2018 Mazda CX-5 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 22, 2026 · Filed: October 28, 2026

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring (2.5L non-turbo engine with cylinder deactivation) developed a burning oil smell that steadily worsened over several days. On XXX, at about 61,300 miles, I saw smoke coming from the engine compartment after driving. The engine had not overheated, and the car was regularly maintained. On XXX, an independent repair shop (A&M Auto Repair, [XXX] a large active oil leak. After steam cleaning the engine and removing the exhaust manifold, they found engine oil leaking from a hairline crack in the cylinder head, directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. The engine was also about one quart low on oil. The shop recommended replacing the cylinder head assembly, at a cost of about $5,700 before tax. Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold is a fire hazard, and the smoke could reduce visibility for other drivers. Many other owners of 2018–2020 CX-5s with this engine have reported the same cracked cylinder head failure. I contacted Mazda Customer Experience (case number XXX) to request assistance. Mazda declined because the repair was diagnosed and performed by an independent shop rather than a Mazda dealer. I'm submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this cylinder head failure is a safety defect that warrants a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: June 1, 2026 · Filed: October 24, 2026

2.5L Skyactive engine - burning smell accompanied by blue smoke from engine compartment. Yes, available for review on request. Unknown source of smoke and burning smell may be a potential complete engine damage risk. Yes, Mazda dealer confirmed leaking engine oil. No watling lamps / lights / telltales on cluster.

Incident: October 1, 2026 · Filed: October 8, 2026

Cracked cylinder head- factory defect, causing oil to leak onto exhaust manifold. Smoke fills engine bay and cab through air vents, very high concern of engine bay fire. 2018 Mazda cx5 non turbo 2.5 sky active engine. Mazda knows of this defect and will not proved remedy.

Incident: September 25, 2026 · Filed: September 25, 2026

There has been numerous report of the Mazda CX 5 having failure rear differential. I just purchased a 2018 Mazda CX five for my daughter in September 2026 I now am experiencing this issue on the rear diff. The dealer will not cover the repair since it’s as is purchase Mazda should take this as a recall and fix the vehicle for the safety of the consumer.

Incident: September 11, 2026 · Filed: September 24, 2026

2018 Mazda CX-5 2.5L NA Engine Cracked cylinder head and blown head gasket with leaking oil onto exhaust manifold resulting in white smoke & burning oil smell. No engine light. Issue confirmed by dealer and independent shop. Commonly reported issue amongst 2018-2021 Mazda CX-5 owners either naturally aspirated engines.

Incident: August 10, 2026 · Filed: August 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking engine oil, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that upon further inspection, there was a puddle of engine oil on the ground while the vehicle was idling. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,540.

Incident: June 23, 2026 · Filed: July 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife pulled over and discovered that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the #5 and #7 cylinder heads were cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Incident: July 1, 2025 · Filed: July 22, 2026

I am writing to formally document a significant engine failure on my 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (VIN: [XXX], License: [XXX], Odometer: 78,159 miles). The vehicle began exhibiting visible smoke from under the hood and severe oil leakage — oil was actively pooling beneath the car and leaving a trail. Upon inspection by Cal West Auto Center (San Marcos, CA), the vehicle was diagnosed with a leaking cylinder head gasket requiring full cylinder head removal and replacement. I am aware that Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21 specifically addressing a cylinder head casting defect in 2018–2019 CX-5 models equipped with the 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation — the exact configuration of my vehicle. This is a documented manufacturing defect, not normal wear and tear, and the repair estimate I have received is $4,800.84. Given that this failure is tied to a known defect acknowledged by Mazda, I am requesting that Mazda Motor America cover the cost of this repair in full, or provide a clear explanation of what goodwill or warranty coverage is available to me. I am happy to provide the repair estimate, vehicle documentation, and any additional information needed to process this request promptly. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. [XXX] Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: July 14, 2026 · Filed: July 14, 2026

Check engine light on when read it comes back with P0171 code

Incident: July 1, 2026 · Filed: July 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that white smoke was coming from the engine compartment whenever the vehicle reached normal operating temperature. The contact stated that smoke entered the passenger’s side compartment through the air vents and was coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment due to an oil leakage. The smoke impaired visibility while driving. The most recent failure had occurred while driving approximately 35 MPH on a city roadway. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and then to the dealer for further inspection. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a cracked cylinder head and recommended that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The dealer diagnosed the cylinder head as porous and informed the contact that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the repair would not be covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred intermittently and became more frequent and severe during hotter weather. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.