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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | Cracked cylinder head confirmed by Mazda Dealership. No warning lights or indicators. We noticed white smoke and a burnt plastic smell after a drive one night. Dealership confirmed oil was leaking onto the exhaust, a potential fire hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | All of a sudden, my engine started making this ticking noise. I brought it to a mechanic, and he said the noise is coming from inside the engine. He checked for codes and everything, but nothing came up. The only way to look at it is to take the engine apart from what he told me. I started researching for solutions online before doing this and I came across other Mazda CX5 owners complaining of the same thing. I listened to a few of these videos of the sound it makes and sounds just like my car. Apparently, it is a common issue connected with the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, and I am amazed that Mazda has not reached out to people affected by this. I am not sure what the long-term issue is with this noise, but it can't be good if it's in the engine. Who knows what kind of damage it could cause. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | Noticed the smell of burning oil and smoke from the engine while driving on the interstate with my husband and young children in the vehicle. Pulled over at a gas station to inspect and discovered large amounts of oil leaking. While at the gas station the low oil indicator came on. There were no warning or check engine lights prior to the incident. The dealership diagnosed cracked cylinder head. This was an extensive and costly repair. I have now learned that Mazda is aware of how common this issue is with this year/make/model. This should be a covered repair or recalled part. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ENGINE | Turned car on when leaving for work. Smelled a strong burning smell. Fluid all under car on the driveway. Took the vehicle to repair shop and they stated that it was the cylinder head and that there was a possible recall or warranty extension for this particular issue. I called Mazda and they said it was an issue but for the 2019 model and not the 2018. After doing some research I have read where this issue seems to be happening for the 2018 as well and they are not taking responsibility for it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | While driving, my 2018 Mazda CX-5 experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power without warning. The engine shut down while the vehicle was in motion; however, electrical systems such as the radio, heat, and electronics remained operational. The vehicle lost propulsion, creating a serious safety risk in traffic. The vehicle had recently been serviced at an authorized Mazda dealer for completion of PCM and fuel-system recalls. Shortly after recall service, the engine failure occurred. No warning lights or prior symptoms were present. An independent mechanic suggested possible engine seizure, but a full diagnostic evaluation (including compression testing or internal inspection) has not been completed. The cause of the sudden power loss remains undetermined. This incident represents a potential safety defect involving unexpected engine shutdown and loss of propulsion. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The infotainment system consistently changes stations and volume on its own. Knob will not allow you to make adjustments . Contacted dealer and infotainment Is not covered under warranty , or extended warranty. Now the collision notification is not working. Warnings from system that it has failed and causes system to not Register any movement . This has been going on recently. Now have to drive it as it doesn’t have the system. And have to use my Apple play for radio as infotainment keeps failing to include radio and navigation Told by dealer that the infotainment system is not Mounted into the dash and sticks up , so the heat from sun and summer has fried th system. Has been ongoing for over a year just found site to report it . Will not buy another vehicle with infotainment system sticking up out of dashboard | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Cracked cylinder head due to defect in the casting process. Oil leaking thru the crack landing on the exhaust manifold causing an odor and possibly toxic fumes in the cabin of the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Mazda has inspected the car and determined that there is a crack in the cylinder head. This is apparently a known defect in 2018-2021 Mazdas with 2.5L engines, including, without limitation, the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The cracked cylinder head has caused leaking coolant, which can drain into the engine and create serious safety issues. Mazda is aware of the issue, however, they are claiming that it is not covered by warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ENGINE | Hydraulic lifters keep having issues | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine, and the contact smelled an oil-burning odor. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head was damaged, causing oil to leak into the cylinders, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and promised to open a case and give the contact a callback within 24 to 48 hours. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 59,000 |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | Driving fine at low speeds (under 40mph), once I accelerate to highway speeds the engine misfires, check engine light flashes, Smart City Brake System Malfunction, Radar Malfunction, and car losses all engine power. Car just coast, lights and brakes still work. Check engine code moves around and will be on cylinder 3 sometimes and cylinder 4 other times. Able to replicate this issue multiple times. Serious safety concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ENGINE | 2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine The vehicle has been diagnosed with a leak from the cylinder head cover, resulting in engine oil dripping directly onto the exhaust manifold. This issue causes noticeable smoke and a strong burning oil odor inside the cabin while the engine is running. This defect presents multiple serious safety concerns: 1) Health hazard due to prolonged exposure to burning oil fumes inside the vehicle. 2) Fire risk from oil contacting hot engine components. 3) Potential engine failure, which could lead to vehicle stalling or loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash and possible loss of life. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21, which introduced a redesigned cylinder head for 2018–2019 CX-5 models. The release of this TSB indicates Mazda’s awareness of the underlying design flaw. There is substantial evidence, including numerous owner reports, that this is a widespread issue affecting these model years. The defect is not related to vehicle mileage or user negligence. Mazda should be held fully accountable and take corrective action by issuing a formal safety recall or offering an extended warranty to affected owners. Immediate attention to this matter is necessary to protect consumer safety and prevent future incidents. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | Cracked cylinder head leaks oil directly onto hot exhaust, causing smoke, fumes in cabin and a fire risk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | the cylinder head has a crack in it witch sprays oil all over the engine.it also sprays oil on to the very catalitic converter that's very hot .smoke is everywhere and iam afraid it will cause a fire | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | I own a 2018 Mazda CX-5. I currently have 64,770 miles on the car. I have had a burning smell and smoke coming from the engine. The car was taken to the dealer (John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken) and I was told it was fixed by replacing a gasket. The smell and smoke persisted. I took it back to the dealer and now I am told there is a leaking cylinder head. I do not feel safe driving this car especially with my kids in the car while the engine is smoking. I have had to pull over on the highway due to this. No warning lights were on until a week prior to taking it back a second time when my oil light finally came on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Back up cameras fail infotainment system reboots and maps on the system inadvertently counts stops plus changes volume at loudspeaker telling me “this is the level “ and is on highest volume. Which you can’t turn down. All are dangerously interfering with driving. Please put pressure on Mazda to fix and not just update software when the problem has been fixed called CMU | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | Engine Cylinder heads started to leak at 75k miles causing oil and coolant to leak and puddle. This was after a fuel pump recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | Had an oil leak suddenly appear on the vehicle with only 55400 miles. Found there are technical service bulletins for this motor that the head cracks causing leaks. It is on many forums. Reached out to Mazda and got zero help | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | 2018 Mazda CX5 2.5 ltr engine. Major oil leak that has been diagnosed as cracked or porous aluminum casting on the cylinder block. Oil is dripping consistently out of the problem area onto the manifold, causing smoke to flow into the cabin of the car and out of the hood as well. Car is currently at a Mazda dealership for a second diagnosis that confirmed the leak. Car is 3,000 miles out of warranty. Waiting to hear what the dealership is going to do. I also have contacted Mazda corp. and have a case# to take further action if needed. As you can see by the list of "engine" complaints for this problem, it is well documented that this is not an isolated issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | Car started leaking and burning oil. Blue smoke coming out of engine. Low oil pressure light went on. I had it looked at by an auto mechanic. This is a major safety issue as the engine will fail because of the low pressure. The car is not drivable. Turns out it's a known issue with the cylinder head that Mazda knows about because they issued a redesign and issued recalls for the 2019 and the turbo engine. They also issued a TSB for this problem. Car is out of warranty, but not old enough to have major engine issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ENGINE | I noticed a burning smell coming from engine. I took it to a Mazda dealership where they found a cracked cylinder head that needed complete replacing. There was no warning light or other symptoms before I noticed the smell. Vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. Vehicle is out of warranty but only has 37000 miles on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | Defective Engine. Cracked Cylinder Head. Engine oil leaked overnight because of known Mazda 2.5 liter Skyactive engine defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | The issue began when I started to smell burning oil. As time went on smoke began to slowly come from the hood. I took my car to the mazda dealership and said that there was a cracked cylinder head in the engine. After doing research online this has been a major issue with the 2018-2020 model. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | My 2018 Mazda CX-5 with just over 45,000 miles is showing the dreaded cracked cylinder head symptoms. Coolant is leaking causing a very noticeable burning smell in the cabin and faint smoke emanating from under the hood. My CX-5 has followed the maintenance schedule at the dealership that the vehicle was purchased. At this point the dealership has not been helpful at all. Mazda MUST start including 2018 CX-5s to CSP11 (covers 2019 CX-5s). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | Cracked cylinder causes oil leak in 2018 Mazda CX-5. May occur in other model year CX-5 as well. Issue was inspected by an authorized dealer. Repair by Mazda not performed because vehicle was a few months past warranty expiration date. Issue with CX-5 cylinder-head are shown below: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |