Recalls · problems · safety

2018 Mazda CX-5: recalls and problems

3 recalls and 119 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

3recalls
119complaints
1crashes reported
0fires reported
1injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine96 · 81%
  • Power Train18 · 15%
  • Unknown Or Other9 · 8%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling3 · 3%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance3 · 3%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System2 · 2%
  • Electrical System2 · 2%
  • Steering1 · 1%
  • Service Brakes1 · 1%
  • Lane Departure1 · 1%

What owners report

Power Train

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.

Engine

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.

Engine

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 c

Engine And Engine Cooling

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 wa

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering CX-5. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.