2018 Mazda CX-5 electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 27, 2026MIElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Touch Screen and/or infotainment center causing ghost touch. Available for inspection. Ghost touch (known Mazda issue) with touch screen has been changing radio stations, increasing volume to max. Will go into user settings and change guidance voice to full volume, increasing bass to full volume, fast forward songs, mute phone call feature, randomly switch from bluetooth to handset of phone. All of this is done without the driver or anyone else in the car touching anything.…

   NHTSA complaint #11740394 · source
2. Filed Jun 24, 2025ILElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The radio changes stations by itself, speakers/music goes in and out. The screen freezes and cannot change stations. And also the car lags on taking off sometimes. Often smells like fuel when you turn on the car, Assuming a fuel pump issue, not sure. I spoke to the salesman who sold me the car (adam) within less than 30 days of having the vehicle and told me the electrical issue with radio would be covered. Then when I called to have the issue fixed I was told it wasnt going…

   NHTSA complaint #11669056 · source
3. Filed Jun 2, 2025PABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   Sometimes, the breaks will not go all the way down to the floor and act like theyre not working. it's very odd and only does it once in a while. i have constant issues with the technology in the car. it changes my music, the buttons get stuck and my it acts up. my aunt has the same model and is running into the same issues. i never received a letter in the mail about the last recall and have had issues where it doesnt seem like my engine is getting the power it once did.…

   NHTSA complaint #11664248 · source
4. Filed Dec 17, 2024NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The cylinder head on my 2018 Mazda CX-5 developed cracks on the exhaust side, leading to significant oil leakage onto the exhaust manifold. This has caused engine damage and safety concerns. The vehicle is currently at a Mazda dealership, where the issue has been inspected and documented. The component is available for further inspection upon request. The oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold creates a serious fire hazard due to the high heat generated in this area.…

   NHTSA complaint #11631241 · source
5. Filed Oct 9, 2024CAElectrical System

   My 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring has been experiencing problems with the multimedia display for over a year now. At random times the multimedia display cycle through all the menu options (radio stations, navigation, maintenance system, etc) on its own. Makes unwanted phone calls, changes radio settings, attempts to reset maintenance reminders and computer settings. We don't know what is it is trying to do behind the scenes. This represents a risk while driving and needs to be a…

   NHTSA complaint #11618863 · source
6. Filed Sep 2, 2024MDBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   While driving through town the braking system malfunctioned and the car came to a stop in the middle of the road with messages on dash saying the smart city braking support was malfunctioning as well as brake assist. Engine light came on as well as traction control light right after the car coming to a sudden hard braking stop. Drove straight to shop to check engine code which was p0882. I am so afraid of this happening on the highway with my daughter in the car. There is a…

   NHTSA complaint #11612167 · source
7. Filed Jul 30, 2024FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   The infotainment center glitches and starts clicking things on its own, often changing the volume to all the way loud suddenly orchanging radio station constantly, startling me while I am driving and causing major distraction which can easily lead to an accident. Settings, including safety setting start to get changed on their own while driving as well. The edges of the screen on the infotainment center are also crackling on their own inside the screen somehow, and I am not…

   NHTSA complaint #11605354 · source
8. Filed May 30, 2024WAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   This car that I financed on [XXX] 2024 has been back to the dealership over 6 times. My car loses power on the freeway and all main roads. I push the gas pedal and nothing happens so I am forced to pull over and turn the car off and restart it again. It's very dangerous when I'm merging on the freeway and I cannot accelerate and have to pull over in traffic. Sports cars International in Lynnwood Washington is well aware of the issues I've been having and they have not fixed…

   NHTSA complaint #11591610 · source
9. Filed May 3, 2024OHElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   For the past year my car has been in and out of the Mazda dealership. There is a red key with an explanation point through it that was been coming up once I am in the car and someone else opens a door then it stays flashing the whole time I'm driving. My trunk has been having issues too with not opening like it should and when I'm driving then I go to turn it starts beeping. The dealership keeps telling me they can't replicate the problems and keep giving me the car back. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11586721 · source
10. Filed Dec 27, 2023HIElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    This vehicle has stalled out while driving at least 4-5 times since purchasing it in 2018, although issues started about 2020 or 2021. It usually starts with the radio console either malfunctioning or going dead completely while I’m driving and several minutes later (usually after stopping at a red light but sometimes while actively driving) the car stalls out in the middle of traffic. It starts up after few minutes but it’s a very dangerous situation. It also sometimes…

    NHTSA complaint #11562198 · source
11. Filed Aug 28, 2023PAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Many incidents have occurred with this vehicle. First occurrence happened 11/25/21. Attempting to pass another vehicle and the car began slowing down and various warnings came on. Pulled off to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle and restarted without any further incident. This same thing happened 2 times in 12/2021 both time attempting to pass another vehicle. 2nd time in December the check engine light came on. Scheduled to be seen by a mechanic with the earliest…

    NHTSA complaint #11541126 · source
12. Filed Jul 7, 2023FLElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    Infotainment system has begun exhibiting phenomenon described as "ghost touch" where options are selected randomly by the system due to touchscreen failure. This happens while the vehicle is moving and creates a significant distraction to the driver, creating a safety hazard for driver, passengers, and other cars on the road. This vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership but internet information indicates it is a known issue but a recall has not been issued from Mazda,…

    NHTSA complaint #11530898 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology