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, Sep 16, 2024
There is a coolant leak at the cylinder head. We have been told that the cylinder is cracked at the back of the cylinder head where the exhaust ports meet. The dealer's technician said there is a "redesign" in the cylinder head. This is a known issue that is a defect apparently due to Mazda's design of securing the turbo on exhaust studs that are not designed to hold the weight. Why has there not been a recall? There is a Mazda TSB - 01-013/21, issued 10/15/2021 Verbal estimate from dealer for repair - over $7,000
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
My vehicle started smoking and I smelled a oil burning smell coming through the vents. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they diagnosed it with a cracked cylinder head. The repair estimate is $4,900. It is a 2019 with less than 60,000 miles, but it is a few months out of the powertrain warranty. However, this is a KNOWN issue to Mazda. As I have been researching online, many Mazda CX-5 owners have reported the same issue and I believe Mazda has traced it back to defective manufacturing in a batch of these parts. My local mechanic has also told us that he has seen this issue with 2019 Mazda CX-5s and recommended we report them. Mazda SHOULD issue a recall, but I understand that is expensive for them. At the very least, they should alerting drivers to this possibility and voluntarily repairing these cylinders without cost to unsuspecting drivers who could end up with an engine fire. I have submitted a complaint to Mazda customer service and I am awaiting a response.
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2024
The display screen appears to initiate "ghost actions". It will change songs, put phone calls on mute/hang up, change display settings etc. on its own. I looked this issue up online and it seems to be very common with 2017 and newer Mazdas. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they wanted to charge me $150 for a diagnosis and another $500 for a screen repair. I decided not to do it because all of the threads online stated that this didn't fix the issue so no diagnosis was made. It doesn't put me at extreme risk but it is very distracting when I am using maps or CarPlay.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2024
I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the recent service that occurred on November 14th, 2023. Due to the service's failure and negligence, Luther Brookdale Mazda has jeopardized the safety and well-being of my family members. On [XXX], my 2019 CX-5 was towed from Monticello, Minnesota, to the dealership in Brooklyn Center around 9 pm. While returning from [XXX] dinner in St. Cloud on [XXX] , a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard: "Engine Coolant Temperature High. Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place." Upon receiving this notification, we pulled over to the shoulder and observed smoke emanating from the engine bay. We promptly turned off the vehicle. Concerned for our safety, we contacted our family to pick us up and had the vehicle towed by AAA. As we awaited the tow truck's arrival, we noticed coolant had sprayed all over the engine under the hood, and the engine cover was missing. Furthermore, the coolant reservoir was below the minimum threshold. This particular issue is the reason I brought the vehicle in for service the week prior, regarding insufficient coolant temperature. It was evident from the state of the engine bay that the dealership failed to follow proper protocol. This lack of oversight likely resulted in damage to the engine and other essential vehicle components, leading to the total loss of the car. I am deeply disappointed by the lack of care and attention to detail in the service provided. This negligence also compromised my family's safety. Moreover, what was meant to be a festive holiday was marred due to the disregard for my property. I have been a loyal customer at Luther Mazda Brooklyn Park for several years, and I am shocked by the incident that has transpired. We have approached the dealer with the issue and they are continue to articulate that there is no engine damage, but with the ongoing class action lawsuit, I am extremely skeptical of their claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2024
The INFO touchscreen randomly activates itself (the commonly reported "ghost screen" problem that occurs due to defective coating on touchscreen) which cause settings and selections to change uncontrollably, including placing phone calls, etc. This is very distracting and hazardous for this to randomly happen while operating the vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2024
The main display has failed and/or malfunctioned regularly. Lighting systems for vehicle navigation system has been impacted and HUD lighting and visibility have been impacted. My safety and the safety of my passengers have been put at risk because of distraction and vehicle navigation malfunctions. The component has not yet been inspected. There were no other problems prior to failure. The first incident of this occurred several months to a year ago. This has been a continuous issue. The date provided below is simply to indicate that this has been occurring for an extended period of time.
Engine, Aug 26, 2024
This report is for a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the Naturally Aspirated/Non-Turbo engine. This vehicle only has 26,500 miles and has developed a major oil leak from a cracked Cylinder Head. The continued safety of the vehicle has been degraded. The engine could seize while driving making the vehicle inoperable while on roadways. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by both an independent service center and by an authorized dealer service center. The only warning lamp that appeared was a low oil light. I immediately pulled over for safety and inspected the oil levels of the engine. I determined the engine oil levels were just below the fill line on the dip stick. I then added approximately half a quart of recommended oil and the oil warning light turned off. I then contacted a local service center for diagnostics of the problem. They determined the cause of the oil leak which was a Cracked Cylinder Head on the Engine. I then drove the vehicle to an authorized Mazda service center at the dealership. They also diagnosed the problem as a Cracked Cylinder Head on the Engine. Both the independent service center and the authorized Mazda service center recommended a full Engine replacement.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2024
I have a 2019 CX5 Mazda that consistently leaks oil and smokes. After taking it to a mechanic, I learned that this is a known Mazda issue, but because my car is under warranty, they won't help me. The Cylinder head is pours, and my mechanic said even if he replaces it, it will happen again due to the design. After I have checked online, it seems that MANY people have this issue from 2018-2021. Mazda even made TSB #SA-031-21 to cover some of this issue but no recall. As mentioned, my car leaks oil everyday, and I have to constantly put oil in just to keep it from burning up. It smokes really bad, but I cannot afford a new car or afford to pay over $3K to get this fixed, or don't understand why they won't fix it if they know it was poor design???
Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2024
UNKNOWN. Vehicle stalls and jumps when I step on the gas pedal or try to increase speed.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2024
Mazda infotainment system experiences ghost touching. It would operate on its own and exit applications like navigation on its own. Mazda is aware of the issue but won’t issue a recall. This can be a safety hazard when the system exits out of navigation in the middle of nowhere. The system would also make calls on its own which would cause a panic to the driver who is distracted trying to end a call they never placed.
Engine, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was oil leaking from the main gasket and referred the contact to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Engine, Jul 25, 2024
The 2019 Mazda CX5 GT started to make a clicking noise coming from the engine. After much investigation online, sharing multiple resources of videos and sound this seems to be the hydraulic lash adjusters for this specific year and model. Unfortunately this is outside the normal warranty and wasn't noticed until now. The car was inspected by local independent service center. This would pose risk to my family and others if the vehicle seized to work properly. There were no warnings given other than the clicking noise and inspected.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2024
The video display board does not work properly. It randomly changes settings while driving and is very distracting and does not allow the GPS to work properly. It changes radio and display settings and any setting prev set. It cycles through them and randomly changes them The dealer (Kings Mazda in Cincinnati Ohio) stated that this is happening frequently in Mazdas and will cost over $400 for an after market fix and over $1000 for a Mazda fix. It is VERY distracting while driving
Engine, Jul 1, 2024
engine head crack causing antifreeze leak. caught problem at 65980 miles. Defect confirmed by dealer. I had no indication of problem, only a terrible smell/odor. Dealer indicated a $6000+ cost of repair.(out of warranty). Thank goodness for extended warranty I purchased. I feel Mazda should be held accountable.
Back over prevention, Jun 28, 2024
Back up camera display does not always immediately come on when placing car in reverse. It can sometimes be 10 -15 seconds before an image appears. I wait in the garage, driveway, or parking spot before backing but this potentially puts pedestrians behind the vehicle at risk. Per FMVSS 111 guidelines. S5.5.3 regarding response time: The rearview image "shall be displayed within 2.0 seconds of the start of a backing event." Problem has been intermittent but frequency seems to be increasing. I took the car to Headquarter Mazda in Clermont Florida. I was advised a software fix is available for the cameras but the cost would be $220 even though I have Mazda Extended Confidence warranty in effect.
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2024
"Ghost Touches", a known service alert for several years now, have stated to affect my car in the past couple of years. At times, it will max out my volume to blast through the car speakers, change settings in my car system (gps, phone, etc), and more. Mazda hasn't issues a recall on this, despite safety concerns by many owners.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 11, 2024
Went to drive home from work one night, car had been normal until this event. Car suddenly began to state that it was overheating and throttled my speed down to 20 MPH. I was in the middle of traffic going 40-50 at this time. Turns out there is a VSB regarding a coolant leak that can occur and break. Nothing about how you are suddenly governed to 20 MPH
Power train, Engine, Jun 10, 2024
I had just had my car serviced for 30k services and about 2 months later smoke was coming out of my engine after driving. Took it in and it turned out to be a cracked cylinder head. None of my lights were on indicating there was an issue either. I was told this is a known issue with Mazda and should be a recall but there still isn’t one. TSB#SA-031-21
Electrical system, Jun 3, 2024
Just as the recall issued for the 2014-2016 the Mazda Connect Touch Screen continues to be an issue for most owners with this Infosystem. Mine for two years since I bought it will do the “ghost touch” on its own, literally operating on its own. My settings change on their own, doing such things as the volume on its own going from a normal tone to blasting, causing such alarm that I’ve nearly gone off the road. My back up screen brightness changes on its own, causing a real safety concern of running into something or someone. This is just two examples…all of the functions go “haywire” and just change at any unexpected time. This issue can be seen over and over online by Mazda owners. And I’ve reached out to Mazda themselves who state they are not aware of any issue, yet the dealerships are well aware of this dangerous issue and quickly know exactly what the issue is when you explain what the car is doing and let you know that for $1200 they can replace the info system. I just don’t see how they can have this issue since at least 2014 and continue to sell cars with the same issue a recall was issued for. It’s so dangerous.
Engine, May 21, 2024
Crack head leaking oil
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 6, 2024
My Mazda connect touch screen operates by itself (ghost touch) while driving down the road. My safety is at risk trying to press button to get it turned off, while driving down the road. It is a huge distraction. The volume speakers at the high level and continues to beep and yell your audio will be at this volume level (the loudest). It is not listed as a recall foe this make and model, but should be. Doing further research this looks to be an issue with all of their vehicles and Mazda is not holding themselves accountable or trying to fix the issue in newer vehicles. There have not been any warning signs. I’ve had my car for 5 years come this August and my vehicles has been doing this for about 6 months now.
Power train, Apr 26, 2024
Cylinder failure low oil pressure and check engine light. Mazda redid cyclinder and still getting the check engine light. Mazda working on issue and having issue resolving problem.
Engine, Apr 23, 2024
The Cylinder head cracked and caused oil to spill out. This was inspected at Towne Mazda in Orchard Park, NY. I was driving ~50 miles when the issue occurred, and had driven approximately 40 of the 50 miles when me and my sister pulled over and noticed my engine smoking and the burning smell to be pungent. Had I not pulled over, It could have led to engine misfire and damage to other parts of my vehicle. The Dealer confirmed the need for a new cylinder head and parts, and is currently repairing the vehicle. The Component was not recently inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance. During the course of driving, after about ~35 miles, the oil pressure light turned on. I drove roughly 5 more miles before I pulled the car over to have it towed to my Mazda dealership.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2024
The infotainment screen is malfunctioning and acts on it own. Random parts of the screen are touched on its own creating a lot of distractions. Examples are changing of screens, settings, ending my navigation, calling contacts etcetera. This is a huge safety hazard and Mazda dealerships are charging for diagnosis for a commonly known issue, claiming the cause is unknown, despite numerous posts and threads online linking this to a screen delaminiation issue.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 15, 2024
As I was driving home one day in February 2024, my car felt like a strong gust of wind was getting up underneath the hood of my car, causing it to pull left and right slightly. When checking the weather, wind gusts were at 5 MPH and you could barely see trees/leaf movement. I pulled off the side of the road, checked underneath the car to see if anything was dragging/missing and all was fine. As I started driving again, I then noticed my RPM's vs MPH was very strange. When accelerating, the car randomly increased up to 4,500 RPM when trying to go 45 MPH, then shifted down to 2,000 RPM's once I reached 45 MPH. But, no matter if I left my foot on the gas pedal, lifted my foot off of the gas pedal or hit the breaks, the car would not move off of 2,000 RPM's until I pressed my foot on the break all the way down to the floorboard. No lights came on at all. I took it to the dealership that I purchased it from, expressing the scary feeling of the driving the car and showing video proof of what the car was doing in RPM's vs MPH. After further conclusion, they determined that a "sensor" had gone bad. The thought that a plastic, electronic sensor going back caused my car to feel that way and put my life at risk while driving is a scary thought. Fast-forward to April of 2024, similar symptoms have come back again. Wind feeling like it's getting under my hood, causing the car to pull left and right, RPM's not matching up and now a hot engine with no warning light coming on, is questioning if it's this particular sensor again. Not to mention, I had it inspected by the dealership two weeks ago and had an oil change done to it and the dealership said "everything looks great". You should have zero thought or worry when operating your personal vehicle, but in the past three months, I have taken my car to the dealership and or a mechanic 7 times with thoughts/worries about my car. This car has now turned into a "lemon" as one would call it and I'm terrified to even start the car.