHT IT IN NOV 2020 REGARDING SMELLS AND ENGINE ISSUES AS WELL AS ALIGNMENT. NEITHER WERE TAKEN CARE OF. THEN MARCH 2021,ENGINE WAS LEAKING FLUID AND SMOKING, AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 20K. DID NOT PROVIDE A RENTAL UNTIL LATER THAT WEEK. AFTER A MONTH, I GOT MY CAR BACK. AFTER LEAVING THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO SMOKE, BROUGHT IT BACK. GAVE NO RENTAL. DEALER SAID IT WAS LEFT OVER FLUID FROM WHEN THEY REPLACED IT. CAR IS STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE AND SMELLS. UNDER SHIELD FELL OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWICE.TIRE PRESSURE WAS GOING OFF AND BROUGHT IT IN TWICE FOR THEM TO SAY THEY CANT FIND WHERE THE SLOW LEAK IS OR WHY SO THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE MAZDA INSURANCE FOR TIRES.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2021
I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG, SOUNDING LIKE A GUNSHOT THAT WENT OFF, WHEN THE SUNROOF ABOVE MY HEAD VIOLENTLY SHATTERED WHILE I DRIVING TO WORK. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND GOT COVERED WITH PIECES OF GLASS. THE GLASS SCRATCHED ME ON THE FACE, CLOSE TO MY EYE. I AM IN SHOCK AND I AM STILL FINDING SMALL PIECES OF GLASS ALL OVER MY BODY EVEN AFTER TAKING A SHOWER.
Seats, Mar 4, 2021
REAR PASSENGER SEAT REST BEHIND DRIVER SEAT IS RATTLING AND DOES NOT LOCK TIGHT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 3, 2021
WINDSCREEN STRESS CRACK 12 - 15 INCH UPPER END. NO VISIBLE EXTERNAL DAMAGE CAUSE, NO EVIDENCE OF DEBRIS DAMAGE. APPEARS AS MATERIAL DEFECT, MANY SIMILAR REPEATING COMPLAINTS ON THE NET. MAZDA REFUSES TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, REFUSES TO INSPECT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 25, 2021
VEHICLE HAVING SIGNIFICANT DROP IN POWER OUTPUT IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING. ISSUE RESOLVES WHEN FINALLY SHIFTING TO 3RD GEAR, BUT LACK OF PREDICTABLE RESPONSE WHEN MERGING IS UNSETTLING.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2021
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION - I WAS PULLING IN TO MY GARAGE, HALF WAY INTO THE GARAGE, THE CAR ACCELERATED, WITHOUT FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND RAN INTO MOTORCYCLE AND GARAGE BACK WALL. THERE ARE TIRE TRACTION MARKS WHERE IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNATTENDED, AND TIRE TREAD FROM MULTIPLE ROTATIONS OF THE TIRE WHERE THE VEHICLE FORWARD MOTION WAS STOPPED BY THE WALL. ANOTHER DRIVER OF THE CAR STATED THAT THE NIGHT BEFORE, WHEN FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2020
VEHICLE DISPLAY ON DASHBOARD, STEERING WHEEL, SHIFT CONSOLE, AUDIO CONTROLS, SEATS ADJUSTMENTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE LETTERS AND NUMBERS ARE NOT LIGHTED. UNABLE TO KNOW WHICH BUTTONS TO PUSH BECAUSE PRINTING IS SO SMALL AND MANY CONTROLS ARE GROUPED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. MAZDA CX5 OWNER'S MANUAL IS FOR ALL MAZDA MODELS. THERE IS NO INDICATION AS TO WHAT FEATURE IS INCLUDED ON MY CAR. THIS CAR LACKS LIGHTED DISPLAY AND CONTAINS SMALL LETTERS/NUMERALS WHILEPARKED, MOVING OR DRIVING IN DAY OR NIGHT; MAZDA DEALERS IN TWO DIFFERENT TOWNS REPORT UNABLE TO IMPROVE SITUATION "THAT'S HOW IT IS" .