2018 MAZDA CX-5 Recalls, Complaints & Safety

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!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Hydraulic lifters keep having issues

2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L NA Has been diagnosed with leak in the cylinder head cover, which has resulted in engine oil leaking directly onto the exhaust manifold. This leak produces significant smoke and a strong burning oil smell while the vehicle is running. There are numerous reports on Mazda owner forums describing the same issue occurring in Mazda CX-5 models. Some owners even reported instances of minor fires or active burning under the hood due to oil contacting hot components. Mazda released Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21, which includes a redesigned cylinder head for the 2018–2019 CX-5 models. This bulletin demonstrates Mazda’s awareness of the design flaw. The TSB only covers turbo 2.5L engines and not normally aspirated engines. There is substantial evidence that this is a widespread defect in these model years, unrelated to owner misuse or vehicle mileage. Mazda should take full responsibility by issuing a formal recall or providing an extended warranty to address the problem and prevent safety risks.

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.

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.

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.

Cracked cylinder head leaks oil directly onto hot exhaust, causing smoke, fumes in cabin and a fire risk.

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

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

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.

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

Engine Cylinder heads started to leak at 75k miles causing oil and coolant to leak and puddle. This was after a fuel pump recall.

Infotainment system acts randomly, changing to max volume during driving, startling driver. Also changes stations, skips audio programs and distracting driver. Rear view camera has intermittently failed to show video feed when driving in reverse.

The radio changes stations by itself, speakers/music goes in and out. The screen freezes and cannot change stations. And also the car lags on taking off sometimes. Often smells like fuel when you turn on the car, Assuming a fuel pump issue, not sure. I spoke to the salesman who sold me the car (adam) within less than 30 days of having the vehicle and told me the electrical issue with radio would be covered. Then when I called to have the issue fixed I was told it wasnt going to fixed on their behalf. This car was sold to me with a few issue that I was not aware at the time of purchase.

While waiting at a stop light the engine will turn off. This has happened three times since I’ve owned the car 2/16/2025.

The touch screen infotainment system has the well known “Ghost Touch.” While I am driving, the touch screen can at random, activate buttons, make phone calls, change navigation systems, and activate any other features through the display. It can at times create an extremely dangerous situation while I am driving because the drivers attention is suddenly and at random being taken from the road. This happens with increasing frequency and there is no way to deactivate the touch screen. Mazda is aware that this issue is widespread and has done nothing about it, leaving it up to drivers to decide if they want to shell out hundreds of dollars to have the issue fixed or continue driving the vehicle under dangerous situations.

Sometimes, the breaks will not go all the way down to the floor and act like theyre not working. it's very odd and only does it once in a while. i have constant issues with the technology in the car. it changes my music, the buttons get stuck and my it acts up. my aunt has the same model and is running into the same issues. i never received a letter in the mail about the last recall and have had issues where it doesnt seem like my engine is getting the power it once did. this was early on after i got the car. my gas mileage has significally decreased even after oil changes.

Issue with the engine cylinder head leaking engine oil from the side of the cylinder head, where the casting has a defect. Leaks engine oil onto the flashing for the exhaust and exhaust manifold, where it could catch fire. The problem has been confirmed and diagnosed by a licensed mechanic. However, the dealer would not take responsibility for repair or assistance in repair. There are no warnings, while driving and after stopping, the smell of burning oil comes into the car and also smoke from the engine compartment.

Sometimes, the breaks will not go all the way down to the floor and act like theyre not working. it's very odd and only does it once in a while. i have constant issues with the technology in the car. it changes my music, the buttons get stuck and my it acts up. my aunt has the same model and is running into the same issues. i never received a letter in the mail about the last recall and have had issues where it doesnt seem like my engine is getting the power it once did. this was early on after i got the car. my gas mileage has significally decreased even after oil changes.

I've had issues with my infotainment system screen for years and have mentioned this to the dealership. But their response was that I wasn't in warranty anymore and that I'd had to just reboot the radio system on my own. Because it was out of warranty for them to check the issue, the issue was never put on my file when I went to get serviced. Now my screen has been acting up even more, nonstop, with this "ghost touch" issue that many other CX-5 car owners have also been dealing with. I've had many unsafe incidents already while driving and can cause major accidents from shift in focus on the road and back to my screen because the music suddenly turned on full blast due to a glitch that Mazda didn't care or want to resolve for their customers (even after their recall for the same type of screen for previous models with the CX3). Yes, I've researched this intently and Mazda continues to deny these claims, not wanting to recall the same screens that they continue to manufacture, dispute this glitch and defect, being negligent and not caring for their valued customers. There have already been class action lawsuits with the CX-5 but Mazda still turns the other direction in terms of placing a recall on the infotainment screens. My vehicle has also been serviced and diagnosed with "ghost touch." The issue is Mazda not wanting to fully reimburse for this problem, turning a blind eye on this for years. Mazda finally confessed that I still have an after warranty assistance program after talking to customer service for a long time. The Campaign number is CSP13.

The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 35-45 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings were faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again where it was diagnosed that there were loose parts in the engine. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. Additionally, the brake light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the switch and mat were causing the failure. The vehicle was repaired and returned to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,673.

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

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.

The contact owns a 2018 MAZDA CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the infotainment system displayed a blank screen, then one minute later, the infotainment screen displayed as intended. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned on and off the vehicle and the infotainment system displays as intended. The contact mentioned that this failure has occurred on several different occasions. The contact stated that the infotainment system independently displays calls, and the radio comes on independently. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Started 2018 Mazda CX-5 and the engine was extremely loud and a ticking noise was heard. Brought it to my local garage (Charlies Garage) and it was determined that the lifters needed replacement. Garage told me that Mazda issued a Service Alert on November 22, 2019 (Alert # SA-012/19) and did not notify customers of the Valve Tapping or knocking noise from cylinder head. The Garage then told me that Mazda issued a Technical Service Bulletin on April 23, 2020 (Bulletin No. 01-006/20). Again, customers were not notified of the Tapping Noise from Engine Bulletin that was issued. There were no alerts on the dashboard of the car, no warning lights, or other indicators. If Mazda had notified customers, the car would have been fixed UNDER WARRANTY. I do have a video of the noise and if you let me know how to send that, I will.

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.

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.

My vehicle is affected by a well known "ghost touch" infotainment touch screen issue. Due to safety hazard nature of this issue, Mazda had a recall program but it only covered Mazda3 models (Special Service Program SSPB6 - see attached file). My issue was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Mazda dealer (see attached file). I contacted Mazda customer center about this issue and they declined any help "due to the mileage and service history" (case number: 00284155). Mazda acknowledged that "ghost touch" issue is caused by manufacturing error but apparently they are not willing to fix it unless forced to, even though the issue poses a safety hazard.

Defective Engine. Cracked Cylinder Head. Engine oil leaked overnight because of known Mazda 2.5 liter Skyactive engine defect.