2018 Mazda CX-5 power train problems
41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Mazda CX-5 — 12% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My Mazda 2018, CX-5, Grand Touring, was diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head at 64,599 miles. This issue could posed a safety hazard for not only us but others on the road by: *Engine Failure / Sudden Loss of Power-A crack allows coolant and oil to mix or leak, leading to overheating and…”
filed Jul 1, 2026
“Cylinder head suddenly cracked, causing heavy oil leakage onto hot exhaust manifold. Car started to smoke heavily. Vehicle turned off before potential engine fire.”
filed Jun 18, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stallCampaign 19V497000 · Jun 27, 2019
Related service bulletins
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the…
01-008-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 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, 2026
Power Train problems in other CX-5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 CX-5 | 2 | 8% |
| 2024 CX-5 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 CX-5 | 3 | 5% |
| 2022 CX-5 | 5 | 8% |
| 2021 CX-5 | 16 | 11% |
| 2020 CX-5 | 8 | 8% |
| 2019 CX-5 | 29 | 11% |
| 2017 CX-5 | 11 | 7% |
| 2016 CX-5 | 51 | 10% |
| 2015 CX-5 | 19 | 14% |
| 2014 CX-5 | 50 | 13% |
| 2013 CX-5 | 38 | 20% |
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.