66 complaints reported

2018 Mazda CX-5 Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
66
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jun 2026

Turned car on when leaving for work. Smelled a strong burning smell. Fluid all under car on the driveway. Took the vehicle to repair shop and they stated that it was the cylinder head and that there was a possible recall or warranty extension for this particular issue. I called Mazda and they said it was an issue but for the 2019 model and not the 2018. After doing some research I have read where this issue seems to be happening for the 2018 as well and they are not taking responsibility for it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Mar 2026
Feb 2026

All of a sudden, my engine started making this ticking noise. I brought it to a mechanic, and he said the noise is coming from inside the engine. He checked for codes and everything, but nothing came up. The only way to look at it is to take the engine apart from what he told me. I started researching for solutions online before doing this and I came across other Mazda CX5 owners complaining of the same thing. I listened to a few of these videos of the sound it makes and sounds just like my car. Apparently, it is a common issue connected with the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, and I am amazed that Mazda has not reached out to people affected by this. I am not sure what the long-term issue is with this noise, but it can't be good if it's in the engine. Who knows what kind of damage it could cause.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Nov 2026
Feb 2026

Noticed the smell of burning oil and smoke from the engine while driving on the interstate with my husband and young children in the vehicle. Pulled over at a gas station to inspect and discovered large amounts of oil leaking. While at the gas station the low oil indicator came on. There were no warning or check engine lights prior to the incident. The dealership diagnosed cracked cylinder head. This was an extensive and costly repair. I have now learned that Mazda is aware of how common this issue is with this year/make/model. This should be a covered repair or recalled part.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jul 2025
Jan 2026

While driving, my 2018 Mazda CX-5 experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power without warning. The engine shut down while the vehicle was in motion; however, electrical systems such as the radio, heat, and electronics remained operational. The vehicle lost propulsion, creating a serious safety risk in traffic. The vehicle had recently been serviced at an authorized Mazda dealer for completion of PCM and fuel-system recalls. Shortly after recall service, the engine failure occurred. No warning lights or prior symptoms were present. An independent mechanic suggested possible engine seizure, but a full diagnostic evaluation (including compression testing or internal inspection) has not been completed. The cause of the sudden power loss remains undetermined. This incident represents a potential safety defect involving unexpected engine shutdown and loss of propulsion.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Dec 2025
Dec 2025

Cracked cylinder head due to defect in the casting process. Oil leaking thru the crack landing on the exhaust manifold causing an odor and possibly toxic fumes in the cabin of the vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Dec 2025
Dec 2025

Mazda has inspected the car and determined that there is a crack in the cylinder head. This is apparently a known defect in 2018-2021 Mazdas with 2.5L engines, including, without limitation, the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The cracked cylinder head has caused leaking coolant, which can drain into the engine and create serious safety issues. Mazda is aware of the issue, however, they are claiming that it is not covered by warranty.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 2025

Hydraulic lifters keep having issues

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jan 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine, and the contact smelled an oil-burning odor. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head was damaged, causing oil to leak into the cylinders, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and promised to open a case and give the contact a callback within 24 to 48 hours. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Nov 2025
Oct 2025

Driving fine at low speeds (under 40mph), once I accelerate to highway speeds the engine misfires, check engine light flashes, Smart City Brake System Malfunction, Radar Malfunction, and car losses all engine power. Car just coast, lights and brakes still work. Check engine code moves around and will be on cylinder 3 sometimes and cylinder 4 other times. Able to replicate this issue multiple times. Serious safety concern.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Dec 2025
Sep 2025

Cracked cylinder head leaks oil directly onto hot exhaust, causing smoke, fumes in cabin and a fire risk.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

Engine Cylinder heads started to leak at 75k miles causing oil and coolant to leak and puddle. This was after a fuel pump recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

At approximately 57,000 miles, the cylinder head cracked. It was leaking oil and white smoke was coming out of the engine bay. There were no warning lights. I have since gotten the cylinder head replaced.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Oct 2024
Jul 2025

2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine The vehicle has been diagnosed with a leak from the cylinder head cover, resulting in engine oil dripping directly onto the exhaust manifold. This issue causes noticeable smoke and a strong burning oil odor inside the cabin while the engine is running. This defect presents multiple serious safety concerns: 1) Health hazard due to prolonged exposure to burning oil fumes inside the vehicle. 2) Fire risk from oil contacting hot engine components. 3) Potential engine failure, which could lead to vehicle stalling or loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash and possible loss of life. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21, which introduced a redesigned cylinder head for 2018–2019 CX-5 models. The release of this TSB indicates Mazda’s awareness of the underlying design flaw. There is substantial evidence, including numerous owner reports, that this is a widespread issue affecting these model years. The defect is not related to vehicle mileage or user negligence. Mazda should be held fully accountable and take corrective action by issuing a formal safety recall or offering an extended warranty to affected owners. Immediate attention to this matter is necessary to protect consumer safety and prevent future incidents.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Sep 2025
May 2025

Had an oil leak suddenly appear on the vehicle with only 55400 miles. Found there are technical service bulletins for this motor that the head cracks causing leaks. It is on many forums. Reached out to Mazda and got zero help

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Apr 2025
May 2025

Cracked cylinder causes oil leak in 2018 Mazda CX-5. May occur in other model year CX-5 as well. Issue was inspected by an authorized dealer. Repair by Mazda not performed because vehicle was a few months past warranty expiration date. Issue with CX-5 cylinder-head are shown below: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Oct 2023
May 2025

I own a CX5 2018 Mazda with around 31,000 miles on it. Two days ago I experienced a smoke/fume event in my car while driving. The cabin filled with burnt oil fumes and a pungent smell. I happened to be near a Mazda dealership and was able to reach it with windows down and slow driving. The dealership inspected my car and confirmed a large oil leak caused by a cracked cylinder head. I was told this is a known issue with Mazda CX5/CX9 series and that it would be covered under warranty. Today I was informed by the same dealership that my standard powertrain warranty will not cover it, as it is 60,000 miles or 5 years. My car only has 31,000 miles on it, but it’s over the 5 years by little over a year. I am looking at paying around $6,500 out of pocket to fix my vehicle. I asked if there is an extended warranty from Mazda specifically regarding cylinder heads, due to this being a known defect, however the service person said there isn’t for my car. After some online research I did come across an extended powertrain warranty applying to 2019-2020 CX5 models due to the cylinder head cracking issues. I ask that this is being looked into and that the warranty needs to be extended to the 2018 model as well.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Mar 2025
Apr 2025

2018 Mazda CX5 2.5 ltr engine. Major oil leak that has been diagnosed as cracked or porous aluminum casting on the cylinder block. Oil is dripping consistently out of the problem area onto the manifold, causing smoke to flow into the cabin of the car and out of the hood as well. Car is currently at a Mazda dealership for a second diagnosis that confirmed the leak. Car is 3,000 miles out of warranty. Waiting to hear what the dealership is going to do. I also have contacted Mazda corp. and have a case# to take further action if needed. As you can see by the list of "engine" complaints for this problem, it is well documented that this is not an isolated issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

I own a 2018 Mazda CX-5. I currently have 64,770 miles on the car. I have had a burning smell and smoke coming from the engine. The car was taken to the dealer (John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken) and I was told it was fixed by replacing a gasket. The smell and smoke persisted. I took it back to the dealer and now I am told there is a leaking cylinder head. I do not feel safe driving this car especially with my kids in the car while the engine is smoking. I have had to pull over on the highway due to this. No warning lights were on until a week prior to taking it back a second time when my oil light finally came on.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Sep 2025
Apr 2025

Car started leaking and burning oil. Blue smoke coming out of engine. Low oil pressure light went on. I had it looked at by an auto mechanic. This is a major safety issue as the engine will fail because of the low pressure. The car is not drivable. Turns out it's a known issue with the cylinder head that Mazda knows about because they issued a redesign and issued recalls for the 2019 and the turbo engine. They also issued a TSB for this problem. Car is out of warranty, but not old enough to have major engine issues.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

There is a known issue with 2018 Mazda CX 5 related to a cracked cylinder head. I have just under 60,000 miles and I noticed smoke coming from under the hood near the exhaust manifold and a strong odor of burning oil. Dolan Mazda in Reno, NV has confirmed I have a cracked cylinder head and it is the cause of the burning oil. I am concerned that oil leaking from the cracked cylinder head onto the exhaust is a fire hazard. I feel a recall should be issued.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Dec 2024
Mar 2025

Defective Engine. Cracked Cylinder Head. Engine oil leaked overnight because of known Mazda 2.5 liter Skyactive engine defect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jan 2025
Mar 2025

The issue began when I started to smell burning oil. As time went on smoke began to slowly come from the hood. I took my car to the mazda dealership and said that there was a cracked cylinder head in the engine. After doing research online this has been a major issue with the 2018-2020 model.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Mar 2025
Mar 2025

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 with just over 45,000 miles is showing the dreaded cracked cylinder head symptoms. Coolant is leaking causing a very noticeable burning smell in the cabin and faint smoke emanating from under the hood. My CX-5 has followed the maintenance schedule at the dealership that the vehicle was purchased. At this point the dealership has not been helpful at all. Mazda MUST start including 2018 CX-5s to CSP11 (covers 2019 CX-5s).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jan 2025
Mar 2025

I noticed a burning smell coming from engine. I took it to a Mazda dealership where they found a cracked cylinder head that needed complete replacing. There was no warning light or other symptoms before I noticed the smell. Vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership. Vehicle is out of warranty but only has 37000 miles on it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

Replacement of cracked head cylinder diagnosis completed by Mazda dealer Fred beans in Willow Grove Pennsylvania Mazda is claiming they cannot cover the repair cost due to carfax not reporting all my maintenance services. After speaking to mazda customer service they confirmed that it is illegal to use carfax as documented proof. I provided proof of the maintenance aka oil change that was not eeported directly through carfax and have not heard anyrhing back. My car is under 60,000 miles and I have maintain my car and this should not be my fault this should not be my fault. Please help if possible i dont know who else to go to

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 MAZDA CX-5, Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.
Incident: Jan 2025

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has 66 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.