2018 Mazda CX-5
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 194 |
| 2014 | 377 |
| 2015 | 133 |
| 2016 | 507 |
| 2017 | 148 |
| 2018 | 344 |
| 2019 | 260 |
| 2020 | 105 |
| 2021 | 137 |
| 2022 | 62 |
| 2023 | 59 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
51% of complaints: engine — 175 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE12% of complaints: power train — 41 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: service brakes — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
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
8% of complaints: electrical system — 29 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 19 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Mazda CX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (175 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V426000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V497000 (engine, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V875000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-5?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.