2019 Mazda CX-5

Above average

Owners filed 270 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

43 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 17,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine118
010
Electrical System35
100
Unknown or Other28
000
Power Train19
101
Visibility/Wiper9
000
Structure › Body7
001
Air Bags7
110
Fuel/Propulsion System6
000
Service Brakes5
201
Fuel System, Gasoline5
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump21V875000
Filed Nov 12, 2021121,038 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)19V497000
Filed Jun 27, 2019262,220 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2026OR

I purchased a used 2019 Mazda CX-5 in 2024, with 25,000 miles on it. In June of 2026 I started to have an oil leak. Took it to a mechanic's shop who diagnosed it as a valve cover gasket, ran the car for another 2 months, oil leak did not stop, got worse, to the point where my oil light came on where the oil was low enough, then I took it to another mechanic, they diagnosed it as some sort of pressure sensor that has to do with the oil, they replaced that, then that still wasn't the case, it was leaking, and they diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head. This has been an issue with Mazdas in the 2018 to 2022 range for the CX-5s, and Mazda knowingly has put in faulty parts and is not willing to extend the warranty on this because it's not a turbo, this is a clever work around to avoid paying for something that should not be going out at this point. For this car being under 60,000 miles, been taking very good care of it, always had the oil changed, I feel that this is not fair for the customer to have to replace something on an engine that shouldn't be addressed for a very long time, if at all. I contacted Mazda corporate, they refused to do anything about it, I also contacted the Mazda dealership in my area, they contacted Mazda corporate and are not willing to cover this as well, my parents had a Mazda back in 2008 that had a similar problem. The only way this was resolved was going through Mazda corporate and writing a stern letter to their management team. At this point I've

Power Train
Filed Sep 8, 2026DE

1. January 2025 Diagnosis (Inside Powertrain Warranty): I presented the vehicle (2019 Mazda CX5, 36K miles) with severe transmission jerking and shift lurching at a local Mazda dealership. Technicians diagnosed teh issue as described in TSB 05-004/23 and applied a software flash to the PCM/TCM stated in TSB 05-004/23. Mazda’s o􀆯icial text states the root cause of this symptom is torque fluctuation and torsional resonance within the torque converter. 2. Current Symptom (Defect Manifestation): The vehicle now exhibits the distinct upshift chirp detailed in TSB 05-005/23 (NHTSA ID MC-10246127-0001). Mazda’s documentation states the root cause of this chirp is excessive wear of the lock-up clutch inside the torque converter, which sheds iron powder directly into the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The torque converter is a single, closed mechanical component. In January 2025, while the vehicle was fully covered under the 5-Year/60,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty, the torque converter's internal clutch was already undergoing accelerated physical degradation. Instead of proper mechanical diagnostics, the service department applied an electronic software patch. This patch merely altered the lock-up engagement timing to mask the torsional resonance rather than fixing the failing hardware. Applying a temporary software patch that delays a catastrophic component failure past a calendar date does not absolve Mazda dealership or Mazda Corporate of liability for a pre-existing, documente

Power Train
Filed Sep 4, 2026DE

1.January 2025 Diagnosis (Inside Powertrain Warranty): I presented the vehicle with severe transmission jerking and shift lurching. Your technicians applied a software flash to the PCM/TCM per TSB 05-004/23. Mazda’s official text states the root cause of this symptom is torque fluctuation and torsional resonance within the torque converter. 2.Current Symptom (Defect Manifestation): The vehicle now exhibits the distinct upshift chirp detailed in TSB 05-005/23 (NHTSA ID MC-10246127-0001). Mazda’s documentation states the root cause of this chirp is excessive wear of the lock-up clutch inside the torque converter, which sheds iron powder directly into the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). The torque converter is a single, closed mechanical component. In January 2025, while the vehicle was fully covered under the 5-Year/60,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty, the torque converter's internal clutch was already undergoing accelerated physical degradation. Instead of physically inspecting the transmission fluid for iron contamination as dictated by sound mechanical diagnostics, your service department applied an electronic software patch. This patch merely altered the lock-up engagement timing to mask the torsional resonance rather than fixing the failing hardware. Applying a temporary software patch that delays a catastrophic component failure past a calendar date does not absolve Mazda dealership or Mazda Corporate of liability for a pre-existing, documented defect. In addition there i

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 28, 2026NJ

2019 Mazda CX-5 developed P0192-00 fuel-pressure-related fault and significant loss of acceleration/limp mode. Mazda dealership diagnosed fuel rail/injector-seal issue and performed approximately $2,836 in repairs. The condition was not corrected. Dealer now diagnoses a high-pressure fuel-pump failure and is requesting an additional $1,459. Vehicle has experienced loss of power while driving. There is an existing Mazda fuel-pump recall affecting some 2018–2019 CX-5 vehicles, but Mazda says my VIN is outside the recall population. I am concerned about a potential fuel-system safety defect.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 26, 2026100,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH and turning into a driveway, smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and inspected. Upon opening the hood, smoke was observed near the rear firewall of the engine compartment, and oil was leaking under the engine compartment. The source of the leak could not be identified initially, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where a leaking cylinder head was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the cylinder head was leaking oil and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 10, 2026CA

In early 2025, my 2019 Mazda CX5 automatic would not shift always shift when it should - - it would take several seconds. This was especially concerning when I merged onto freeways and when I drove up hills or steep roads, and needed to pass a slower vehicle. The problem was especially noticeable & lasted longer when the engine was cold. I took the car to my mechanic who said it was the TCM, there was a recall notice, & that I needed to take my car to a dealer. (I never received a recall notice.) I took my car to Mazda in Sacramento because my local dealer (Salinas, CA) would not address the issue without me paying a $395 "diagnostic fee" - - even though I had the recall info from my mechanic. Maita Mazda ([XXX]) reprogrammed the TCM XXX, but now 16 months later, my car is exhibiting the exact same symptoms as before the TCM was reprogrammed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2026CA

This is a follow-up to my complaint 11754947, filed 8/5/2026 on the same vehicle. The defect has now been confirmed in writing by an authorized Mazda dealer. On 8/6/2026, San Francisco Mazda (repair order 1085786) diagnosed the cylinder head as the source of the engine oil leak on my 2019 CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation, engine code PYUD. The dealer inspection report states: "CYLINDER HEAD LEAKING — FOUND THE CYLINDER TO BE THE SOURCE OF THE OIL LEAK." The repair estimate is $10,655.34, including a replacement cylinder head assembly, cylinder head bolts, and four gasket kits. Mileage at diagnosis was 51,483, approximately 7,000 miles per year, dealer-maintained since new. The technician inspection video shows engine oil actively dripping onto components below, and extensive burnt oil residue baked onto the metal surfaces above the engine. That residue is physical confirmation that leaking oil has been contacting hot surfaces repeatedly over an extended period. Still images from the dealer's own inspection video are attached. A burning oil odor is detectable both outside the vehicle and inside the cabin. Timeline. In April 2026 I found oil accumulating beneath the vehicle. On 5/18/2026 the same dealer (repair order 1079428) noted oil leaking from the cylinder head gasket area and from a plug near the firewall. The dealership replaced the valve cover, charged $1,218.26, and instructed me to drive 1,000 miles and return for rei

Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2026CA

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation has developed a significant engine oil leak at the front of the engine, accompanied by a strong burning oil odor detectable both outside and inside the cabin. Mileage is approximately 50,000, averaging about 7,000 miles per year with all maintenance performed on schedule. The burning odor indicates engine oil is contacting hot exhaust components, creating a fire hazard. I have stopped driving the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle to two authorized Mazda dealers for this identical issue. One was unable to locate the source of the leak. The other quoted approximately $10,000 without providing a written diagnosis identifying the failed component. The vehicle is scheduled for a third dealer diagnosis on August 6, 2026. More than two weeks of dealer possession across two visits produced no identified cause. Mazda has acknowledged cylinder head cracking in this engine family. CSP11 extends powertrain warranty coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles for cylinder head repairs on the 2.5T turbo engine, and TSB 01-002/23 addresses cylinder head leaks. Mazda also revised the cylinder head casting for the 2021 model year. However, owners of naturally aspirated 2.5L vehicles with the same casting failure have been denied coverage on the grounds that the leak involves oil rather than coolant, or that their VIN falls outside the covered range. I request that NHTSA investigate cylinder head cracking

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2026CA

I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G engine with cylinder deactivation. At approximately 70,491 miles, the vehicle began leaking and burning engine oil, accompanied by a strong burning-oil odor and visible white smoke from the engine bay. This began on or around 7/15/2026 I took the vehicle to an authorized Mazda dealer, which confirmed that the cylinder head is cracked and leaking engine oil. I was quoted approximately $10,000 to repair. The repair is not covered because the vehicle is just outside the factory warranty. I received regular Mazda dealership maintenance through 52,000 miles, then regular 3rd party shops after. The oil is leaking onto/near the exhaust manifold. Oil contacting the hot exhaust creates a serious fire hazard, which I can detect from the burning-oil odor and smoke. Separately, ongoing oil loss risks sudden engine failure or stalling while driving, which could cause a loss of motive power and a crash, especially at highway speed or in traffic. This appears to be a widespread manufacturing defect. Many owners of 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5, and related Mazda3 and Mazda6 vehicles equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation, have reported the identical failure — cylinder head cracking near the exhaust manifold causing an oil leak — frequently at low mileage. Mazda issued an internal service alert (SA-058/20) addressing cylinder head cracking on these engines, which shows the manufactu

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2026NE

The cylinder head has cracked and is leaking externally. The engine oil that is leaking out is leaking directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. This can place us as risk due to the engine oil getting ignited by the hot exhaust manifold. There were no warning lamps that came on but there was a smell of burning oil that all of a sudden came up through the vents. This vehicle is currently at Woodhouse Mazda in Bellevue, NE and they have confirmed that the leak is active and has damaged the engine beyond repair.

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2026NJ

I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 50,000 miles. I am experiencing an active engine oil leak accompanied by a burning smell and visible smoke from the engine compartment. This is consistent with a cracked cylinder head assembly — a known manufacturing defect in 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles documented in Mazda's own Service Alert SA-031/21, which Mazda characterizes as a fire hazard. Despite this, Mazda has extended warranty coverage only to turbo-equipped models (Program CSP11), leaving non-turbo owners with the identical defect unprotected. At only 50,000 miles, this is a premature failure caused by a manufacturing defect — not normal wear and tear. Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust manifold constitutes a serious fire risk to vehicle occupants and the public. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this pattern of failure across 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 non-turbo models and consider whether a formal recall is warranted. I have contacted Mazda North American Operations directly requesting goodwill warranty coverage and have a case number on file. I have yet to hear a response but was initially informed my car was out of warranty.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2026CO

The infotainment system is experiencing the "ghost touch" problem already identified by Mazda and there has already been a class action lawsuit won regarding this problem. I was not aware of this class action lawsuit or I would have participated to have my system repaired. My infotainment system is completely unusable and I have been told it is over $500 to repair/replace. I am the original owner of this vehicle. The system continuously beeps and changes all settings while I am driving. If I am using navigation, the screen switches to something else so that I can't see where I'm supposed to be going, causing undue slowing and or braking in city traffic. This is a safety problem. My infotainment system continuously goes into the settings and changes the navigation guidance volume and the car yells at me that, "NAVIGATION WILL BE AT THIS VOLUME." This has startled me and caused me to either swerve or brake abruptly due to being yelled at with out warning while alone in the vehicle. This is a safety issue. As a female who drives by alone 99% of the time, I have my doors set to lock and unlock in a specific manner to keep me safe. The system randomly resets all of these settings while I'm driving so I have no idea if the doors will be locked or unlocked and whether I will be safe when stopping in city traffic. This is a personal safety issue and causes undue stress. The system calls and hangs up on my family repeatedly, making them think that I am in danger or hurt. They try to c

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2026NJ

I am reporting a safety defect in my 2019 Mazda CX‑5 involving the heated seats and airbag system. The vehicle was bought certified pre‑owned with a warranty up to 100,000 miles included in the sale. Around March, at about 82,000 miles, the heated seats began causing electrical problems, and I was told this fault could affect the airbag system and that the airbags might not deploy in a crash. I have taken the car to a Mazda dealer four times and the issue has not been fixed; the dealer disconnected the heated seats and now claims they are “aftermarket,” even though they were on the car when I bought it and were never disclosed as aftermarket. I am now at about 87,000 miles, still within the warranty, and facing a large repair bill while Mazda corporate and the dealers refuse to correct this safety‑related defect under warranty. I am asking NHTSA to record this complaint and consider investigating similar issues with Mazda heated seats and possible airbag non‑deployment.

Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2026CT

The engine has an oil leak from the head. It is a common problem with this year and make. It is a manufacturer's defect called a porous head where oil leaks through the casting not a seal. I've already spent $2000 to repair but still leaks. Oil leaks onto the exhaust and smokes causing fumes in the inside of the car and can be a fire hazard. Mazda is well aware of the problem but has yet to address it.

Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2026CA

We began occasionally smelling an acrid smell, but didn't think much of it due to lack of visible leaks or warning lights. During a routine oil change at the mazda dealer, we asked about the smell, and the tech almost immediately found the issue, saying he had seen it a few times before. The oil is leaking from the head down onto the manifold due to what seems to be a recurring defective casting issue. quote from mazda dealer service department "During the vehicle's inspection, found oil leaking from the engine. A further inspection found the oil to be leaking from behind the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. oil is leaking through the casting of the cylinder head it appears. will recommend replacing the cylinder head due to the oil leak."

Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2026PA

Cylinder block cracked on back side of engine. This crack leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold. Condition Confirmed by Mazda dealer. Oil burns on the exhaust filling the cabin with smoke impairing the driver. Also a high risk of combustion in the engine compartment Inspection report and pictures available. No sign or warning of issue. Crack happened on a daily drive to work. No engine lights noise or smell until head suddenly cracked causing a large oil leak. Mazda has an internal TSB 01-002/23 admitting that these cars in this year range have a manufacturer defect in the block

Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2026CA

On May 11th I was driving my 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 35,000 miles when my cabin filled with the smell of gasoline. The smell became overwhelming within minutes, causing concern for my safety and the safety of other drivers. I immediately drove to the closest auto repair/body shop for an emergency inspection. Upon inspection, the technicians discovered there was a "crack at rear cylinder head and leaking oil excessively. Oil is leaking on to hot exhaust manifold....car is not safe to drive since oil leak is excessive". I was advised that this must be a manufacturer defect as you should not see this issue at such low mileage. The vehicle was then towed to the nearest Mazda dealership/service center, where a cracked rear cylinder head was diagnosed and confirmed. I was informed that continued operation of the vehicle could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure, engine seizure, fire risk from leaking oil contacting hot engine components, or sudden loss of power while driving, creating an extremely dangerous driving situation. Prior to the failure, there were no major warning indicators other than the sudden strong fuel/oil smell. The issue occurred unexpectedly despite the vehicle being properly maintained and having low mileage for a major engine failure. I have been the sole owner. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request.

Engine
Filed Jun 3, 2026CA

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 (equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation) has experienced a severe structural failure resulting in a cracked engine cylinder head. This casting defect allows pressurized motor oil to leak continuously from the cylinder head down onto the hot engine block and nearby exhaust components. This has led to the following severe safety risks: engine oil is leaking onto the exhaust manifold and creates an extreme risk of engine compartment fire when the vehicle is in motion; sudden loss of oil pressure or complete structural failure of the cylinder head can cause the engine to stall or seize unexpectedly without warning, completely disabling the vehicle in live traffic and creating an imminent crash hazard; and dropping oil levels and leaking fluids burning against the engine produce strong smoke and chemical odors that enter the cabin, which can cause driver distraction and severely limiting visibility if smoke escapes through the hood. We are also inhaling these odors. Mazda is fully aware of this structural engine defect and has detailed it internally under Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21 (as well as related TSBs for oil seepage/leaks on these cylinder heads). Despite acknowledging the manufacturing flaw, Mazda has failed to issue a safety recall for this dangerous fire and stalling hazard, forcing consumers to drive unsafe vehicles or pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a known defect. The vehicle

Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment
Filed May 26, 202645,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the infotainment system changed settings, made phone calls, and changed the distance for automatic braking, which caused the vehicle's brakes to be applied inadvertently while another vehicle was behind them. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 18, 202635,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel independently switched between features. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee, the contact declined. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

20 of 270 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202614000Routine
202527000Routine
202444010Routine
202362000Routine
202263020Routine
2021144000Routine
2020106000Routine
2019 — this page270220Above average
2018348310Above average
2017148100Routine
20165105100Above average
2015133400Routine
2014377400Above average
2013194110Routine
20121000Routine

Compare every CX-5 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 12, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.