2018 Mazda CX-5 engine problems
177 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Mazda CX-5 — 51% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 19, 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…”
filed Jul 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water…
01-010-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 10, 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s)…
SA-041-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 19, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance…
SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal…
SA-026-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 16, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) and TSB(s) listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-035/24 05/31/24 DESCRIPTION There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not…
SA-014-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 11, 2026
Engine problems in other CX-5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 CX-5 | 6 | 22% |
| 2024 CX-5 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 CX-5 | 10 | 16% |
| 2022 CX-5 | 13 | 21% |
| 2021 CX-5 | 77 | 53% |
| 2020 CX-5 | 17 | 16% |
| 2019 CX-5 | 131 | 49% |
| 2017 CX-5 | 15 | 10% |
| 2016 CX-5 | 39 | 8% |
| 2015 CX-5 | 14 | 11% |
| 2014 CX-5 | 39 | 10% |
| 2013 CX-5 | 42 | 22% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Mazda CX-5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.