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.
Engine, Apr 27, 2025
Unknown. Ticking noise on engine.
Engine, Apr 14, 2025
The engine cylinder head cracked before the vehicle hit 50,000 miles. This caused oil to leak and burn in the engine compartment, leading to a burning smell coming into the cabin. Once enough oil had been lost, I got a low oil pressure light. I immediately pulled over and noticed white smoke was coming out from under my hood, and the smell of burning oil was quite strong. The problem has been confirmed by my mazda dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance. Just the dealer. The vehicle is currently at the dealer, and the cylinder head would need to be removed for inspection if requested. The smell of burning oil was the only early symptom, though I did not recognize it at the time.
Engine, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving up on incline at 45 MPH, the engine shut off with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to pull the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coil. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer with an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. While at the dealer, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for repairs unrelated to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was a 129,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2025
The Mazda Connect screen has ghost touch issues. The screen randomly presses buttons while the vehicle is in motion. The most dangerous component is when it changes the lighting to nighttime during the day causing me to be unable to see my screen during the daytime. It also repeatedly skips music, changes the screen while the gps is on, and constantly presses random buttons and disturbs me while I'm driving the vehicle. This is a known issue amongst many Mazda models that they have yet to fix and it is highly distracting.
Engine, Apr 1, 2025
Valve cover develops crack causing significant loss of oil resulting in seizing of engine with the potential of serious accident and potential loss of life.
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2025
This is a complete electrical system failure. My screen continues scroll All Systems fails. At least it is not draining the battery again. I have had to replace the battery 2 times in the last 6 months. Maybe CarMax sold me a "lemon". . I received a recall notice, however when I spoke with the service department at the Bob Mazda dealership in Carlsbad and they told me that the recall on my vehicle is closed. I can come in for repairs, but at my own expense. I have only owned this vehicle for 6 months in which 2 months I was in the hospital recovering from a major surgery. When I get in my car and start it, if it starts the "blue" light is on every time, which is apparently Thermostat. After about 20 minutes or so the light turns off, sometimes 30 minutes. The next part is the scrolling malfunctions. It lists about everything on the car. I am [XXX] and live in Baja. I live in a very safe, gated with a security guard neighborhood, however I am scared of going any due to my car issues and being stranded. I also really need to cross the border to see my doctor but I am afraid. When you have to replace 2 batteries in 6 months and I have only driven under 5,000 since I purchased the car. Mazda needs to make me whole. My car also only has 24,000 and when I bought it had20,000 miles. There is something seriously wrong, actually multiple things are wrong with my 2019 Mazda. A person should never be afraid to get in the vehicle due to safety issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2025
While driving, the infotainment screen went crazy! It randomly changed screens rapidly, and the navigation voice started talking loudly about changing volume level, and repeatedly. Very distracting and dangerous.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
I had my vehicle looked at and found a cracked cylinder head on #3 and did some research of people having the same issues. I was driving when the vehicle started smoking it turns out the oil coming out of cylinder #3 flows down the driver and passenger side behind the exhaust manifold which can lead to a fire. My car only has a little over 80,000 miles and this should not happen around that low of a mile vehicle. I believe this is an issue that needs attention.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a cracked cylinder head and that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Engine, Mar 11, 2025
Cracked cylinder head. Major oil leak. Oil light came on but then turned off. No other warning light. No engine light came on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis.
Engine, Mar 7, 2025
The cylinder head in the engine cracked while I was driving. The vehicle was leaking oil profusely and was down a quart after the oil had been changed the week prior. There were no warning lights or indication and I had just had the vehicle in the dealership the week before. I'm a disabled driver that requires hand controls so if I needed to exit the vehicle and move away from it it would not be possible. It's been at the dealership since 2/24/25. I have found numerous other people that have experienced the same issue online.
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2025
With only 60k miles on my car which I regularly take in for maintenance, my car started to leak a ton of oil. It was determined that the cylinder head is cracked. This should not happen on a car this new and maintained. In doing research, this seems to be a common occurrence with this year.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 5, 2025, crash
On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 4, 2025
The cylinder head on my 2019 Mazda CX-5 failed prematurely due to a known defect. The vehicle is currently at Fred Beans Mazda in Mechanicsburg, PA, where the issue has been diagnosed and confirmed. The defective component is available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk due to an oil leak, which led to smoking from the engine bay and a potential fire hazard. If the oil had ignited, this could have caused severe vehicle damage or injury. Additionally, the failure could lead to a sudden loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, and Mazda has been contacted regarding assistance. They have acknowledged the issue but have not provided full coverage for the repair. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights or messages. The only symptom was an oil leak, which led to smoke coming from the engine. This issue appears to be a common problem with this model, and Mazda should take responsibility for addressing it properly before it causes serious harm.
Engine, Feb 27, 2025
This concerns a 2019 Mazda CX5 with approximately 52,000 miles - the engine of this vehicle is the 2.5L naturally aspirated version. Driving the vehicle with the HVAC system on resulted in a burning oil smell coming through to the cabin. Upon owner inspection, engine oil was seen as coating the underside of the vehicle in various areas. The oil pan drain plug and oil filter were both found to be tight and not leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to a nearby Mazda dealership for inspection on 2/26/2025. On 2/27/2025, Mazda technicians state that the cylinder head on the vehicle engine requires replacement. Replacement is quoted to be in excess of $5000. Reviewing the issue online shows numerous similar cases of engine cylinder head failure. This vehicle comes equipped with cylinder deactivation which seems to have a higher rate of failure regarding cylinder heads and a potential design flaw with cylinder heads manufactured in a time frame of 2018-2020. Leaking oil could potentially start a fire as the oil drips onto the exhaust manifold when the car is at operating temperature.
Engine, Feb 27, 2025
While driving the vehicle, I started smelling a burning smell about 10 days ago (2/17). I also felt a slightly reduced engine performance and could see the car emitting smoke from the engine bay. I had no warning lights on my dash. For all I know, the engine could've blown while I was driving on the road. Upon taking the vehicle to the dealership 2 days ago (2/25), they informed that my car has a cracked cylinder head, and there was no apparent reason why this would happen. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership thus far and I was quoted $5,700 to fix the issue. Upon looking up the problem, I see this is a common issue, with many having experienced it before, but no TSBs issued for this. There is a CSP issued for vehicles of the same year, but limited to the Turbo version on the engine. Unfortunately, I do not have any warranty on the car currently.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2025
The infotainment system within the Mazda has a variety of issues. 1. Its CarPlay system is extremely slow to connect to the mobile device via a USB. 2. 'Mobile Device Error' message pops-up frequently and disconnects the infotainment system from the mobile device. 3. 'Ghost Touch' occurs when driving under 20 mph. The screen fritz's out, will randomly press buttons, turn settings on and off, and there is no control over it. 4. Screen freezes. System and screen will either lag extremely slowly, or will freeze entirely. In sum, these issues are not only annoying but also a safety concern. It is extremely distracting for this to happen while you are operating the vehicle. Furthermore, it suddenly removes your mapping/navigation directions that you might be using.
Equipment, Jan 31, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the Mazda Connect Center Display touch screen was operating independently, causing vehicle functions to be engaged unintendedly. The contact was concerned for her daughter's safety because the center display functions included safety lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition safety functions. The contact related the failure to Mazda Special Service Program (SSP) Number: B6. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2025
Center multimedia display malfunctioning by ghost touching. Without using the commander switch, touch panel, or voice recognition, the screen will scroll through settings, apps, change radio stations, etc. Additionally, it will turn off maps in Apple Play when the program is in use. There are several complaints and examples of this issue online: [XXX] This concern needs to be addressed because it is safety issue as it is a major distraction for the driver. Service appointment with Westcott Mazda on 2/10. Originally brought in 1/28 for appointment, but was advised by Mazda service representative to contact Mazda as car is out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 28, 2025
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [XXX] , and I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 purchased as part of the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. I am writing to formally address two concerning issues related to my vehicle’s warranty coverage and its safety. 1. Warranty Coverage for Drive Belt Tensioner: During a recent visit to your dealership, I was informed that the drive belt tensioner on my vehicle is not covered under the warranty. This contradicts the coverage listed on your official Mazda CPO Warranty, which specifies that the Limited Powertrain Warranty includes the engine, timing chain, tensioner, and associated components. The drive belt tensioner is clearly referenced in this section, yet I was told it falls under wear and tear and is not covered. I kindly request a detailed explanation regarding this discrepancy. I believe the information I was given does not align with the warranty’s stated coverage, and I am concerned that the dealership is not honoring the terms of the warranty as outlined on your website. 2. Ongoing Noise Issue: Additionally, my vehicle has been making an unusual noise, which I reported during my visits to two separate Mazda dealerships. Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts to diagnose the issue, neither dealership has been able to identify the source of the noise. This situation has left me feeling unsafe while operating the vehicle, as I am unsure of its origin or potential impact on my vehicle’s performance or safety. I would appreciate it if you could escalate this matter and offer assistance in determining the cause of the noise, as well as ensure that all components of the vehicle are functioning properly. The lack of resolution is not only inconvenient but also concerning from a safety perspective. Request for Resolution: I trust that Mazda values its customers and will make every effort to resolve these issues in a timely manner. I respectfully request that the drive belt tensioner be covered und INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Oil started leaking while car was idling causing smoke to enter the cabin as well as all under the hood. Car was undriveable at this point. She was lucky there was no traffic. Car had to be towed and cylinder head was cracked. Mazda has a known faulty cylinder head problem they have refused to fix and this caused a safety issue. Vehicle will not be able to be inspected as we had it towed to get fixed immediately. The service center did confirm this is the issue and there were no prior issues before this.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 20, 2025
Car will slam on brakes even if car is in opposite lane farther away. We have received sooo many chips amd cracks on windshield with 2 weeks. We purchased used and was informed windshield was replaced once already.
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
As I was driving, a burning smell emanated from the car. There were no check engine lights on. When I pulled over, I saw a lot of smoke coming from the engine. I checked the oil level and it was above the minimum line bit just barely, even though my husband had just done an oil change on it. I refilled the oil and continued on my trip. The problem repeated for several dqays until I got home and took it to the Mazda dealership. They reported the following: "Cylinder Head Assembly: oil leaking out of back of head, recommend replacing cylinder head and related gaskets. The cylinder head sits above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. It closes in the top of the cylinder, forming the combustion chamber. This joint is sealed by a head gasket. In most engines, the head also provides space for the passages that feed air and fuel to the cylinder, and that allow the exhaust to escape." This service is $5600! My car only has 80K miles on it. This is a safety issue because there was no warning. No check engine light appeared and there was no warning.
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
I own a 2019 Mazda cx 5 and it has 78,000 miles. I noticed smoke coming from the engine and a lot of oil leaking on the ground. I brought the car into my independent service center and they confirmed that there was a crack in the engine cylinder head. There is a TSA # SA-031-21 on this problem. I feel that my safety was at risk, since the engine could have seized while driving. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps or messages were displayed, however there was a strong odor of burning oil. This problem occurred on 1/9/25 and it has been in the service center since.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 13, 2025
Good afternoon. I am reporting an incident that occurred on December 29, 2024. I was driving my 2019 Mazda Cx-5 and I was about to make a left turn. However, as I was making the left turn, I received a notification on my dashboard about a "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" (a photo of the notification will be included). My car instantly lost control and it did not stop until it collided with the street curb of the road I was attempting to turn on. Fortunately for those around me, my car did not collide with any other vehicles on the road. However, this collision caused damage to the right side of the vehicle, as the right airbag of the vehicle had deployed. I believe that this is a very significant problem that should be looked into as soon as possible. If my car were to hit other drivers on the road, it could have led to a very tragic incident. As far as repairs go, I wanted to wait and see how this complaint would carry out. I do not believe that it would be fair for me to pay repairs for an event that was out of my control. Thank you.