2018 Mazda CX-5 fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

37 owners have reported fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-5, 12% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 36,000 mi.

Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion complaints
37
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
36,000 mi

Specific components reported

Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion covers: Fuel system (gas/diesel), fuel pump, hybrid and electric propulsion and battery.

ComponentComplaints
Fuel/propulsion system18
Fuel system, gasoline18
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump1

Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion complaints across Mazda CX-5 years

220132201452015132016142017372018212019420208202142022220231202432025
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k310k–30k530k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 21V875000Nov 12, 2021121,038 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    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.

What owners say

  1. 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
  2. Filed Feb 14, 2025ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Car has a ticking sound when in idle mode. My mechanic sent me a few videos to reference and a bulletin from Mazda that attributes the clicking to the Hydraulic Lash Adjuster
    NHTSA complaint #11642816 · source
  3. Filed Jun 3, 202452,000 miCAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that after cold starts, the vehicle hesitated and jerked upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on numerous occasions. The contact was repeatedly informed that no fault was found with the vehicle. The dealer later performed a software update on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign…
    NHTSA complaint #11592142 · source
  4. Filed Jun 1, 2024WAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Constant ticking sound coming from engine, most apparent while idling but continues even after oil change and engine warm up. Goes away for short periods of time. Always comes back and is very loud. Sometimes engine block shakes and can be felt through the steering wheel.
    NHTSA complaint #11591921 · source
  5. 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
  6. Filed May 21, 202462,000 miMATowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently decelerated and lost motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11589874 · source
  7. Filed Apr 19, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    Despite a recall on the fuel pump, there continues to be a problem but instead of the “back” fuel pump that was fixed, the “front” fuel pump seems to be having the same issue. When taken to the dealer, the code P0087- fuel rail/system pressure too low shows up. This is causing car to stall, unable to pick up speed or simply pick up too much speed when attempting to accelerate. It’s a safety hazard for a car less than 6 years old.
    NHTSA complaint #11584010 · source
  8. Filed Apr 11, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The cylinder head and timing cover are leaking oil and need to be replaced. It is at the dealer and available for inspection. The car started smoking and lost oil obscuring my vision. The problem appears to be well known by the dealer and they were able to diagnose the issue. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealer where I purchased it. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. This vehicle has had regular maintenance per the manufacturers…
    NHTSA complaint #11582466 · source
  9. Filed Feb 7, 2024PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle engine has stalled multiple times at low speeds. Vehicle will not restart immediately. In order to get vehicle to restart, gas must be revved while pressing start button to get engine to restart. It appears as if fuel is not being delivered to engine. Electrical components remain functional. Vehicle was inspected by dealer and issue could not be recreated. No issues were found. No warning lights displayed or codes found upon inspection. No symptoms of problem;…
    NHTSA complaint #11570662 · 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 Nov 10, 2022PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    After driving for approximately 1 minute, the vehicle approached a stop sign and car stalled and would not restart. When attempting to restart vehicle, engine was firing but not turning over. Attempted to jump start the vehicle with no success until vehicle was given throttle at which point it restarted. No lights were illuminated prior to the incident, but when the vehicle stalled the battery light and check engine light illuminated.
    NHTSA complaint #11493143 · source
  12. Filed Oct 24, 202233,000 miNJFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while in a parking lot, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The fuel warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence; however, the fuel gauge was fluctuating. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. After months of calling…
    NHTSA complaint #11490565 · source

Other 2018 Mazda CX-5 problem areas

Back to all 2018 Mazda CX-5 problems →

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