2018 Mazda CX-5 recalls and problems

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has 3 safety recalls and 357 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
357
Crashes / fires
19 / 1
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Mazda CX-5 recalls

Recall 21V-875: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 12, 2021 · 121,038 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

Recall 19V-497: Engine, Power Train

Reported Jun 27, 2019 · 262,220 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Recall 18V-426: Air Bags

Reported Jun 25, 2018 · 682 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.

2018 Mazda CX-5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine184
Unknown or Other58
Power Train42
Service Brakes32
Electrical System30
Fuel/Propulsion System20
Fuel System, Gasoline19
Forward Collision Avoidance16
Vehicle Speed Control13
Structure12
Air Bags9
Lane Departure7

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 12
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 8
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 6
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 3
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 14,700 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Mazda CX-5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 10, 2026
My 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring experienced a substantial engine oil leak, visible smoke, and a strong burning-oil odor in October 2026, at approximately 87,000–89,000 miles. The symptoms developed after an October 19 routine oil change. I became stranded at a gas station, and the vehicle required towing. An independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and suspected a cracked cylinder head. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership, which identified oil leakage between the exhaust manifold and cylinder head and recommended replacement of the cylinder-head…
Engine · reported Nov 9, 2026
On XXX, I was driving my 2018 Mazda CX-5 (SKYACTIV-G 2.5 non-turbo with cylinder deactivation, 67,000 miles) on [XXX] in [XXX], on the way to a work conference. Shortly after I got off the highway, smoke suddenly started filling the cabin. I could smell burning oil, and I honestly thought the vehicle was about to burst into flames with me inside it. I did not know what to do, and could barely breathe and see out the windows, i turned the fans on and lowered my windows to try and see out. I was still in traffic trying to find a safe place to stop, and I debated going through red lights just to…
Electrical System · reported Nov 2, 2026
The display touch screen has delaminated and ghost clicks on various items while driving. The volume will go up, songs change, various messages will announce, all without touching the screen or any other controls. This is surprises my daughter and is dangerous - she has nearly crashed because of this malfunction. I called Mazda and I was told that it was the subject of a class action lawsuit and that the fix period has expired. I was never notified of this fix period. The company told me to go to the dealership and get it diagnosed and contact their legal firm (just two weeks ago), then ask…
Engine · reported Nov 2, 2026
My Mazda dealership in Lodi recommended service on a timing cover seal. They could see oil leaking but failed to check if the oil was coming from the timing cover or cylinder head, which is a known issue according to a service bulletin. I left the dealership with a “ticking time bomb” in which my car was still smoking and becoming unsafe to drive. The dealership is unjustly stating that I need to also pay for this service when the initial service never fixed the problem.
Engine · reported Oct 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…

Other Mazda CX-5 years

Compare all Mazda CX-5 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5: 21V-875 (fuel system, gasoline), 19V-497 (engine, power train), 18V-426 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

Owners report engine problems most often (184 reports), followed by unknown or other (58). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 14,700 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.