2018 Mazda CX-5 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 19V497000Jun 27, 2019262,220 vehicles
  ENGINE · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

  Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 25, 2026CTTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11766937 · source
2. Filed Jul 1, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   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 potential catastrophic engine seizure. A seized engine can cause sudden, unexpected loss of power — especially dangerous at highway speeds or during lane changes/merges. *Oil and Coolant…

   NHTSA complaint #11747660 · source
3. Filed Jun 18, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain

   Cylinder head suddenly cracked, causing heavy oil leakage onto hot exhaust manifold. Car started to smoke heavily. Vehicle turned off before potential engine fire.

   NHTSA complaint #11744932 · source
4. Filed Jun 4, 2026MNTransmission & Drivetrain

   2018 Mazda CX-5 AWD with 2.5 L engine, non turbo. Car has 98,914 miles. Rear differential started leaking oil. Dealer stated that the differential needs to be replaced, for $5,003.33. Manual does not provide for oil change intervals. Lifetime oil. 98K must be the life expectancy. Has not been fixed yet. Sitting in the garage dripping oil onto a piece of cardboard. independent shop looking for a low mileage used differential.

   NHTSA complaint #11742164 · source
5. Filed May 17, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Like many other complaints. My 2018 Mazda cx5 GT is having the same issue with the cracked cylinder head. I only have about 36-38k mileage on it ( I forgot the exact). Mazda dealership will not cover the cost. NEVER had an accident to the front and only one accident to the back when I got rear ended in 2019. If this is a wide spread issue, why is this not a recall? and why is it only the turbo engine gets extended warranty? The repair cost right now approximately $9,500. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11738405 · source
6. Filed May 15, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2018 CX5 just hit 50,000 miles recently and I smelled something burning and saw smoke coming from the hood while I was stopped for a school bus. I immediately stopped driving due to fire concerns. The vehicle has a cracked cylinder which is a known issue for this vehicle. Mazda has no plans to correct this issue other than issuing a technical bulletin. I feel that Mazda should repair this at their cost because it is a defect and the vehicle only has 50,000 miles. Instead…

   NHTSA complaint #11738150 · source
7. Filed Apr 21, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   Upon acceleration it’s not shifting gears properly. The rpm’s rev but the vehicle doesn’t go faster. Traffic behind me continued to accelerate to where i was concerned about being rear ended. I Have not taken it to anyone yet..it has done this a couple of times. Even though it’s a 2018 it only has 25000 miles on it. The dealer is an hour away and i”m afraid to drive it there because i don’t want to cause more problems. No warnings lights or messages.

   NHTSA complaint #11732799 · source
8. Filed Mar 7, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain

   2018 Mazda CX-5, 58,182 miles. Report date is 3/7/2026, low mileage for it's age. Vehicle has been exclusively purchased and serviced at the same authorized Mazda dealership for the lifetime of the vehicle, with all maintenance records on file. I began experiencing a strong burning oil smell inside the passenger cabin while driving. The fumes were noticeable to both the driver and passengers, creating a potential carbon monoxide/combustion fume exposure hazard that posed a…

   NHTSA complaint #11722750 · source
9. Filed Nov 3, 2025NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L NA Has been diagnosed with leak in the cylinder head cover, which has resulted in engine oil leaking directly onto the exhaust manifold. This leak produces significant smoke and a strong burning oil smell while the vehicle is running. There are numerous reports on Mazda owner forums describing the same issue occurring in Mazda CX-5 models. Some owners even reported instances of minor fires or active burning under the hood due to oil contacting hot…

   NHTSA complaint #11697198 · source
10. Filed Sep 5, 2025RIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    the cylinder head has a crack in it witch sprays oil all over the engine.it also sprays oil on to the very catalitic converter that's very hot .smoke is everywhere and iam afraid it will cause a fire

    NHTSA complaint #11685332 · source
11. Filed Feb 24, 2025TXTransmission & Drivetrain

    Smelled smoke (burnt oil) for over a year. Dealer could not address. Finally found that the cylinder heads had cracked and required replacement at $7500. Car was only 51K miles.

    NHTSA complaint #11644638 · source
12. Filed Feb 21, 2025PATransmission & Drivetrain

    I purchased my CX-5 from Mazda dealership when new. The vehicle has been having coolant issues where the Electronically controlled thermostatic valve (ECTV) will open prematurely at 120°F instead of at higher temperatures. This all leads to higher fuel consumption, premature wear and tear on the engine, higher water condensation in the engine oil, poor engine and cabin air performance. I had it diagnosed at the Mazda dealership where I bought it from (Previously it was…

    NHTSA complaint #11644142 · 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