2018 Mazda CX-5

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2018 Mazda CX-5
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2018: 347 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2012	1
2013	194
2014	377
2015	133
2016	510
2017	148
2018	347
2019	266
2020	106
2021	143
2022	63
2023	60
2024	42
2025	27
2026	13

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 51%

51% of complaints: engine — 176 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I am writing to formally document a significant engine failure on my 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (VIN: [XXX], License: [XXX], Odometer: 78,159 miles).

NHTSA ODI report, 20260722

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 41 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Unintended acceleration incident. I entered the parking lot of a business where the Salvation Army is located to drop off a donation. The parking spaces were on the left side.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260512

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I ENTERED OFFICE PARKING BUILDING AS USUAL. PARKING SPOT WAS ON THE RIGHT. SLOWLY APPROACHING I STARTED TO TURN RIGHT WITH FOOT ON BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180205

Also filed under AIR BAGS and STRUCTURE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Check engine light on when read it comes back with P0171 code

NHTSA ODI report, 20260714

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2018 — complaint volume: 347

R 20180731 — air bags

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.

Campaign 18V426000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190820 — engine, power train

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.

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.

Campaign 19V497000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220718 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

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.

Campaign 21V875000 — check if this car was fixed