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
- 349
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 349 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 194 |
| 2014 | 377 |
| 2015 | 133 |
| 2016 | 510 |
| 2017 | 149 |
| 2018 | 349 |
| 2019 | 269 |
| 2020 | 107 |
| 2021 | 146 |
| 2022 | 63 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
51% · 177 reportsShow complaint excerpts
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.5L NA Engine Cracked cylinder head and blown head gasket with leaking oil onto exhaust manifold resulting in white smoke & burning oil smell. No engine light. Issue confirmed by dealer and independent shop.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-24
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, 2026-07-22
Power train
12% · 42 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-25
Service brakes
9% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
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, 2026-05-12
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, 2018-02-05
Also filed under Air bags and structure
Electrical system
8% · 29 reportsFuel/propulsion system
6% · 20 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Check engine light on when read it comes back with P0171 code
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018Complaint volume 349 complaints filed for this model year.
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2018-07-31Air bags18V426000 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.
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2019-08-20Engine, power train19V497000 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.
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2022-07-18Fuel system, gasoline21V875000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Mazda CX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 177 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 33 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V426000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V497000 · Engine, power train
- Recall 21V875000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.