Complaint volume
106 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Mazda CX-5 Complaints
106 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, grouped by component category.
106 Total complaints
1 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
1 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, power train, power train,engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 1 crash report, 0 fire reports, 1 injury report, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 1 complaint, with an average reported failure mileage of 59,000 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, power train, power train,engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Mazda CX-5?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Mazda CX-5
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Mazda CX-5 complaints?
1 Crash
0 Fire
1 Injury
0 Fatality
1 Towed
0 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Mazda CX-5 complaint categories?
ENGINE 78
POWER TRAIN 7
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 1
ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1
LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION 1
106 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Touch Screen and/or infotainment center causing ghost touch. Available for inspection. Ghost touch (known Mazda issue) with touch screen has been changing radio stations, increasing volume to max. Will go into user settings and change guidance voice to full volume, increasing bass to full volume, fast forward songs, mute phone call feature, randomly switch from bluetooth to handset of phone. All of this is done without the driver or anyone else in the car touching anything. When this happens there is no easy fix. I cannot just stop the song, mute the volume. We have to wait for it to decide to stop and fix itself. It is a safety issue because You are driving and randomly volume goes to full blast an startles you, cannot hear what is going on around you, and hurts your ears. This is distracting and I have swerved my car because of it. Bluetooth capability is suppose to be handsfree, so if it keeps muting my call or switching to my phone, that is now a safety hazard as well. vehicle was inspected in 2021 by Mazda dealership. At that time they said the only thing they can do it remove the SIM card, and we would lose navigation. However the issue did not stop. It would cost us about $1000+ between labor and parts and inspection to get this fixed. It was addressed again in 2023 and 2025. 2025, when the infotainment system had a class action law suit but ours wouldn't be covered because its the touch screen and not the computer. No warning systems. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ENGINE | I took my car to the dealership because it was leaking oil and coolant. Upon verification, I was informed that my vehicle had a cracked cylinder head. They told me that the repaired will cost me $5500. Unfortunately this is an amount that I do not have. So I reached out to the Mazda Corporate and they told me that there is no repair assistance can be provided and that I should reach out to Mazda Dealership and see if they may accept to put the cost of the repair towards the Good Will Repair. Unfortunately I haven’t been successful with that either. My Mazda Corporate case number is 00450563. This issue is created safety issue with burning engine oils and fume entering the vehicle. This is well known issue with this car model and unfortunately Mazda has made a recall on any of them. While I understand that this may cause Mazda Millions if a recall is put out, it will great to assist with the ones experiencing this issue. Any assistance regarding this matter will be truly appreciated. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Like many other complaints. My 2018 Mazda cx5 GT is having the same issue with the cracked cylinder head. I only have about 36-38k mileage on it ( I forgot the exact). Mazda dealership will not cover the cost. NEVER had an accident to the front and only one accident to the back when I got rear ended in 2019. If this is a wide spread issue, why is this not a recall? and why is it only the turbo engine gets extended warranty? The repair cost right now approximately $9,500. I never do any maintenance at Mazda so I doubt they will give me the good will assistance but I am still waiting for an answer. I hope NHSTA will do something because this issue will continue with all other owners that have the same year model. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN | My 2018 CX5 just hit 50,000 miles recently and I smelled something burning and saw smoke coming from the hood while I was stopped for a school bus. I immediately stopped driving due to fire concerns. The vehicle has a cracked cylinder which is a known issue for this vehicle. Mazda has no plans to correct this issue other than issuing a technical bulletin. I feel that Mazda should repair this at their cost because it is a defect and the vehicle only has 50,000 miles. Instead I have to pay nearly $5,000. This is hard to believe! Transcript from dealer: The technician reported an oil leak from the cylinder head, specifically indicating a crack in the number four lifter valley that is causing fluid to leak down the engine block. This issue is recognized as a known problem, and the technician will check if it is covered under warranty. Repairing the cylinder head will require significant labor, including dropping the engine, and will take some time to complete. Services being performed: - Oil change. - Inspection for oil leak issue. Recommendations: - Replacement of the cylinder head due to the identified oil leak. Multi Point Inspection $4870.22 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | STEERING,ENGINE | We purchased this vehicle used from Mazda of Orange in July 2025 with 52,399 miles on it. After 6 months of ownership and approximately 3,000 miles there was a burning smell. We took it to our local mechanic and the following repairs were required: Replacement of cracked belts, Replacement of cracked axle boots, Replacement of an excessively loose front axle, Replacement of valve cover gasket. Cost was $3,000 and the dealer refused to reimburse us. Now the car is leaking oil and needs a new head gasket and cylinder head surface machined. Quote was approximately $3,500. We have requested Mazda perform this repair. Will you please look into these vehicles? These are significant defects on a car with such low miles. We also believe that some of these defects were know to the dealer but are unable to prove it. We believe our vehicle is part of a batch that has signficant mechanical defects. Current mileage of the vehicle is 56,865. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Sunroof blew out while driving down interstate highway. There was no impact that we are aware of, just a complete failure of the sunroof glass. The sunroof was closed, with the shade also closed, so no glass fell down into the vehicle. The glass blew out with a very loud explosion that startled and disoriented all within the vehicle causing us to swerve and look around for what had happened. The glass has been inspected and is being repaired by a local auto glass shop today. No warning lamps or otherwise. I have pictures of the glass if needed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | Unintended acceleration incident. I entered the parking lot of a business where the Salvation Army is located to drop off a donation. The parking spaces were on the left side. As I pulled into a parking space and was in the process of parking, the vehicle suddenly lurched/accelerated forward unexpectedly and struck the concrete wall of the building. The airbags did not deploy despite the frontal impact. No one was seriously injured, but my husband, daughter, and I experienced soreness the following day from the impact. Thankfully, I had chosen a parking space in front of a concrete wall rather than the glass storefront windows, which could have resulted in far more serious injuries or damage. I contacted my insurance company, and the vehicle has since been repaired. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I received notice from Mazda about a recall on the infotainment system. The notice required me to provide as much proof of claim as possible. I provided proof from the dealership where the system was replaced. I was within filing time guidelines. Mazda administrator sent notice that my claim was denied with no reason as to why. Claim # XXX VIN [XXX] I am requesting the full amount of parts and labor that I spent for the replacement of the infotainment system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | another case of a 2018 cx-5 cracked cylinder head. 70k miles and regularly maintienced. no warning other than oil showing on the ground. took it in to mazda dealership and they came back after looking at it and declared it was a cracked cylinder head priced at 6.8k. after looking it up it appears to be a casting issue that has affected many mazdas but mazda corp. will not take fault. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | My CX-5 has 86,120 miles. I noticed a burnt oil smell coming into the car and later found oil droplets on my garage floor. I took it in to my neighborhood garage and they found an oil leak coming from the cylinder head. They recommended I take to my Mazda dealer. I had it towed to Pearson Mazda, Richmond,VA. They inspected it and stated I had a cracked cylinder head. I have a 100K extended warranty that will cover most of the cost to repair it. However, I found the Mazda CX-5 2018-2021 models have a cylinder head defect. I found a Mazda Service Alert, #SA-031/21 and on Reddit a Mazda CX-5 owners page that has many stories of the same problem, cracked cylinder head. Some have had Mazda cover the repair cost or given a major discount and provided an extended warranty after repair. I reviewed this with Pearson Mazda and they stated that my car does not fall in the vehicle numbers that they will cover. This is a known issue and they will not acknowledge it for my car. I have contacted Mazda Corporate and waiting for a callback. Litigation has been filed for the CX-5 Turbo customers and they have received restitution. This is also a major issue on non-Turbo customer’s SUVs. I have read that the 2018-2021 manufacturing (casting) of the cylinder head was defective. However, Mazda is not admitting it because a RECALL would cost them millions to fix the cylinder head issue on all the affected vehicles. But, they are at fault and should work with all customers that have been affected by this issue. Therefore, I am requesting NHTSA to make this a public safety matter and have Mazda be accountable for the issue. Thank you! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | My 2018 Mazda CX five experience catastrophic engine failure at approximately 119,000 miles despite proper maintenance. The failure resulted in a repair estimate exceeding $9500. This type of failure raises concerns regarding potential engine defects or premature mechanical breakdown. Mazda acknowledged the issue by offering a minimal Goodwill payments, but refused meaningful assistance. I am reporting the issue to determine whether similar failures are occurring with Mazda and further investigation is warranted. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I am experiencing “ghost touch” from the faulty laminate on the touch screen. Can literally see it degrading. It is a widely known issue and is dangerous cause I’m cruising along at 70 on the highway then all of a sudden my car randomly changes to different screens or changes sound settings. Very distracting and disconcerting. Unbelievable this hasn’t been a recall - government is certainly complicit in this now. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Defect front doors the opening handle has a( trim metal plastic) section separates and the metal part is very sharp and my wife got hurt with the metal portion like I said it's very sharp. I need to cover the handle to prevent that. Now it's in the passenger side too. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | 2018 CX-5, VIN [XXX] , 60,182 miles. Skyactiv-G 2.5L with cylinder deactivation (VIN 8th digit M). Head gasket leak diagnosed by independent mechanic and confirmed by Mazda dealer, who referenced Service Action SA-073/24. Oil actively leaking onto garage floor and contacting exhaust manifold, causing burning smell and potential fire risk. Defect was first documented by dealer at 52,966 miles within powertrain warranty. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting the cylinder head casting on 2018+ CX-5 models with cylinder deactivation INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Upon acceleration it’s not shifting gears properly. The rpm’s rev but the vehicle doesn’t go faster. Traffic behind me continued to accelerate to where i was concerned about being rear ended. I Have not taken it to anyone yet..it has done this a couple of times. Even though it’s a 2018 it only has 25000 miles on it. The dealer is an hour away and i”m afraid to drive it there because i don’t want to cause more problems. No warnings lights or messages. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | Oil leak from defective head that occurred behind exhaust manifold leaking hot oil onto the hot exhaust causing the potential for fire. Leak started at 44,000 miles. This manufacture defect is not being covered by Mazda or a recall even though the high potential of fire and serious injury. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | The head gasket on the engine is cracked and is leaking oil and causing the oil to burn when car is driven. The problem was identified by a local mazda dealership and it is a well documented and known issue among SkyActive non-turbo engines. There were no warning lights or messages on the car, other than the smell of burning oil and smoke coming from the engine after driving. I have a toddler and the smoke and burning smell coming into my car every time I drive is concerning to our health. Mazda is well aware that the cracked head gasket issue extends beyond their turbo engines but did not include the non turbo engines in their extended warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | I started observing oil leaks and took it to the dealership. They changed the gasket for 2500$ and the oil leak worsened. Dealer is asking for $4500 to replace a bad cylinder head. I am told that this is a common Mazda manufacturing defect and Mazda denied the repair cost coverage request. Any help would be really appreciated. This is commonly reported Mazda issue and especially on a low mileage vehicle woth 56000 miles on, this is not fulfilling the promise of quality machinery. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | cracked cylinder head at 109521miles, no warning, no temp gage no light indicators came on. I have pictures of vehicle dashboard showing no warning as it is smoking going to Mazda dealership. Dealership advised me of this being an issue in my make and model> I also have video from dealership. I have reached out to Mazda several times, its going on 5 weeks and I am getting the run around. Please let me know what other information is needed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I am reporting a safety issue involving engine failure and fumes entering the vehicle cabin as well as unintended braking post major engine repair at 75,000 miles on my 2018 Mazda CX5. My vehicle developed engine problems consistent with a cylinder head/coolant defect and began allowing fumes/smoke to enter the cabin while driving. This created a health and safety concern for occupants. I reported this to the dealership and was told the vehicle was safe to drive despite the presence of fumes in the cabin. A major engine repair was later performed. A few days following the repair, additional warning lights and system malfunctions appeared, including brake system warnings, and the vehicle later braked unexpectedly while driving nearly causing me to be rear-ended. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, but the root cause of the fumes and subsequent safety issues has not been clearly explained. This situation created a safety risk due to exposure to fumes inside the cabin and unexpected vehicle behavior while driving. Smoke/fumes video and any additional documentation can be provided upon request. Attaching the costly invoice as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | My 2018 Mazda CX-5 with 81,000 miles and an up to date maintenance record started leaking oil after an oil change. It started to notice smoke coming from under the hood and a puddle of oil in my garage floor. I took it to the shop where they determined it was a cracked cylinder head. I purchased this vehicle new from the dealership, and I have taken really good care of it. They need to issue a recall because it is a very expensive repair. Shame on you Mazda!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | Vehicle Information Year/Make/Model: 2018 Mazda CX-5 Engine: 2.5L Mileage at Failure: Approximately 115,000 miles Component: Engine Complaint Summary: I am reporting a sudden and unsafe engine failure involving a cracked cylinder head in my 2018 Mazda CX-5. This failure occurred without warning at approximately 115,000 miles and resulted in significant oil leakage from the engine. Description of the Failure and Safety Risk: While operating the vehicle, I detected a strong burning oil odor followed by visible smoke coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspection, it was determined that the cylinder head had cracked, allowing engine oil to leak onto hot engine and exhaust components. This condition presents a serious safety hazard, including the risk of fire due to oil contacting high-temperature surfaces. Notably, there were no warning lights, messages, or prior indicators of any issue before the failure occurred. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not experienced overheating or misuse that would reasonably lead to this type of failure. Repair Information: The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership, which confirmed a cracked cylinder head. The estimated cost of repair is approximately $5,130. Additional Information / Defect Pattern: Through independent research, I have identified multiple reports of similar failures involving Mazda 2.5L engines in comparable vehicles. These reports describe nearly identical symptoms, including sudden oil leakage, smoke, and cracked cylinder heads at relatively low mileage. This pattern suggests a potential manufacturing or material defect rather than normal wear and tear. Manufacturer Response: I have contacted Mazda Customer Experience and escalated the matter. Mazda has declined to provide any assistance, citing the vehicle being out of warranty, despite the nature of the failure and associated safety concerns. Summary: This issue involves a critical engine component failure that can le | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | My 2018 Mazda CX-5 AWD (2.5L SKYACTIV-G, non-turbo) was diagnosed by a Mazda dealer with a cracked/leaking cylinder head, a known manufacturing defect in the casting of the aluminum cylinder head. Engine oil is leaking from the rear of the cylinder head onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell and visible oil accumulation at the rear of the engine. This is a documented fire hazard. The Mazda dealer confirmed the diagnosis matches Technical Service Bulletin SA-031-21, which Mazda issued in May 2021 specifically for this defective cylinder head design on 2018–2019 CX-5 models. The dealer additionally informed me that Mazda has internally acknowledged this as a growing, widespread problem across the 2018–2021 CX-5 model years, and that a recall may be forthcoming. Mazda customer service denied my goodwill repair claim despite acknowledging the TSB. The estimated repair cost is $7,000. The vehicle is currently not being driven due to the fire risk of oil contacting the exhaust manifold. This defect appears to affect a significant number of 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. I am requesting NHTSA open a formal safety defect investigation and compel Mazda to issue a recall. Multiple other owners have reported the same issue on NHTSA and in owner forums. This is a manufacturing defect not normal wear and tear and poses a serious fire safety risk to consumers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 2018 Mazda CX-5, 58,182 miles. Report date is 3/7/2026, low mileage for it's age. Vehicle has been exclusively purchased and serviced at the same authorized Mazda dealership for the lifetime of the vehicle, with all maintenance records on file. I began experiencing a strong burning oil smell inside the passenger cabin while driving. The fumes were noticeable to both the driver and passengers, creating a potential carbon monoxide/combustion fume exposure hazard that posed a safety risk to all occupants. Upon bringing the vehicle to the dealership, the technician diagnosed a cracked cylinder head requiring full replacement. This is a significant structural engine defect. Despite the vehicle being dealer-serviced its entire life, the repair cost was initially placed entirely on the owner. Mazda eventually provided partial financial consideration, though the root cause of why a cylinder head cracked on a well-maintained 58,182-mile vehicle was never adequately explained. I am filing this complaint because fumes entering the passenger cabin represent a serious safety defect, and I believe this issue may affect other 2018 CX-5 owners. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | Vehicle developed burning oil smell. Dealership diagnosed a cracked cylinder head. No warning lights (yet. Eventually low oil pressure light would come on.) Potential for engine to lock up and lose power while driving putting occupants and others at risk. Know problem for 2018-2021 model years. Car no longer under warranty. Cost to repair 7,100. Technical Service Bulletin SA-031-21 issued regarding this problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |