260 Total complaints
7 Crash reports
2 Fire reports
4 Injury reports
Quick answer: The 2019 Mazda CX-5 has 260 consumer-submitted complaints in our database. The most common complaint categories are engine, unknown or other, electrical system. Enriched records show 7 crash reports, 2 fire reports, and 4 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.

Complaint volume

260 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.

Pattern to inspect

The most common categories are engine, unknown or other, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.

Severity flags

Enriched records include 7 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 4 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.

Mileage clue

Mileage is available on 42 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 25,480 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, electrical system?
  • 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 2019 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.

2019 Mazda CX-5
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.

How severe are the 2019 Mazda CX-5 complaints?

Enriched complaint indicators from official bulk records.

7 Crash
2 Fire
4 Injury
0 Fatality
7 Towed
3 Medical attention

Mileage at failure is available on 42 complaints ; average reported mileage is 25,480 miles.

Most common incident states: CA (6), PA (3), CT (2), NJ (2), UT (2), AR (1), CO (1), GA (1).

What are the most common 2019 Mazda CX-5 complaint categories?

260 total complaints on record

Latest complaints

Showing 151-175 of 260 complaints.

Date Component Summary Severity Mileage
Jan 2024 UNKNOWN OR OTHER At any speed over 55 miles there is a loud whining/whistling/moan at the top of the A-pillars. I have tried taping the seams as well as silicone caulk but nothing works. My daughter has the identical car and identical problem and there multiple videos on-line of the same problem. Definitely a distraction from driving safely.
Incident: Jan 2024
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Jan 2024 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mazda ships a defective touchscreen that will degrade and eventually register phantom inputs to the infotainment system. In my vehicle, the screen was able to randomly access my settings, including for safety (blind spot monitoring) and display (driving units, heads up display, etc) and start messing with my settings. When I was using maps, the screen would randomly zoom into different spots, or change my destination, or modify settings. This was an enormous distraction and rendered the screen useless. Also, I was never sure if I stopped the car from changing settings related to vehicle safety because I can't keep my eyes on the screen while I'm driving. It was just registering random inputs all over the screen while the vehicle was in motion.
Incident: Nov 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Jan 2024 POWER TRAIN Car will whine and jerk when accelerating. Car suddenly stopped engaging in gear after it was warm. Dealer states it has internal transmission malfunction at 64k miles. Prior to the car breaking down the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic on 12/27/23 and concerns with the whining and jerking when driving were expressed. Dealer reports that the transmission was “operating as designed”.
Incident: Jan 2024
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Dec 2023 ENGINE OIL COMING THROUGH CYLINDER HEAD ABOVE EXHAUST MANIFOLD DUE TO BEING POROUS, CAR LEAKING OIL AND NEED TO PUT MORE OIL IN EVERY OTHER DAY. MAZDA KNOWN ISSUE TSB# SA-031/21
Incident: Sep 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Dec 2023 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM There is a known “ghost touch” issue with this vehicle. I did not realize that until recently but the infotainment screen will randomly activate when at low speeds and/or stopped. This has caused distractions while driving as sometimes it will actually initiate phone calls on its own. Mazda has a technical service bulletin on this but has issued no recall
Incident: Dec 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Dec 2023 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Power folding mirrors do not fully close or extend during wet weather. This leaves the side mirrors visibility obstructed and could cause accident. This is a known issue and a recall should be immediately issued to remedy this dangerous defective part. Mazda technical service bulletin 09-011/20
Incident: Dec 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Dec 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER The radio/navigation/entertainment system malfunctions. The issue is known as ghosting and is a well-known issue with selected year Mazda's. Radio stations and apps will randomly skip around or the volume of the system will blare out at the highest volume startling the driver. Which has occurred multiple times in my case. The first time I reported it to the dealer, they told me there was no issue. The second time I was informed I could pay for a repair kit and installation for over $500.
Incident: Dec 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Dec 2023 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER There is a known issue with the infotainment systems of several makes/models within a certain date range of Mazda vehicles called Ghost Touch. It seems to mainly occur in very hot or cold weather. The touch screen will press different buttons on the screen on its own, which can be quite dangerous while driving: maps will start directing you to a different location, if you are on a call, it may put the person on hold or call another party. Music skips and pauses. It can cause extremely distracted driving (ie: trying to hang up on someone it has dialed on its own or switch directions back to the original address). Dealerships know about the issue but require a test to be done at the cost of the owner to prove the issue, and then they may or may not cover the cost of the fix. This should be a recall to fix this, but have not. Here is the service alert: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Jan 2022
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Dec 2023 POWER TRAIN,ENGINE The 2019 CX-5 has approximately 31086 miles. It was discovered that the cylinder head is cracked and causing the car to leak oil.
Incident: Dec 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Dec 2023 ENGINE My engine suddenly started smelling like burning oil. I was due for an oil change and needed it immediately so I went to a quick oil change shop. They told me oil was sprayed all over the engine and I should take it to the dealer. It's been at Napleton Auto Park in Urbana, Illinois for a week and they finally diagnosed a cracked cylinder head. They said it could take up to 2 months to repair and they're checking to see if it's covered by my warranty.
Incident: Nov 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Nov 2023 POWER TRAIN,ENGINE My 2019 Mazda CX-5 cylinder head cracked at only 60,000 miles. I noticed my breaks were smoking and stopped driving. I then noticed oil leaking from my engine which had blown into my breaks, causing the smoke. There was no check engine indicator on my dashboard, nor did it indicate that my engine had overheated. There was no indication that there was any issues with the vehicle until i noticed the smoke coming from my brakes. I towed the vehicle to the Captial Mazda Dealership in San Jose, CA. Per Mazda Dealership Repair Estimate: "cylinder head cracked by cylinders 2 and 3". When i asked the dealership service center why this happened, their only response was it was a engine failure and that "over time the cylinder can become warped and crack" and while it that doesn't happen often "it can happen" I asked if there was anything I did that caused this, their only response was "i can check with the technician again". Apparently I did not purchase the "extended warranty" so while the repairs are no fault of my own, I have to pay the $6,000 repair cost.
Incident: Nov 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Nov 2023 AIR BAGS My air bag light warning light is constantly blinking and I took it to the dealer ship. I informed the service guy this could be a malfunction due to a recall. He only asked me to pay for an diagnostic for $175.00. I think based on a history dated from 2004-2018 regarding Air bags recalls this is a recall. I contacted Mazda 1-800-222-5500 Option 11/28/2023 @ 10:00 am I reported this to Mazda Vehicle Claim#[XXX] and they are stating it is no recall for that vehicle. I think this is a safety risk for me and Mazda needs to address this at no charge based on the history of several vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Nov 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Nov 2023 ENGINE Cracked cylinder head which caused engine to leak oil and smoke
Incident: Nov 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Nov 2023 POWER TRAIN,ENGINE Smoke coming out from hood, upon looking at it we found oil leak, took to nearest service shop and found cracks in engine head. Brought car to the dealer ship for further inspection and repairs.
Incident: Nov 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Nov 2023 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE When the system thinks there might be a collision it initiates a hard braking even when there is enough space to avoid a collision. Multiple times, the car behind me had to do a hard break as well not to hit me from behind. A google search revealed multiple people complaining of similar issue. The system brakes too extremely aggressively (drops speed from 30 MPH to 5 or less MPH almost instantly stopping/causing skidding) even at its lowest setting. When I address with Mazda Service Manager he advised "it's supposed to do that" and if I choose to I can manually disable the feature each time I enter the vehicle. Note, I am currently driving a loaner car 2023 Mazda CX-5 and have not experienced the same issue, so it does not seem "it's supposed to do that". I have been driving the loaner for 4 weeks and not once have I experience this issue - the system has never engaged except for once where only the Warning light appeared on the display but the braking did not engage. Whereas my vehicle engages this anti collision braking nearly every day I drive it. This system has almost caused more accidents than it protected me from them.
Incident: Nov 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Oct 2023 ENGINE Noticed the smell of burning oil in the cab on 30 mile drive. No warning lamps or other symptoms; vehicle continued to operate normally. After parking and inspecting the engine for the burning smell, noticed oil dripping from underneath engine bay and a pool of motor oil was forming on the ground underneath the vehicle. The next day, vehicle was brought to local Mazda dealer for inspection. They diagnosed the cause and stated the engine needs a cylinder head replacement. Oil leakage was so prolific, if this were to occur during a long distance drive, the engine would have lost all of the oil and stranded motorist - safety concern. Cylinder head failure is a known issue (Mazda TSB [XXX] ) with this engine. This known safety issue should trigger a recall. At minimum, the repair should covered by manufacturer for life of vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Oct 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Oct 2023 SEATS We were at a stop light and we were rear ended by a Lexus SUV. We're assuming she was going 45mph + but we're not too sure yet. I couldn't figure out why myself, the drive of the car that was hit, had such a horrendous neck ache after being hit. I turned around & saw that my headrest had been completely ripped out of the seat itself, providing no support for my head and/or neck on impact. I can't find any information of if this is on purpose, as a safety feature, or if the headrest failed.
Incident: Oct 2023
Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 2 Towed Medical attention Unknown
Oct 2023 ENGINE Cracked cylinder head with oil leaking. There were no warning from my car prior to a diagnostic test. The car has a very strong rubber burning smell and white smoke comes out from the engine part before I took my car back to the Mazda Dealer. From a quick search, the cracked cylinder problem seems widespread with the 2018-2021's Mazda Cx-5. Took the car back to the dealer and dealer replaced the head cylinder and gaskets. There were no warning from the car.
Incident: Sep 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Sep 2023 UNKNOWN OR OTHER the infotainment LCD screen has "Ghost Touch" issue. The screen randomly appears to move around as if a ghost is touching the lcd touch screen. After researching online this is a common problem Mazda will not address.
Incident: Aug 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Aug 2023 AIR BAGS The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not provided information the diagnostic test results. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the air bags warning light was no longer illuminated. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Incident: Aug 2023
Crash: No Fire: No 38,000
Aug 2023 ENGINE 2 weeks ago I noticed an oil leak 2019 cx5 . Riley Mazda of Stamford check and found a cracked on the cylinder head. The cylinder head needs to be replaced cost around $5000. luckily we noticed the leak while car was park. Imagine if the car was on the road. Dangerous things could have happened. Mazda is aware of this situation years ago. A technician Service Bulletin was released by Mazda in 2019/2021 to all dealerships technicians repair guideline and why the cylinder cracks. On the Mazda bulletin it clearly explained a design defect resulting cylinder head cracks. Also Mazda failed to warn cx5 owners about the dangerous situation. On top of everything Mazda refuse to pay the Defect cracked cylinder head that cost around $5000 . I email mazda Numerous times and decline any goodwill repair . Reason is out of warranty. Most Cylinder heads past 200,000 mile mark. Not unless your engine overheats but it not. Mazda should reimburse us owner who paid the repair cost
Incident: Jul 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Aug 2023 ENGINE Smoke started coming from the front end of the car so I brought my car into the Boniface Heirs Mazda dealership for a diagnostic. I was informed by the mechanic that my car has a factory defect and the head of the engine was welded wrong. Apparently this is a known factory defect in the 2018-2019 Mazda CX-5s as I have seen other reports for the same issue. I reached out to Mazda corporate to see if they could help with “after warranty assistance” since this was a manufacturers issue and I do everything to maintain my car properly. They denied any help and do not plan on recalling the part. I had no warning lights just smoke pouring from the font of my car. I do not understand how this is not considered a safety issue. I’m lucky my car didn’t catch on fire. I now have to decide between spending $5000 to fix the engine head or to sell my car and find a new one.
Incident: Dec 2022
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Aug 2023 ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE While driving down the road my Mazda CX-5 continues to just stall and the engine light turns on and the safety features turn off. I was driving down a road in town and the engine started stalling as I came to a red light and slowed the engine shut off and I was almost hit from behind. It took several attempts at starting before the car would start. This has now happened for the past 3 days and is happening more and more frequently. I do not have any other means of transportation and after attempting to get the dealership to check due to the recalls on the Mazda CX-5 for fuel pump failure and the mechanic saying it appears the fuel pump is bad the dealership refuses to attempt any repair because the VIN is not listed in the recall at this time. This is a severe safety problem because if it stalls in traffic I will be in an accident as I have no ability to maneuver the vehicle when it stalls to get out of the way of vehicles approaching. If this issue isn't resolved it is going to cause injury to myself or others. People have had to swerve into the path of other vehicles to keep from hitting me when it stalls, which is eventually going to result in harm to others and/or myself and family.
Incident: Aug 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Aug 2023 ENGINE purchase a new 2019 cx5 at riley mazda stamford. after 3 years and with 88t miles ,the head gasket cylinder gasket needs a replacement for $4500. while searching i read the same complaints from 2019 cx5 owners about head gasket blownout. a TSB Technician Service Bulletin was release by Mazda in 2019 regarding this issue and another one 2021 with affected vin numbers included , this car is un drivable , oil leaks like water falls and burning smells along w it
Incident: Jul 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown
Jul 2023 ENGINE Crack in Cylinder Head at only 67,000 miles, leaking fuel into exhaust system, causing smoke while driving. Multiple shops consistently mentioned seeing this problem with this year, make and model. Due to 60k powertrain warranty, no fixes are being covered by Mazda
Incident: Jun 2023
Crash: No Fire: No Unknown

Related research