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2019 Mazda Cx 5: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

Below are recalls and complaints reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Mazda Cx 5. This information is consumer-reported and provided for general informational purposes only. Vehicles like this may qualify under California lemon law depending on their individual repair history.

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Recalls reported to NHTSA
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Complaints filed with NHTSA
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Recalls Reported to NHTSA

The following recalls were reported to NHTSA. A recall does not by itself establish that any individual vehicle is defective.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

NHTSA #21V875000

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. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Reported consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

ENGINE

NHTSA #19V497000

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.

Reported consequence: 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.

Complaints Filed with NHTSA

The following are consumer-reported complaints filed with NHTSA. These are unverified allegations and are not proof that any defect exists.

Engine74 complaints

Cylinder block cracked on back side of engine. This crack leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold. Condition Confirmed by Mazda dealer. Oil burns on the exhaust filling the cabin with smoke impairing the driver. Also a high risk of combustion in the engine compartment Inspection report and pictures available. No sign or warning of issue. Crack happened on a daily drive to work. No engine lights noise or smell until head suddenly cracked causing a large oil leak. Mazda has an internal TSB 01-002/23 admitting that these cars in this year range have a manufacturer defect in the block

NHTSA #11742857

On May 11th I was driving my 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 35,000 miles when my cabin filled with the smell of gasoline. The smell became overwhelming within minutes, causing concern for my safety and the safety of other drivers. I immediately drove to the closest auto repair/body shop for an emergency inspection. Upon inspection, the technicians discovered there was a "crack at rear cylinder head and leaking oil excessively. Oil is leaking on to hot exhaust manifold....car is not safe to drive since oil leak is excessive". I was advised that this must be a manufacturer defect as you should not see this issue at such low mileage. The vehicle was then towed to the nearest Mazda dealership/service center, where a cracked rear cylinder head was diagnosed and confirmed. I was informed that continued operation of the vehicle could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure, engine seizure, fire risk from leaking oil contacting hot engine components, or sudden loss of power while driving, creating an extremely dangerous driving situation. Prior to the failure, there were no major warning indicators other than the sudden strong fuel/oil smell. The issue occurred unexpectedly despite the vehicle being properly maintained and having low mileage for a major engine failure. I have been the sole owner. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA #11743039

This 2019 Mazda CX 5 is experiencing a crack in the oil cylinder. THis appears to be connected to: There is no official, broad NHTSA recall for cracked oil cylinders in the 2019 Mazda CX-5, but Mazda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #SA-031-21) to address this known issue. It affects certain 2018–2021 CX-5s, particularly those with 2.5L engines, where a cracked cylinder head leaks coolant or oil. If this is a known issue with this vehicle, why has a recall not been addressed?

NHTSA #11737099

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I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 36,000 miles. The vehicle developed a strong burning oil smell while driving, particularly through the HVAC/vent system. I initially reported the odor to a Mazda dealership, but no issue was identified. Approximately two months later, the smell returned and worsened. The vehicle was later diagnosed by a Mazda dealership with an oil leak originating from the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. According to the repair documentation, oil was accumulating on the exhaust due to seepage from the cylinder head. The repair required full cylinder head replacement. This created significant safety concerns because leaking oil was contacting hot engine/exhaust components while the vehicle was being operated. Burning fumes entered the passenger cabin through the vents while driving. I was concerned about the risk of fire, smoke inhalation, sudden oil loss, and possible engine failure while on the road. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. The primary symptom was the persistent burning smell. The dealership replaced the cylinder head. The original repair estimate was approximately $6,000. Mazda later provided partial goodwill assistance, but I was still required to pay approximately $2,500 out of pocket. After researching this issue further, I found numerous similar NHTSA complaints involving 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles experiencing cylinder head leaks/cracking near the exhaust manifold, burning smells, smoke or fumes entering the cabin, and major engine repairs at relatively low mileage. Mazda has acknowledged similar cylinder head concerns in CSP11 and TSB 01-002/23 for certain VIN ranges but denied coverage for my vehicle because the leak involved oil rather than coolant and because my VIN was outside the covered range. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader cylinder head defect affecting additional 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles outside the currently covered VIN range.

NHTSA #11736171

A Mazda Dealership should me a Mazda cx5 2019, in 2023, at nearly 38k miles, right about where many have reported a cracked cylinder issue due to a manufacturing issue in age, and in milage. There is a lawsuit ongoing regarding the turbo version, however many reporting the same issue in the non turbo versions. My engine started smoking while on the highway causing a highly dangerous scenario to which I was barely able to make it to a mechanic where all the oil spilled out upon arrival. I got a diagnostic from a reputable mechanic confirming the cracked cylinder.

NHTSA #11734157

The cylinder head cracked, causing a coolant leak, which then lead to the car overheating. My car was taken into Mazda dealership because there is a warranty extension for this specific part CSP111. The Mazda dealership, corporate, and warranty department all stated the known widespread defect cracked cylinder head will not be replaced on their behalf due to an overheating code. Mazda is using a symptom as an excuse to the problem. Due to the overheating code, Mazda recommended replacing the whole engine for $10,000 with 20 hours of labor. This defect part and Mazda’s unwillingness to provide a proper solution caused my car engine to fail, posing a safety risk. No symptoms other than low coolant were present, which my car was then parked, not driven, and towed to the dealership, in hopes the warranty would be honored.

NHTSA #11734784

We began occasionally smelling an acrid smell, but didn't think much of it due to lack of visible leaks or warning lights. During a routine oil change at the mazda dealer, we asked about the smell, and the tech almost immediately found the issue, saying he had seen it a few times before. The oil is leaking from the head down onto the manifold due to what seems to be a recurring defective casting issue. quote from mazda dealer service department "During the vehicle's inspection, found oil leaking from the engine. A further inspection found the oil to be leaking from behind the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. oil is leaking through the casting of the cylinder head it appears. will recommend replacing the cylinder head due to the oil leak."

NHTSA #11743725

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 started to smoke from the engine and I could smell oil burning. My car was due for an oil change so I brough it to a mechanic. After a diagnostic, they determined that there was a major oil leak and that the cylinder head was cracked and suggested I take it to the dealership. I did and they confirmed that there was a cracked cylinder head causing the massive oil leak. The technician even said in a video sent to me that the oil is leaking "in the same place as the others". I was then quoted 5,960.75 to make this repair. I did research and found that this is a manufacturing defect that is long known to Mazda. There is a TSB and a CPS that extends the warranty for this issue but only for turbo engines, not my non-turbo engine. My car is 2 years past the warranty but I only have 32K miles on it. I asked if Mazda could cover all or some of the cost since it is a defect, not caused by anything I did or didn't do. I was then told that because I didn't take my car there regularly for service, that they wouldn't cover it. I regularly took my car in for oil changes and other maintenance to a local shop as the nearest dealership was almost 30 miles away so it was very inconvenient. It's outrageous that Mazda won't issue a recall or extend the warranty for the same issue in the non-turbo engines. Asking me to pay 6K for a defect they caused is unconscionable.

NHTSA #11722301

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 78,000 miles developed a sudden major engine oil leak. The Mazda dealership diagnosed the issue as a cracked cylinder head and quoted approximately $5,600 for repair. The vehicle was properly maintained and this failure occurred without warning. A cylinder head failure at this mileage appears premature and may represent a defect. The oil leak created a large puddle under the vehicle and could pose a potential safety hazard due to loss of engine oil.

NHTSA #11723326

Cylinder head is cracked and leaking oil. The Cylinder head has an active warranty extension but Mazda only applies this to coolant leaks and not oil leaks. The root cause is a casting defect along with a exhaust manifold design issue that imparts undue stress onto the cylinder head causing cracks. The limitation of the warranty to the type of fluid that leaks rather than the failure due to design issues with the exhaust manifold and cylinder head does not make sense given that both components have been redesigned due to the prevalance of both coolant and oil leaks from cylinder head cracks. Problem has been confirmed by Quality Mazda Service departmetn on April 4, 2026 but no warranty coverage extended to repair the failure due to the fluid leak being oil and not coolant. No warnings or messages given prior to leaks. Leaks began at roughly 76,400 miles.

NHTSA #11735831

I am reporting a premature engine failure on my 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 55,000 miles. The vehicle developed a significant engine oil leak that was diagnosed by a repair facility as a casting failure in the cylinder head behind the timing cover. Due to the location of the leak and the nature of the defect, the entire cylinder head assembly had to be replaced. The total repair cost was $5,262.32, which I paid out of pocket. The repair documentation indicates that Mazda has issued a Technical Service Bulletin addressing this condition, but there is currently no recall or warranty extension covering the issue for my vehicle. A cylinder head casting failure at such low mileage appears premature and not consistent with normal wear and tear on a properly maintained engine. An engine oil leak of this nature could potentially create safety risks, including oil contamination of engine components or the possibility of oil leaking onto hot engine parts. Because this issue appears to be documented by Mazda through technical service guidance and has resulted in a costly major engine repair at relatively low mileage, I believe it should be investigated to determine whether a broader manufacturing defect exists that could affect other vehicles. I am submitting this complaint so that the issue is documented and can be evaluated for potential safety concerns or a future recall if similar failures are occurring in other vehicles.

NHTSA #11722147

The engine cylinder head cracked and is leaking engine oil. This component is available for inspection at Liberty Mazda or by an independent certified mechanic upon request. The cracked cylinder head caused significant engine oil leakage, which created the following safety risks: Sudden loss of engine power or stalling while driving Smoke emission from the engine bay Potential fire hazard if leaking oil contacted hot engine components These conditions placed both the driver, passengers, and others on the road at risk. The cracked cylinder head and associated oil leak were diagnosed and confirmed by Liberty Mazda, the authorized dealership that performed prior repairs on this vehicle. The dealership documented the issue and provided a repair estimate of approximately $5,400. No independent service center has inspected the vehicle at this time. The vehicle and cylinder head have only been inspected by Liberty Mazda. Mazda Corporate has not physically inspected the vehicle, but all service records and documentation of prior repairs have been submitted to them during the warranty dispute process. There has been no inspection by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties May 2025: The vehicle intermittently struggled to accelerate. At that time, no dashboard warning lamps illuminated, and the dealership initially reported no issues. June 2025: Following the timing cover repair, the vehicle experienced engine oil leakage due to incorrect sealant installation, which was documented. February 10, 2026: The dealership repaired the oil pan seal and replaced the sealant, refilling engine oil. February 14–15, 2026: Approximately four to five days after the February 10 service, the cylinder head cracked, causing a significant oil leak. All symptoms and related service events are documented in Liberty Mazda’s service records.

NHTSA #11720489

The head on the 2.4L engine of the 2019 Mazda CX5 has shown a manufacturing defect that Mazda has addressed in certain models, but not all of the models with this engine. This leaves a large amount of vehicle owners with the financial liability to pay out of pocket for Mazda's engineering and manufacturing defect that they know about. The oil leaks onto the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard. When driving our car, we cannot use outside air on the vents, A/C because the intake pulls in smoke coming from the engine compartment. I brought the car in today to Mazda and was denied any help in the repair, I am continuing with Mazda corporate to try and reach a resolution. Currently this will be roughly a $7000 repair. I do not have an estimate yet from the dealership.

NHTSA #11721866

I am being told there is a crack in the cylinder head that is a known issue for these vehicles. I have done some research online and it says that they installed defective cylinders in vehicles that were made between the years 2018-2020 leaving vehicle owners to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket due to a manufacturing defect. My car was smoking and smelling like something burnt even inside the car causing the driver to inhale those fumes, I took it to the shop and it turns out that the cylinder head is cracked and leaking the oil.

NHTSA #11709228

The vehicle has suffered a crack of the Cylinder Head Assembly which leads to engine oil leaking onto hot exhaust and fire hazard. This defect is officially documented by the manufacturer in Service Alert SA-031/21, which identifies a trend of aluminum heads cracking and leaking pressurized oil directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. Although Mazda has issued a 10-year/120,000-mile warranty extension (Program CSP11) for the exact same casting failure in its Turbo-equipped models, it has refused to provide similar "Goodwill" relief for my vehicle, despite it suffering from the identical engineering flaw. Mazda’s refusal to cover a verified latent manufacturing defect that poses a significant fire hazard is arbitrary and unfair. I am requesting that Mazda North American Operations provide full reimbursement for the $6,788.51 repair

NHTSA #11709993

While driving a short distance, my engine overheated and there was a strong burning smell. The cylinder head was cracked, causing a significant oil leak. The car is currently at the dealership but is available for inspection upon request. The defective cylinder head is leaking engine oil directly onto hot exhaust components. This creates an immediate risk of engine fire and causes smoke to enter the vehicle cabin, impairing visibility and driver health. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership. They confirmed the cylinder head is cracked and requires replacement. My mechanic advised this type of leak could lead to engine overheating, sudden power loss, or potential fire risk and should not be driven. Mazda has issued prior Technical Service Bulletins and warranty extensions for similar cylinder head/manifold cracking issues on the 2.5L turbo engine, but no program exists for the non-turbo engine, despite identical problems. Mazda should be held responsible for this safety issue. Mazda is aware of this manufacturing defect but has not recalled these engines to be repaired or replaced if they are outside of their warranty period, placing costly repairs and potentially life-threatening situations on their customers. The repair is replacement of the cylinder head/sleeve or replacement of the engine block, which has since been modified by Mazda to resolve this issue. Mazda’s refusal to extend reimbursement to non-turbo owners is unfair and leaves affected customers with no support for a known manufacturing flaw. I urge NHTSA to investigate this recurring engine defect in non-turbo 2019–2020 Mazda CX-5 models and encourage Mazda to offer equal reimbursement.

NHTSA #11703943

The Cyclinder Head cracked. This could cause the engine to fail, and leaving the driver on the highway or other unsafe locations of travel. The certified repair shop along with the insurance adjuster advised it was a manufacturing defect. The warning sign was an oil burning smell inside the vehicle while stationary and inside the garage.

NHTSA #11700305

Question 1 - What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer 1 - The Engine Cylinder Head. The cylinder head developed a crack, causing a significant oil leak. The car is currently at the dealership but is available for inspection upon request. Question 2 - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer 2 - The defective cylinder head is leaking engine oil directly onto hot exhaust components. This creates an immediate risk of engine fire and causes smoke to enter the vehicle cabin, impairing visibility and driver health. Additionally, the loss of engine fluids creates a risk of sudden engine failure or stalling at highway speeds. Question 3 - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center Answer 3 - Yes. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership. They confirmed the cylinder head is cracked and requires replacement. The dealership acknowledged the failure and offered a partial repair discount, confirming their diagnosis of the defect. Question 4 - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer 4 - Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership technician acting as a representative for the manufacturer. I have also escalated the issue to Mazda Corporate (case number can be provided upon request), who reviewed the dealership's findings but refused to cover the full repair cost. Question 5 - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer 5 - I noticed an oil leak on my driveway. I noticed it and brought it in to be looked at the first week of November 2025.

NHTSA #11702658

2019 Mazda CX5 has a cracked cylinder head. This is causing oil to leak out. The oil is leaking out onto the exhaust manifold which is causing the manifold to smoke and has the possibility to catch fire. Mazda is aware of this issue and issued CSP 11( customer service program). This does not cover the oil leak, only coolant leak. Several Class Action Lawsuits have been filed. Local Mazda dealership has inspected the car and confirmed the issue. The issue occurred suddenly with no warning. Again, Mazda is aware of this issue but has failed to issue a recall or service program to fix it, this is a dangerous issue as it can lead to a fire with the oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold.

NHTSA #11723140

In August 2025, we brought our Mazda CX-5 (non-turbo engine) to a Mazda service center and paid nearly $3,000 for repairs, including replacement of belts and other related service. Despite this, we continued to experience a burning smell from the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the problem escalated — the burning smell persisted and smoke began to appear. Mazda is now demanding an additional $4,500 to replace a cracked cylinder head. This defect must have been present when the car was serviced in August, and the initial repairs failed to identify or correct it. While there is an NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin for the turbo version of this engine, there are numerous complaints online about the same defect in the non-turbo model, which is what we own. This indicates that the problem is not isolated. Mazda should be held responsible for this safety issue. A cracked cylinder head that leads to burning smells and smoke is a serious hazard that could cause engine failure or even fire. Consumers should not be forced to spend thousands of dollars on repairs for what appears to be a widespread defect and when our vehicle has only $50k miles and it should last for the life of the vehicle.

NHTSA #11691028

Confirmed cracked cylinder by dealership, led to dumping of oil while vehicle was in motion on the highway. Vehicle/engine could have caught fire at any moment. There were no engine warnings that appeared on the dash. This is consistent with other CX-5 complaints on NHTSA. Vehicle had 55,000 miles on it at time of incident, and needed $8,000 worth of repair. Please recall!!

NHTSA #11693919

Cracked/Leaking Cylinder Head on my 2019 Mazda CX5. It is understood that Mazda has extended warranty for the Turbo Model (CSP11) of this car, but not the standard engine, even though they both are displaying the same issue in many 2019 CX5s. Quoted at $6000 for a vehicle under 90K Miles. Issue needs to be escalated.

NHTSA #11687965

Dealership service department found a cracked cylinder head. This issue has been reported to NHTSA by Mazda. The car is being serviced and this issue was found. I’m attaching photos and also report from dealership l.

NHTSA #11683712

Cracked Cylinder Head.

NHTSA #11683594

Timing cover oil leak. This is the same issue reported in technical bulletin #01-006/23 issued on 04/26/2023. There is oil leaking and the engine is smoking. No engine warning lights or other messages appeared. My car is a 2019 mazda CX-5 and has 31,954 miles. This problem has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and the dealer service center. On 08/22/2025, I took my vehicle to dealer service for the repair. I also submitted a ticket to Mazda care for review of the case.

NHTSA #11682520

The engine has an oil leak from the head. It is a common problem with this year and make. It is a manufacturer's defect called a porous head where oil leaks through the casting not a seal. I've already spent $2000 to repair but still leaks. Oil leaks onto the exhaust and smokes causing fumes in the inside of the car and can be a fire hazard. Mazda is well aware of the problem but has yet to address it.

NHTSA #11744167

My vehicle has 64k miles and has had regular maintenance - oil changes, etc. it has recently developed an oil leak. I took it to the dealer today & they said the cylinder head and gasket needs to be replaced. My car has not overheating or even run warm. I understand there are 2019 CX-5S that have had a casting issue with cylinder heads. I feel sure that’s what the issue is here yet they want almost $6k to repair my vehicle!

NHTSA #11663159

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the engine oil level was low was displayed. The contact stated that oil was added to the engine; however, the next day the message reoccurred. The contact stated that later while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who confirmed oil leaking from the engine, but the cause of the oil leak was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 96,600.

NHTSA #11661388

Unknown. Ticking noise on engine.

NHTSA #11657031

At 30,000 miles car began leaking oil severely and was told that the engine block was cracked and needed to be replaced. There are numerous complaints of this same issue online happening just after the warranty has expired. The cost of repair is $6000.

NHTSA #11657420

Cracked cylinder head. Major oil leak. Oil light came on but then turned off. No other warning light. No engine light came on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis.

NHTSA #11647768

The engine cylinder head cracked before the vehicle hit 50,000 miles. This caused oil to leak and burn in the engine compartment, leading to a burning smell coming into the cabin. Once enough oil had been lost, I got a low oil pressure light. I immediately pulled over and noticed white smoke was coming out from under my hood, and the smell of burning oil was quite strong. The problem has been confirmed by my mazda dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance. Just the dealer. The vehicle is currently at the dealer, and the cylinder head would need to be removed for inspection if requested. The smell of burning oil was the only early symptom, though I did not recognize it at the time.

NHTSA #11654488

I had my vehicle looked at and found a cracked cylinder head on #3 and did some research of people having the same issues. I was driving when the vehicle started smoking it turns out the oil coming out of cylinder #3 flows down the driver and passenger side behind the exhaust manifold which can lead to a fire. My car only has a little over 80,000 miles and this should not happen around that low of a mile vehicle. I believe this is an issue that needs attention.

NHTSA #11650383

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving up on incline at 45 MPH, the engine shut off with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to pull the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coil. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer with an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. While at the dealer, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for repairs unrelated to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was a 129,000.

NHTSA #11652845

The cylinder head on my 2019 Mazda CX-5 failed prematurely due to a known defect. The vehicle is currently at Fred Beans Mazda in Mechanicsburg, PA, where the issue has been diagnosed and confirmed. The defective component is available for inspection upon request. This failure created a serious safety risk due to an oil leak, which led to smoking from the engine bay and a potential fire hazard. If the oil had ignited, this could have caused severe vehicle damage or injury. Additionally, the failure could lead to a sudden loss of power while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, and Mazda has been contacted regarding assistance. They have acknowledged the issue but have not provided full coverage for the repair. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights or messages. The only symptom was an oil leak, which led to smoke coming from the engine. This issue appears to be a common problem with this model, and Mazda should take responsibility for addressing it properly before it causes serious harm.

NHTSA #11646253

This concerns a 2019 Mazda CX5 with approximately 52,000 miles - the engine of this vehicle is the 2.5L naturally aspirated version. Driving the vehicle with the HVAC system on resulted in a burning oil smell coming through to the cabin. Upon owner inspection, engine oil was seen as coating the underside of the vehicle in various areas. The oil pan drain plug and oil filter were both found to be tight and not leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to a nearby Mazda dealership for inspection on 2/26/2025. On 2/27/2025, Mazda technicians state that the cylinder head on the vehicle engine requires replacement. Replacement is quoted to be in excess of $5000. Reviewing the issue online shows numerous similar cases of engine cylinder head failure. This vehicle comes equipped with cylinder deactivation which seems to have a higher rate of failure regarding cylinder heads and a potential design flaw with cylinder heads manufactured in a time frame of 2018-2020. Leaking oil could potentially start a fire as the oil drips onto the exhaust manifold when the car is at operating temperature.

NHTSA #11645329

The cylinder head in the engine cracked while I was driving. The vehicle was leaking oil profusely and was down a quart after the oil had been changed the week prior. There were no warning lights or indication and I had just had the vehicle in the dealership the week before. I'm a disabled driver that requires hand controls so if I needed to exit the vehicle and move away from it it would not be possible. It's been at the dealership since 2/24/25. I have found numerous other people that have experienced the same issue online.

NHTSA #11646912

Valve cover develops crack causing significant loss of oil resulting in seizing of engine with the potential of serious accident and potential loss of life.

NHTSA #11651964

While driving the vehicle, I started smelling a burning smell about 10 days ago (2/17). I also felt a slightly reduced engine performance and could see the car emitting smoke from the engine bay. I had no warning lights on my dash. For all I know, the engine could've blown while I was driving on the road. Upon taking the vehicle to the dealership 2 days ago (2/25), they informed that my car has a cracked cylinder head, and there was no apparent reason why this would happen. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership thus far and I was quoted $5,700 to fix the issue. Upon looking up the problem, I see this is a common issue, with many having experienced it before, but no TSBs issued for this. There is a CSP issued for vehicles of the same year, but limited to the Turbo version on the engine. Unfortunately, I do not have any warranty on the car currently.

NHTSA #11645265

Engine has a crack in the head, well under 100,000 miles. It's a known defect but Mazda refuses to do anything about it. It is currently a very expensive paperweight sitting under our carport.

NHTSA #11723966

Oil started leaking while car was idling causing smoke to enter the cabin as well as all under the hood. Car was undriveable at this point. She was lucky there was no traffic. Car had to be towed and cylinder head was cracked. Mazda has a known faulty cylinder head problem they have refused to fix and this caused a safety issue. Vehicle will not be able to be inspected as we had it towed to get fixed immediately. The service center did confirm this is the issue and there were no prior issues before this.

NHTSA #11637185

I own a 2019 Mazda cx 5 and it has 78,000 miles. I noticed smoke coming from the engine and a lot of oil leaking on the ground. I brought the car into my independent service center and they confirmed that there was a crack in the engine cylinder head. There is a TSA # SA-031-21 on this problem. I feel that my safety was at risk, since the engine could have seized while driving. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps or messages were displayed, however there was a strong odor of burning oil. This problem occurred on 1/9/25 and it has been in the service center since.

NHTSA #11635920

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 suddenly developed a major oil leak within the last 7 days. My car has only 44,350 miles and I have had all scheduled and required maintenance completed timely, including oil/filter changes, coolant level checking and maintenance, etc. I took the car to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the problem as a cracked cylinder head. I then took the car to a local Mazda dealer who confirmed the diagnosis and informed me that there would be no warranty coverage as my 60,000 mile/60 month powertrain warranty had expired 60 days earlier. Some two years earlier my car's check engine light came on and overheated. I took it to the same local dealer, who replaced the coolant control valve & related components. In November 2024 I received a "Warranty Extension Program" letter from Mazda about the same fail-safe thermostat problem. I believe this is relevant and related to the cracked cylinder head since almost all instances of a cracked cylinder head are due to engine overheating. This issue put me at risk as I was close to driving the car with no oil and oil leaking heavily onto very hot engine components that could have resulted in a fire. I am now facing repairs to this car between $4,800 and $6,000 and given the faulty/defective cylinder head from Mazda, I could face this safety issue again, as it will be replaced with a similar cylinder head from Mazda!

NHTSA #11633924

As I was driving, a burning smell emanated from the car. There were no check engine lights on. When I pulled over, I saw a lot of smoke coming from the engine. I checked the oil level and it was above the minimum line bit just barely, even though my husband had just done an oil change on it. I refilled the oil and continued on my trip. The problem repeated for several dqays until I got home and took it to the Mazda dealership. They reported the following: "Cylinder Head Assembly: oil leaking out of back of head, recommend replacing cylinder head and related gaskets. The cylinder head sits above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. It closes in the top of the cylinder, forming the combustion chamber. This joint is sealed by a head gasket. In most engines, the head also provides space for the passages that feed air and fuel to the cylinder, and that allow the exhaust to escape." This service is $5600! My car only has 80K miles on it. This is a safety issue because there was no warning. No check engine light appeared and there was no warning.

NHTSA #11635981

Engine block cracked, passenger cabin filled with noxious odder. Vehicle was suddenly leaking oil at high rate.

NHTSA #11634975

The 2019 has a creaked cylinder with 40000 miles on it. This is a problem with that has been happening. We are 4 months out of the warranty with May 2024.

NHTSA #11631605

My Mazda CX-5 was found to have a cracked cylinder in the engine and was profusely leaking oil. When I spoke to the dealership they denied seeing this regularly, however, upon doing research on reddit, it is found to be more pronounced than indicated. There was no known cause indicated, however, on reddit it appears that the original casting done in Mexico maybe the culprit because it is so thin and causes it to crack between 40-50k miles. There is no other sign or warnings, besides an obscene amount of oil leaking. The failure of this could cause the engine to fail while driving. This is a significant risk.

NHTSA #11631310

Vehicle has 40k after a oil change noticed oil spots on pavement took it back to the garage that did the task, was told that the leak was near cylinder #2. Called Mazda customer service and was informed that my warranty expired in May of 2024. my mechanic called Mazda parts to get the price of cylinder head and was told that they had a run on cylinder heads due to defective heads coming from the Factory, SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE MAZDA.

NHTSA #11629000

This car has less than 37,000 miles on it it has significant oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, it’s timing cover gasket and now it had been determined it has a cracked cylinder head. This was covered by 3 Service alerts with the cracked cylinder head being SA-031/21. None of the dealers notified us of the issue when serviced Galpin Mazda and New Century Mazda. But Big O Tires did. The two oil leak gasket repairs cost over $1600. The car is 8 months past warranty. The car is burning oil when driven. Due to the leak and the smoke particles and smell enter the cabin. The engine smokes when shut down instill it cold down. The smoke particles in the cabin are dangerous. The engine oil light appeared in late November (my daughter’s car, she is away at college). We found out the depth of the oil leak issues the second and fourth week of December. The fact that the dealers did not notice us or do preemptive repairs is a major failure by the Mazda organization.

NHTSA #11632866

Brought 2019 Cx-5 to local dealer with complaint of strong smell and smoke coming from hood. Cracked cylinder head at only 21k miles. Known flaw for this particular make and model. Only 6 months out of warranty. Mazda refuses to make it right and only extended warranty for turbo engines. Mazda needs to make this right for ALL engines with this issue.

NHTSA #11631664

Car was purchased in June 2019. Car started smelling like burning oil and started finding oil pooling under the car around November 2024. At time the incident was discovered, car only had 38k miles. There was no warning lights or indication there was an issue other than the smell and small pool of oil under car. The Mazda service manager immediately knew what the issue was and told me they were going to confirm with a full inspection and diagnosis. I was told that I have a cracked cylinder head and I will need to have it replaced. Warranty ended few months prior so they will not cover. I was told it would cost $4589.76. The Mazda service department told me that this is a common issue and to hold off on repair and contact Mazda corporate since warranty just ended. They topped off my oil and told me to keep an eye on the oil level and to wait to hear back from Mazda corporate.I submitted a case with Mazda and the customer care specialist told me that they cannot guarantee they will cover this. Within a week, the temperatures got colder and issue got worse. Low oil light came on, topped off with oil. Lost 4 quarts in one day. Called Mazda service and they told me to top off oil and come drop car off immediately. Upon researching this issue, the cracking of cylinder heads in Mazda CX-5 vehicles, particularly those with the 2.5-liter (NA) engine were widespread and discussed in online forum. The contributing factors of the issue point to a design flaw of the cylinder head due to the cylinder deactivation technology and a manufacturing defect due to the cylinder head casting process based on reports and discussions within the automotive community. A TSB (SA-013/22) has been released for the affected cylinder head with a modified replacement. This seems to be a significant and widespread issue that can cause entire engine to fail and require full replacement. Oil leaking on to the hot exhaust near other engine parts could ignite and put myself or others at risk.

NHTSA #11635169

The head gasket cover is leaking leading to a great deal of smoke. The car should not be driven per my mechanic due to risk of fire

NHTSA #11622847

I have 115k miles on my 2019 CX5. Never has any issues. Now all of a sudden I have a cracked cylinder head leaking oil. I was smelling smoke but mot seeing it. I took into dealership they noticed oil dripping thus why smell. Its a $4500-5000 job. I cannot afford this. This should not happen at this kind of mileage. My warranty just expired too. Mazda needs to cover these type of repairs

NHTSA #11621885

Cracked cylinder head requiring replacement at 62,000 miles.

NHTSA #11618569

CX5 Cylinder head cracked at 53,500 miles. Was driving when received engine overheating and pull over immediately warning. The car smelled like maple syrup as it was engine coolant burning. Took it to the dealership and they informed me of the cylinder failure. It is currently awaiting parts and its not under warranty.

NHTSA #11619074

At 49k miles and 4 months out of warranty, the car began leaking oil and smelling like smoke. The dealer diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head and repaired it.

NHTSA #11619514

While driving, I received a warning that the engine in my car was overheating. Upon arriving home and parking, I noticed pooling under the car. My car was due for an oil change so the next day I dropped off the car for the oil change and mentioned the overheating message and leak to the technician thinking the fix would be routine. To my surprise, I was told my vehicle had a serious coolant leak related to a cracked cylinder. I was advised to take the vehicle to a Mazda dealer. Morrie's Mazda in Minnetonka, MN confirmed the cracked cylinder head which required a full engine replacement despite the car being only ~5 years old and having ~63,000 miles. Mazda had issued a technical service bulletin on this issue but had not issued a recall. As a result, I was left with a large repair bill to replace the engine in a relatively new car. This is a serious issue and I feel Mazda put my life and others in jeopardy by not recalling vehicles and letting customers drive with the risk of the engine overheating.

NHTSA #11617780

Coolant leaks at cylinder head on 2019 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve. Mazda North American Operations released a technical service bulletin (01-013/21) regarding 2016-2020 Mazda CX-5, CX-9, and Mazda6 with SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engines. This issue can cause the engine to leak coolant, overheat, and stall, potentially leaving the driver and passengers stranded in an unsafe location. Mazda is aware of this manufacturing defect but has not recalled these engines to be repaired or replaced if they are outside of their manufacturers warranty period and placing costly repairs and potentially life-threatening situations as the responsibility to their customers. The diagnosis to repair this issue is a replacement of the cylinder head/sleeve or replacement of the engine block, which has since been modified by Mazda to resolve this issue. This is a costly repair for diagnostics, labor hours, and parts and Mazda is refusing to be held responsible for these defects outside of the power train warranty period. Mazda customer support advised this will only be potentially covered if diagnostics are completed at a Mazda dealership and does not provide any assistance if the customer uses a non-Mazda affiliated repair shop. Messaging on the dash console advised excessive heat and thermostat was nearing 260°F

NHTSA #11616241

Started smelling smoke randomly and discovered an apparent oil leak in the engine. Mechanic inspected and noted that it appears to be an issue relating to the cylinder head/head gasket, which is in line with a technical services bulletin put out by Mazda several years ago for this make/model/year for a known design flaw that can result in catastrophic engine failure. I am just outside the five year warranty but well under the 60,000 miles, so expecting them to tell me they won't cover the repair even though this should have been a recall due to the potential outcome. I cannot drive the vehicle until this is repaired because it can cause engine fires (or worse).

NHTSA #11616035

My vehicle started smoking and I smelled a oil burning smell coming through the vents. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they diagnosed it with a cracked cylinder head. The repair estimate is $4,900. It is a 2019 with less than 60,000 miles, but it is a few months out of the powertrain warranty. However, this is a KNOWN issue to Mazda. As I have been researching online, many Mazda CX-5 owners have reported the same issue and I believe Mazda has traced it back to defective manufacturing in a batch of these parts. My local mechanic has also told us that he has seen this issue with 2019 Mazda CX-5s and recommended we report them. Mazda SHOULD issue a recall, but I understand that is expensive for them. At the very least, they should alerting drivers to this possibility and voluntarily repairing these cylinders without cost to unsuspecting drivers who could end up with an engine fire. I have submitted a complaint to Mazda customer service and I am awaiting a response.

NHTSA #11613576

There is a coolant leak at the cylinder head. We have been told that the cylinder is cracked at the back of the cylinder head where the exhaust ports meet. The dealer's technician said there is a "redesign" in the cylinder head. This is a known issue that is a defect apparently due to Mazda's design of securing the turbo on exhaust studs that are not designed to hold the weight. Why has there not been a recall? There is a Mazda TSB - 01-013/21, issued 10/15/2021 Verbal estimate from dealer for repair - over $7,000

NHTSA #11614947

This report is for a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the Naturally Aspirated/Non-Turbo engine. This vehicle only has 26,500 miles and has developed a major oil leak from a cracked Cylinder Head. The continued safety of the vehicle has been degraded. The engine could seize while driving making the vehicle inoperable while on roadways. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by both an independent service center and by an authorized dealer service center. The only warning lamp that appeared was a low oil light. I immediately pulled over for safety and inspected the oil levels of the engine. I determined the engine oil levels were just below the fill line on the dip stick. I then added approximately half a quart of recommended oil and the oil warning light turned off. I then contacted a local service center for diagnostics of the problem. They determined the cause of the oil leak which was a Cracked Cylinder Head on the Engine. I then drove the vehicle to an authorized Mazda service center at the dealership. They also diagnosed the problem as a Cracked Cylinder Head on the Engine. Both the independent service center and the authorized Mazda service center recommended a full Engine replacement.

NHTSA #11610809

The 2019 Mazda CX5 GT started to make a clicking noise coming from the engine. After much investigation online, sharing multiple resources of videos and sound this seems to be the hydraulic lash adjusters for this specific year and model. Unfortunately this is outside the normal warranty and wasn't noticed until now. The car was inspected by local independent service center. This would pose risk to my family and others if the vehicle seized to work properly. There were no warnings given other than the clicking noise and inspected.

NHTSA #11604422

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was oil leaking from the main gasket and referred the contact to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA #11607350

Crack head leaking oil

NHTSA #11590013

The Cylinder head cracked and caused oil to spill out. This was inspected at Towne Mazda in Orchard Park, NY. I was driving ~50 miles when the issue occurred, and had driven approximately 40 of the 50 miles when me and my sister pulled over and noticed my engine smoking and the burning smell to be pungent. Had I not pulled over, It could have led to engine misfire and damage to other parts of my vehicle. The Dealer confirmed the need for a new cylinder head and parts, and is currently repairing the vehicle. The Component was not recently inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance. During the course of driving, after about ~35 miles, the oil pressure light turned on. I drove roughly 5 more miles before I pulled the car over to have it towed to my Mazda dealership.

NHTSA #11584772

Engine is ticking and shaking at idle more than normal Rest unknown

NHTSA #11579048

Had a constant Valve tick on cold starts and sometimes while running long periods. Oil level top offs and changes did not remedy the issue. Mechanic says it's a bad valve lash adjuster.

NHTSA #11578393

I developed a cracked cylinder head in my 2019 Mazda CX-5 that only had 33,000 miles on it. I lost approximately 50% of my oil in a 4 mile drive. I believed I had been leaking oil, checked the dipstick, drove 4 miles (max speed of 35 mph), smelled the burning oil, pulled over, saw smoke coming from the hood and checked the dipstick again. Losing this much oil is a safety risk with the possibility of a fire especially if driving at a faster speed and inability to have a safe place to pull over along with smoke from the burning oil causing visibility issues which at higher speeds such as on an interstate can cause a safety concern. No indicator lights/messages appeared, this was determined from seeing what I thought was oil on the ground and then checking the dipstick. Mazda is well aware of the issue. When picking up the car for the dealership after being fixed, I asked what kind of parts were used to ensure this does it happen again. The shop employee said they were “revamped” parts due to the known issue with this model and pointed out 4 other Mazda cx5s currently in the shop with the same issue getting repaired.

NHTSA #11572881

My engine started smoking while I was driving fast got out of car oil leaking everywhere there was a crack in the cylinder head, another few minutes of driving and the car could have burst into flames seems like it’s a common issue with Mazda cx5 a quick google search has shown me I’m not the only one with this issue, worst thing about it is Mazda refused to fix it.

NHTSA #11567484

My engine suddenly started smelling like burning oil. I was due for an oil change and needed it immediately so I went to a quick oil change shop. They told me oil was sprayed all over the engine and I should take it to the dealer. It's been at Napleton Auto Park in Urbana, Illinois for a week and they finally diagnosed a cracked cylinder head. They said it could take up to 2 months to repair and they're checking to see if it's covered by my warranty.

NHTSA #11558427

Cracked cylinder head which caused engine to leak oil and smoke

NHTSA #11556343

Noticed the smell of burning oil in the cab on 30 mile drive. No warning lamps or other symptoms; vehicle continued to operate normally. After parking and inspecting the engine for the burning smell, noticed oil dripping from underneath engine bay and a pool of motor oil was forming on the ground underneath the vehicle. The next day, vehicle was brought to local Mazda dealer for inspection. They diagnosed the cause and stated the engine needs a cylinder head replacement. Oil leakage was so prolific, if this were to occur during a long distance drive, the engine would have lost all of the oil and stranded motorist - safety concern. Cylinder head failure is a known issue (Mazda TSB [XXX] ) with this engine. This known safety issue should trigger a recall. At minimum, the repair should covered by manufacturer for life of vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11552624

Cracked cylinder head with oil leaking. There were no warning from my car prior to a diagnostic test. The car has a very strong rubber burning smell and white smoke comes out from the engine part before I took my car back to the Mazda Dealer. From a quick search, the cracked cylinder problem seems widespread with the 2018-2021's Mazda Cx-5. Took the car back to the dealer and dealer replaced the head cylinder and gaskets. There were no warning from the car.

NHTSA #11548816

Electrical System13 complaints

Summary of Issue: The infotainment system in my 2019 Mazda CX-5 has been malfunctioning for a long period of time, and the issue has now escalated to the point where the system is unsafe and distracting while driving. Details: The infotainment screen intermittently “ghosts” and activates functions on its own—clicking through menus, changing settings, and moving erratically without any driver input. The system has also frozen and rebooted while the vehicle is in motion. This creates a serious distraction and safety concern. I previously reported this issue to the dealership, where they attempted a reset and told me to come back if the problem returned. The issue persisted and worsened. I recently returned, and the dealership diagnosed a communication failure between the CMU and the infotainment screen. However, they cannot identify any cause, and the screen itself has no physical damage and has never been struck. Mazda has declined to cover this under warranty, even though this appears to be an internal failure of components that should not fail at this mileage. Additionally, infotainment failures in Mazda vehicles have been the subject of prior complaints and service bulletins. Safety Concern: The malfunction causes the screen to operate unpredictably while driving, which distracts from the road and creates a risk of an accident. Because the system controls access to vehicle settings, Bluetooth, audio, navigation, and backup camera interfaces, the failure presents a potential safety defect. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this infotainment / CMU communication failure is a broader defect affecting 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles, as dealerships cannot identify the cause and the failure poses a clear distraction hazard.

NHTSA #11702990

This is a complete electrical system failure. My screen continues scroll All Systems fails. At least it is not draining the battery again. I have had to replace the battery 2 times in the last 6 months. Maybe CarMax sold me a "lemon". . I received a recall notice, however when I spoke with the service department at the Bob Mazda dealership in Carlsbad and they told me that the recall on my vehicle is closed. I can come in for repairs, but at my own expense. I have only owned this vehicle for 6 months in which 2 months I was in the hospital recovering from a major surgery. When I get in my car and start it, if it starts the "blue" light is on every time, which is apparently Thermostat. After about 20 minutes or so the light turns off, sometimes 30 minutes. The next part is the scrolling malfunctions. It lists about everything on the car. I am [XXX] and live in Baja. I live in a very safe, gated with a security guard neighborhood, however I am scared of going any due to my car issues and being stranded. I also really need to cross the border to see my doctor but I am afraid. When you have to replace 2 batteries in 6 months and I have only driven under 5,000 since I purchased the car. Mazda needs to make me whole. My car also only has 24,000 and when I bought it had20,000 miles. There is something seriously wrong, actually multiple things are wrong with my 2019 Mazda. A person should never be afraid to get in the vehicle due to safety issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11650634

While driving, the infotainment screen went crazy! It randomly changed screens rapidly, and the navigation voice started talking loudly about changing volume level, and repeatedly. Very distracting and dangerous.

NHTSA #11650403

Show 10 more

The touchscreen digitizer on the Mazda Connect infotainment system has developed a known defect causing constant phantom/ghost touch inputs. The screen registers random touches without any physical contact, causing the system to navigate through menus, change vehicle settings (including safety-related settings such as blind spot monitoring and heads-up display), exit navigation mid-route, change radio stations, and initiate phone calls to contacts without driver input while connected to Apple CarPlay. This is a significant driver distraction and safety hazard. When the system begins making random inputs, the driver must divert attention from the road to attempt to regain control of the infotainment system or end unintended phone calls. The issue occurs most frequently when the vehicle is stopped or at low speeds but also affects the system while driving. This is a well-documented hardware defect affecting 2017-2020 CX-5 models, acknowledged by Mazda under TSB 09-003/22. The cause is a failing touchscreen digitizer, not a software issue. Mazda has not issued a formal recall despite widespread reports. The component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer for this specific issue. No warning lamps or messages preceded the failure — the phantom touch inputs developed gradually and have worsened to the point that the infotainment system is nearly unusable. Current mileage is approximately 60,000-80,000 miles.

NHTSA #11718237

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel independently switched between features. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee, the contact declined. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA #11738641

Infotainment screen malfunctions, pressing buttons by itself.

NHTSA #11619242

Just as the recall issued for the 2014-2016 the Mazda Connect Touch Screen continues to be an issue for most owners with this Infosystem. Mine for two years since I bought it will do the “ghost touch” on its own, literally operating on its own. My settings change on their own, doing such things as the volume on its own going from a normal tone to blasting, causing such alarm that I’ve nearly gone off the road. My back up screen brightness changes on its own, causing a real safety concern of running into something or someone. This is just two examples…all of the functions go “haywire” and just change at any unexpected time. This issue can be seen over and over online by Mazda owners. And I’ve reached out to Mazda themselves who state they are not aware of any issue, yet the dealerships are well aware of this dangerous issue and quickly know exactly what the issue is when you explain what the car is doing and let you know that for $1200 they can replace the info system. I just don’t see how they can have this issue since at least 2014 and continue to sell cars with the same issue a recall was issued for. It’s so dangerous.

NHTSA #11592273

The video display board does not work properly. It randomly changes settings while driving and is very distracting and does not allow the GPS to work properly. It changes radio and display settings and any setting prev set. It cycles through them and randomly changes them The dealer (Kings Mazda in Cincinnati Ohio) stated that this is happening frequently in Mazdas and will cost over $400 for an after market fix and over $1000 for a Mazda fix. It is VERY distracting while driving

NHTSA #11604283

The electrical system malfunctions repeatedly. The volume on the navigation will set to maximum by itself. This is alarming and poses a safety risk. It also randomly texts people detailed location information of the driver. This is a safety risk for minors and people in abusive relationships or with a PFA order. It appears to be a common problem with this car.

NHTSA #11578338

The infotainment screen is malfunctioning and acts on it own. Random parts of the screen are touched on its own creating a lot of distractions. Examples are changing of screens, settings, ending my navigation, calling contacts etcetera. This is a huge safety hazard and Mazda dealerships are charging for diagnosis for a commonly known issue, claiming the cause is unknown, despite numerous posts and threads online linking this to a screen delaminiation issue.

NHTSA #11584063

The display screen appears to initiate "ghost actions". It will change songs, put phone calls on mute/hang up, change display settings etc. on its own. I looked this issue up online and it seems to be very common with 2017 and newer Mazdas. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they wanted to charge me $150 for a diagnosis and another $500 for a screen repair. I decided not to do it because all of the threads online stated that this didn't fix the issue so no diagnosis was made. It doesn't put me at extreme risk but it is very distracting when I am using maps or CarPlay.

NHTSA #11612892

There is a known “ghost touch” issue with this vehicle. I did not realize that until recently but the infotainment screen will randomly activate when at low speeds and/or stopped. This has caused distractions while driving as sometimes it will actually initiate phone calls on its own. Mazda has a technical service bulletin on this but has issued no recall

NHTSA #11562343

Power folding mirrors do not fully close or extend during wet weather. This leaves the side mirrors visibility obstructed and could cause accident. This is a known issue and a recall should be immediately issued to remedy this dangerous defective part. Mazda technical service bulletin 09-011/20

NHTSA #11562048

Power Train,Engine12 complaints

The vehicle's cylinder head has developed a structural crack at on the casting, a known manufacturing defect identified by the manufacturer in Service Advisory SA-037/23. This failure is causing pressurized engine oil to leak directly onto the hot exhaust manifold while the vehicle is in operation. The leaking oil is pooling on high-temperature exhaust components, creating a significant risk of fire while driving. The leak generates heavy smoke and noxious burning oil fumes that are entering the passenger cabin through the HVAC system, causing respiratory issues

NHTSA #11718171

My VIN indicates the 2.5L non-turbo SKYACTIV engine. Many 2019 CX-5 Touring models with this engine used cylinder deactivation, which is the version that has had some cylinder head cracking complaints. The engine type has documented failures my mileage (96k) is not extremely high for an engine The repair cost is very high (5,500) Mazda is refusing to help me out of goodwill assistance and ive only had the car for a year. They know this is a problem and fixed it for the turbos but not the non turbos! This is ridiculous, i expected a car to last more than 96k miles this can cause a fire or a stall and can cause a crash

NHTSA #11722300

On 12/10/25, my 2019 CX5 NA had major oil leak after smelling a burning smell for a few days. Took it into local mechanic and he couldn’t find the leak, did an engine wash and additional testing before identifying a crack in the cylinder head; the leak was coming from the exhaust manifold. There was oil all over the engine and the underbelly of the vehicle; according to the mechanic, I was lucky the car didn’t start on fire with the amount of oil. I was informed that this is a common problem with the turbos and the NAs but the extended warranty only included the turbo engines. Contacted Mazda customer experience and set up an appointment. Vehicle went to the Mazda dealership on 12/15 and it was confirmed that there was a crack in the cylinder head and received an estimate of $11,000 needed for repairs. $7000 of that was for a new cylinder head. This was after an independent mechanic inspected my vehicle and stated everything looked good besides the main issue and needing new rear breaks in the next few months. 12/15-contacted Mazda customer experience and and case file was opened. 12/16-contacted customer experience back due to not receiving a call and received the name and extension of the assigned case manager. 12/17- still had not received a call back and left voicemail for case manager. Requested a call back to myself and the dealership; received a call back a few hours later and I was never asked what happened but was informed that Mazda corporate could not help me due to the warranty being expired. I am now required to pay over $250 to the dealership for an inspection of the vehicle I never requested. There were initially no warning signs but then the low oil light came on after 3 days of smelling something burning.

NHTSA #11705720

Show 9 more

The 2019 CX-5 AWD with the 2.5L NA engine (with Cylinder Deactivation) has an engine oil leak coming from the cylinder head area. The Mazda dealer confirmed the leak source and found burnt oil on the exhaust. The component is available for inspection. The leak location and symptoms are consistent with the known porous/cracked cylinder-head defect documented in this engine family. Full confirmation requires teardown. In early Dec 2025, a burning oil smell began, then thick white smoke came from under the hood while driving and after stopping. This created an immediate fire risk, and rapid oil loss could cause sudden engine failure or stall in traffic. The issue was inspected and confirmed by an independent mechanic, who noted the leak could only be traced after removing the exhaust manifold. The Mazda dealership then inspected it and confirmed the leak source at the cylinder-head area and the burnt oil residue. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by both the independent mechanic and the Mazda dealer. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the smoke. Mazda has an extended warranty program for the same cylinder-head defect on the Turbo engine, but no equivalent coverage exists for the NA engine, despite the identical safety risks.

NHTSA #11704576

What component or system failed: The cylinder head failed due to cracking around the exhaust manifold, resulting in exhaust and coolant leakage. My independent mechanic and the Mazda dealer both confirmed this was the source of the burning smell and engine risk. The failed parts are currently in the possession of the Mazda dealership and available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The failure created a strong burning rubber smell inside and outside the vehicle while driving. My mechanic advised this type of leak could lead to engine overheating, sudden power loss, or potential fire risk if not caught early. I frequently transport children in the vehicle, and the unexpected engine damage posed a significant safety concern. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed: Yes. The issue was first diagnosed by an independent, certified mechanic and then confirmed by the Mazda dealership, who determined the cylinder head had to be replaced due to premature cracking and leakage. Has the vehicle/component been inspected: Yes. The vehicle has been fully inspected by an independent mechanic and the Mazda dealership service department. The dealership stated the failed cylinder head will be sent to Mazda for engineering review. Were there any warning lamps or symptoms before failure: There were no warning lights or error messages prior to the failure - which is alarming. The only initial symptom was a strong burning rubber smell that began shortly before the diagnosis. No overheating warnings appeared on the dash before the problem was confirmed. Additional context: The vehicle has 40,000 miles, has been fully maintained according to schedule, and is garage-kept. The Mazda service department acknowledged this failure is unusual and premature. Mazda has issued prior Technical Service Bulletins and warranty extensions for similar cylinder head/manifold cracking issues on the 2.5L turbo engine, but no program exists for the non-turbo engine, despite identical symptoms.

NHTSA #11701184

Just got diagnosed with cracked cylinder head. After looking on social media, it appears this is a thing for the model years 2018 and 2019. Bad casting? Anyway I believe this should be a voluntary recall to correct such a flawed engine. I bought this new from a Mazda dealership and kept it up to date with service only through the dealer. The 60 month/60,000 mile drive train warranty ran out last July. However I only have 50,000 miles on the car...babied.

NHTSA #11659396

UNKNOWN. Vehicle stalls and jumps when I step on the gas pedal or try to increase speed.

NHTSA #11608411

I had just had my car serviced for 30k services and about 2 months later smoke was coming out of my engine after driving. Took it in and it turned out to be a cracked cylinder head. None of my lights were on indicating there was an issue either. I was told this is a known issue with Mazda and should be a recall but there still isn’t one. TSB#SA-031-21

NHTSA #11593337

Had the sudden onset of strong exhaust fumes in the cabin as others have described - especially when idling at a light. Returned to dealer after having it up on a rack to find oil dripping everywhere (shield underneath prevents from seeing drops when parked) - got word today it is indeed the cylinder head assembly. How is oil running on hot exhaust not a fire concern? I had to roll my windows down for fresh air in zero degree weather the fumes were so strong inside the vehicle. On top of that the P0126 (thermostat stuck open) diagnostic code is back for the second year in a row after having the “fix” installed under warranty last year.

NHTSA #11569398

The 2019 CX-5 has approximately 31086 miles. It was discovered that the cylinder head is cracked and causing the car to leak oil.

NHTSA #11560422

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 cylinder head cracked at only 60,000 miles. I noticed my breaks were smoking and stopped driving. I then noticed oil leaking from my engine which had blown into my breaks, causing the smoke. There was no check engine indicator on my dashboard, nor did it indicate that my engine had overheated. There was no indication that there was any issues with the vehicle until i noticed the smoke coming from my brakes. I towed the vehicle to the Captial Mazda Dealership in San Jose, CA. Per Mazda Dealership Repair Estimate: "cylinder head cracked by cylinders 2 and 3". When i asked the dealership service center why this happened, their only response was it was a engine failure and that "over time the cylinder can become warped and crack" and while it that doesn't happen often "it can happen" I asked if there was anything I did that caused this, their only response was "i can check with the technician again". Apparently I did not purchase the "extended warranty" so while the repairs are no fault of my own, I have to pay the $6,000 repair cost.

NHTSA #11557478

Smoke coming out from hood, upon looking at it we found oil leak, took to nearest service shop and found cracks in engine head. Brought car to the dealer ship for further inspection and repairs.

NHTSA #11555132

Other11 complaints

While operating the vehicle it will randomly start changing infotainment system settings. The radio station settings change, navigation maps will pop up and unprompted phone calls will be initiated. Each action is followed by a “beep.” Very distracting and requires actions that take focus away from operating the vehicle.

NHTSA #11680038

My infotainment system regularly ghost jumps between screens and adjusts the volume of music (both on CarPlay and regular radio) by itself. The car turns off CarPlay regularly, including the navigation, which is dangerous when you are not sure where you are going. The sound is the worst part of it, as it will change the volume to unhealthy levels without warning. Even turning it off does not stop the jumping, as it turns itself back on. While Mazada did provide an extended warranty for this exact problem, they will not cover the display which they allege is the problem in my car and told me it is a $600 replacement fee that I am fully responsible for, even though their screen does not work. This issue is all over the internet with Mazda refusing to fix it but it's an issue that can cause serious safety issues (with navigation failing and especially with unexpected volume changes). There is no rhyme or reason to when it happens and when it doesn't. It will be fine for a few days and then not work at all for a day. This has been ongoing for about a year. My car has about 55,000 miles on it.

NHTSA #11669052

While driving on a 75 degree and sunny day my Sunroof exploded. There were no cars around that could have thrown debris up. Luckily I had the shade cover closed or I would have been showered with broken glass.

NHTSA #11664483

Show 8 more

With only 60k miles on my car which I regularly take in for maintenance, my car started to leak a ton of oil. It was determined that the cylinder head is cracked. This should not happen on a car this new and maintained. In doing research, this seems to be a common occurrence with this year.

NHTSA #11646716

We were locked out of the car on a road trip due to a dead battery. We needed to open the car door to pop the hood in this emergency situation. With the Battery down, we had to use the physical keys provided by Mazda to unlock the door. Both Mazda's original keys did not open the driver-side door. We were stranded and had to call emergency key services to open the door. The purpose of physical keys is to open the car in case of emergency but in Mazda CX5 case they were useless. We have also reported the issue to Mazda and are awaiting a response.

NHTSA #11632816

Mazdas infotainment system was issued defective. The system is plagued with issues in which a “ghost” touch on the screen makes changes to the system. It is a very distracting issue and poses a safety concern as it distracts the driver from the road as the ghost touch can make changes on the infotainment system moving between settings, changing music, making random calls, and randomly triggering voice assistant if an Apple car play is connected. This is a known issue for which Mazda has a fix but has never issued a recall. If you search online you will find hundreds of examples of the ghost touch affecting Mazda vehicles.

NHTSA #11622443

Center multimedia display malfunctioning by ghost touching. Without using the commander switch, touch panel, or voice recognition, the screen will scroll through settings, apps, change radio stations, etc. Additionally, it will turn off maps in Apple Play when the program is in use. There are several complaints and examples of this issue online: [XXX] This concern needs to be addressed because it is safety issue as it is a major distraction for the driver. Service appointment with Westcott Mazda on 2/10. Originally brought in 1/28 for appointment, but was advised by Mazda service representative to contact Mazda as car is out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11639101

I’m reaching out regarding a persistent issue with my Mazda 2019 cx5 infotainment system. The screen is experiencing frequent “ghost touch” or phantom button presses, where functions are activated without any input. This makes the screen erratic and often unusable, creating a distraction and raising safety concerns while driving. I’ve already restarted the system and attempted basic troubleshooting, but the issue continues. I’ve learned that this is a known issue in various Mazda models, and I believe this should be covered for repair, especially since it impacts both functionality and driver focus. I’ve already contacted Mazda customer service and my local dealership; however, they advised that the repair would need to be paid out of pocket. Given the nature of the issue and the potential safety concerns it presents, I strongly believe this is something that should be covered by Mazda. Please let me know how I can escalate this issue for formal documentation and create a new recall. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11661882

At any speed over 55 miles there is a loud whining/whistling/moan at the top of the A-pillars. I have tried taping the seams as well as silicone caulk but nothing works. My daughter has the identical car and identical problem and there multiple videos on-line of the same problem. Definitely a distraction from driving safely.

NHTSA #11565353

"Ghost Touches", a known service alert for several years now, have stated to affect my car in the past couple of years. At times, it will max out my volume to blast through the car speakers, change settings in my car system (gps, phone, etc), and more. Mazda hasn't issues a recall on this, despite safety concerns by many owners.

NHTSA #11595704

The radio/navigation/entertainment system malfunctions. The issue is known as ghosting and is a well-known issue with selected year Mazda's. Radio stations and apps will randomly skip around or the volume of the system will blare out at the highest volume startling the driver. Which has occurred multiple times in my case. The first time I reported it to the dealer, they told me there was no issue. The second time I was informed I could pay for a repair kit and installation for over $500.

NHTSA #11561677

Power Train5 complaints

Timing chain gasket leak, causing oil to go everywhere and smoking could cause a fire

NHTSA #11695610

One of the cylinder heads on the back portion of the motor cracked, leaking oil down into the engine compartment. I didn't realize this was an issue until I got a warning about low oil. I went and got an oil change and within 2 days I had the low oil warning again. I had no other warnings that this was going on. This creates a potentially dangerous situation with people leaking oil onto roads and highways unknowingly. It was inspected by Mazda and confirmed to be the issue. There is currently a TSB from Mazda about it. But my car wasn't included in it. TSB 01-002/23

NHTSA #11660011

I have a 2019 Mazda cx 5 with only 67,000 miles on it and the cylinder head is cracked and leaking oil everywhere. I have noticed TSBs released for this issue, but it seems to be a very common issue with most people not being covered for a very major repair. Mazda refuses to fix the issue created by the improper build of this component and may lock people's engines if not caught soon enough

NHTSA #11632597

Show 2 more

Cylinder failure low oil pressure and check engine light. Mazda redid cyclinder and still getting the check engine light. Mazda working on issue and having issue resolving problem.

NHTSA #11585462

Car will whine and jerk when accelerating. Car suddenly stopped engaging in gear after it was warm. Dealer states it has internal transmission malfunction at 64k miles. Prior to the car breaking down the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic on 12/27/23 and concerns with the whining and jerking when driving were expressed. Dealer reports that the transmission was “operating as designed”.

NHTSA #11563428

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other4 complaints

Mazda infotainment system experiences ghost touching. It would operate on its own and exit applications like navigation on its own. Mazda is aware of the issue but won’t issue a recall. This can be a safety hazard when the system exits out of navigation in the middle of nowhere. The system would also make calls on its own which would cause a panic to the driver who is distracted trying to end a call they never placed.

NHTSA #11607945

The infotainment system within the Mazda has a variety of issues. 1. Its CarPlay system is extremely slow to connect to the mobile device via a USB. 2. 'Mobile Device Error' message pops-up frequently and disconnects the infotainment system from the mobile device. 3. 'Ghost Touch' occurs when driving under 20 mph. The screen fritz's out, will randomly press buttons, turn settings on and off, and there is no control over it. 4. Screen freezes. System and screen will either lag extremely slowly, or will freeze entirely. In sum, these issues are not only annoying but also a safety concern. It is extremely distracting for this to happen while you are operating the vehicle. Furthermore, it suddenly removes your mapping/navigation directions that you might be using.

NHTSA #11644631

My Mazda connect touch screen operates by itself (ghost touch) while driving down the road. My safety is at risk trying to press button to get it turned off, while driving down the road. It is a huge distraction. The volume speakers at the high level and continues to beep and yell your audio will be at this volume level (the loudest). It is not listed as a recall foe this make and model, but should be. Doing further research this looks to be an issue with all of their vehicles and Mazda is not holding themselves accountable or trying to fix the issue in newer vehicles. There have not been any warning signs. I’ve had my car for 5 years come this August and my vehicles has been doing this for about 6 months now.

NHTSA #11587208

Show 1 more

Mazda ships a defective touchscreen that will degrade and eventually register phantom inputs to the infotainment system. In my vehicle, the screen was able to randomly access my settings, including for safety (blind spot monitoring) and display (driving units, heads up display, etc) and start messing with my settings. When I was using maps, the screen would randomly zoom into different spots, or change my destination, or modify settings. This was an enormous distraction and rendered the screen useless. Also, I was never sure if I stopped the car from changing settings related to vehicle safety because I can't keep my eyes on the screen while I'm driving. It was just registering random inputs all over the screen while the vehicle was in motion.

NHTSA #11564608

Seats2 complaints

Today I was using this vehicle and the cars my pocket got stuck in between the car seat dial for the movement of the car seat and the door and as I was in reverse the car seat started to move and pushed me all the way to the steering wheel as I was in a drive situation mode so I had to break it all off disconnected and everything

NHTSA #11731751

We were at a stop light and we were rear ended by a Lexus SUV. We're assuming she was going 45mph + but we're not too sure yet. I couldn't figure out why myself, the drive of the car that was hit, had such a horrendous neck ache after being hit. I turned around & saw that my headrest had been completely ripped out of the seat itself, providing no support for my head and/or neck on impact. I can't find any information of if this is on purpose, as a safety feature, or if the headrest failed.

Allegedly reported: 2 injuries (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11552369

Other2 complaints

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [XXX] , and I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 purchased as part of the Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. I am writing to formally address two concerning issues related to my vehicle’s warranty coverage and its safety. 1. Warranty Coverage for Drive Belt Tensioner: During a recent visit to your dealership, I was informed that the drive belt tensioner on my vehicle is not covered under the warranty. This contradicts the coverage listed on your official Mazda CPO Warranty, which specifies that the Limited Powertrain Warranty includes the engine, timing chain, tensioner, and associated components. The drive belt tensioner is clearly referenced in this section, yet I was told it falls under wear and tear and is not covered. I kindly request a detailed explanation regarding this discrepancy. I believe the information I was given does not align with the warranty’s stated coverage, and I am concerned that the dealership is not honoring the terms of the warranty as outlined on your website. 2. Ongoing Noise Issue: Additionally, my vehicle has been making an unusual noise, which I reported during my visits to two separate Mazda dealerships. Unfortunately, despite multiple attempts to diagnose the issue, neither dealership has been able to identify the source of the noise. This situation has left me feeling unsafe while operating the vehicle, as I am unsure of its origin or potential impact on my vehicle’s performance or safety. I would appreciate it if you could escalate this matter and offer assistance in determining the cause of the noise, as well as ensure that all components of the vehicle are functioning properly. The lack of resolution is not only inconvenient but also concerning from a safety perspective. Request for Resolution: I trust that Mazda values its customers and will make every effort to resolve these issues in a timely manner. I respectfully request that the drive belt tensioner be covered und INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11638990

I started to smell a burning smell while I was driving and noticed smoke coming from under the hood along with the burning smell. When I parked the car I noticed a bunch of oil leaking from under the car. I took the car to get checked out and there was oil all under the bottom of the car and it was confirmed that there was a very bad oil leak which occurred due to a crack in the cylinder head. No check engine lights or any indication of this issue aside from discovering the burning smell, smoke from under the hood, and a significant amount of oil underneath the car. The car hasn’t been driven in a month because of this issue. When you turn the car on you can hear a ticking sound coming from under the hood. The bad part is there was no indication. A 2019 with 50,000 ish miles shouldn’t have this problem and I confirmed that with mechanics and Mazda. This is a safety risk as you can’t safely drive the car without being concerned about the lack of oil in the car due to the leak as well as the smoke coming from under the hood, not being able to drive the car thus resulting in needing the car towed in order for the car to be serviced for this problem. I was told that if the oil continues to leak and if I was to drive it the engine could start to have issues and possibly turn off due to the leakage. This leak had oil all over the exhaust system as well.

NHTSA #11632931

Visibility/Wiper,Forward Collision Avoidance2 complaints

Car will slam on brakes even if car is in opposite lane farther away. We have received sooo many chips amd cracks on windshield with 2 weeks. We purchased used and was informed windshield was replaced once already.

NHTSA #11636988

The side mirrors fold in and out automatically. Sometimes they will not open to driving position, leaving the driver without the ability to check them for lane changes. This is a common problem with the automatic mirrors on Mazda vehicles. I have had them repaired once under warranty, but the issue persists. The second issue is the automatic emergency braking. It has activated a few times without need or warning. I have come close to being rear-ended because of this and received negative feedback from other drivers that were following me (use your imagination).

NHTSA #11572641

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1 complaint

My 2019 Mazda CX-5 (equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation) has experienced a severe structural failure resulting in a cracked engine cylinder head. This casting defect allows pressurized motor oil to leak continuously from the cylinder head down onto the hot engine block and nearby exhaust components. This has led to the following severe safety risks: engine oil is leaking onto the exhaust manifold and creates an extreme risk of engine compartment fire when the vehicle is in motion; sudden loss of oil pressure or complete structural failure of the cylinder head can cause the engine to stall or seize unexpectedly without warning, completely disabling the vehicle in live traffic and creating an imminent crash hazard; and dropping oil levels and leaking fluids burning against the engine produce strong smoke and chemical odors that enter the cabin, which can cause driver distraction and severely limiting visibility if smoke escapes through the hood. We are also inhaling these odors. Mazda is fully aware of this structural engine defect and has detailed it internally under Technical Service Bulletin TSB #SA-031-21 (as well as related TSBs for oil seepage/leaks on these cylinder heads). Despite acknowledging the manufacturing flaw, Mazda has failed to issue a safety recall for this dangerous fire and stalling hazard, forcing consumers to drive unsafe vehicles or pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for a known defect. The vehicle currently has 62,317 miles. The crack and oil leak were officially diagnosed by the Carlsbad Mazda dealership service department on 5/26/26. I am requesting that the NHTSA launch a formal safety defect investigation into Mazda 2.5L cylinder head cracking to force a safety recall before this defect leads to a fatal fire or highway accident.

NHTSA #11741916

Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1 complaint

My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There is an existing class action lawsuit regarding the turbo versions. There are complexities as to wh this lawsuit is on behalf of the turbo engines, and not the non turbo engines, however the same problems are well documented and widely acknowledged throughout hundreds if not more instances of people online and by Mazda's acknowledgment of the problem through the TSB's. This put me at great safety risk. I was driving north bound right beside semi trucks and busy traffic at speed limits of 70 mph when my engine started smoking. I was able to pull over and get it to a nearby mechanic. They officially diagnosed the vehicle w the cracked cylinder head matching the aforementioned TSBs. Mazda denied my goodwill case, even though it was made without complete information on my situation and car, despite my best attempts to get to the one representing my case with the dealership(I tried to reach him for 2 days with no success). Getting a repair from Mazda dealerships was inconvenient for my location and schedule, but I've always had my vehicle properly serviced. Mazda said this repair would cost near $7500. A mechanic quoted me at least the amount of $5500.

NHTSA #11736667

Fuel/Propulsion System1 complaint

My fuel pump burned out after only 60k miles.... very expensive repair. Mazda said the problem was only with the early 2019 models so mine wasn't included yet my fuel pump did exactly what the ones included in the recall did, but I was left with over $1700 repair bill to replace the fuel pump. Obviously the "improved design" used in the second half of the year isn't really improved, and I've never had to replace a fuel pump on a vehicle with so few miles on it. We were sitting idle waiting for food at a restaurant and the engine just died and we were unable to re-start the vehicle. No issues prior to this, always kept fuel at least 1/4 tank or more full and no engine warning lights until AFTER the engine died.

NHTSA #11720336

Power Train,Unknown Or Other1 complaint

Oil is leaking from the front timing chain cover and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue was caught early enough before it was an acute safety issue, however this issue can cause smoke while driving and cause the vehicle to lose function while driving, endangering those in and around the vehicle in motion. The vehicle only has 35,000 miles on it, has been confirmed and documented by an independent service center, and this is a widespread well-known issue - the service center has had three vehicles in this week with the same exact issue, and Mazda issued a technical service bulletin detailing the issue and stating the root cause is a lack of sufficient sealant applied during manufacturing. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives - only a service center. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to failure - I was lucky to have this caught during a routine inspection.

NHTSA #11717544

Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance1 complaint

My wife's vehicle has a "Infotainment screen" (dashboard touch screen). There is a class action suit (CSP13d dealer letter) for issues regarding the screen performing tasks (Ghost screening touch) on its own. In lieu of a Mazda vehicle mass recall, they agreed to "FIX" the issue with a software update and replace the CMU Module of the vehicle to rectify this issue. I am here to report / advise you that MANY Mazda owners are NOT happy and have taken it upon themselves to disconnect these screens and do other "work around self repairs (removing/ disabling the unit) in order to fix the issues that occur. I have directly contacted Mazda in regards to my issues and they stat they can ONLY do what was advised on the court ordered settlement and NOTHING more to fix the issue. I want to advise you first hand, their FIX for this issue does NOT fix the problems. In fact, it is making it much worse! NOW my wife's vehicle is operating this screen by itself, WHILE driving, creating a MAJOR distraction. This "Ghost Touching" is actually going into the braking system settings and trying to change/ alter them AS she is driving! A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. She has had to, on several occasions, pull over /off the road, shut down the vehicle and try to "reset" what has occurred and check her system for ANY altered setting..if possible. As a retired Police Officer, I can tell you first had that if we ever encountered such thing/ safety issues reported by drivers, we would NOT allow them to travel any further with the vehicle and have it safely towed to a dealer or mechanic for repair. For their safety as well as the rest of the publics safety!! Mazda has refused to fully fix this issue and you can even see on numerous social media posts of MANY others reporting similar issues, disabling their devices on their own and doing other work arounds to mute or disable their devices totally. I Implore you to do a FULL RECALL of ALL affected vehicles to fix the problem ASAP!

NHTSA #11732869

Vehicle Speed Control,Fuel/Propulsion System,Forward Collision Avoidance1 complaint

I purchased a 2019 Mazda CX-5 (As is) on July 20, 2015. On September 11, 2025, as I was traveling on a three lane highway. I attempted to pass another vehicle. As I was attempting to go around the vehicle, my Mazda suddenly began braking and quickly losing acceleration. The speed limit on the highway was 70 mph. I estimated my speed at the time was between 70 and 75 mph as I attempted to pass. Pressing on the accelerator pedal did nothing. I had to try and very carefully steer the car to the right hand side of the road while trying to avoid oncoming traffic approaching from behind. When I finally got the car off the road, this is when I noticed that the car had stalled. The car started right back up and I continued to my appointment. The "radar cruise control" was activated at the time of the incident. On September 15, 2025, I contacted the dealer where the car was purchased and explained what happened. I was asked to bring the car in that same day. The car was supposedly looked over and connected to the Service Dept.'s computer to see if any error sign appeared. Nothing showed up. I service technician was then asked to ride with me to see if the car would replicated the same stalling as it has previously done. We could not get the car to stall as it had previously done. Before leaving, a salesman asked me if I wanted him to explain the "radar cruise control" to me some more. I agreed. The salesman then proceeded to tell me that "the car did not stall, it was simply braking from the activation of the radar cruise control". Being an experienced driver, I told the salesman that the car had stalled as evidenced by the fact that I had to restart it. The situation was not resolved to my satisfaction, but no other offers were made by the dealer. I requested additional diagnostic work to be done, but the dealer refused to cooperate. I did take the car to another Mazda dealer, but could get no offer but to connect the car to their computer.

NHTSA #11721085

Engine And Engine Cooling1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with a toddler occupying the rear seat, the contact noticed smoke and an abnormal burning rubber odor coming through the vents. The contact pulled into a gas station and then pulled into a nail salon parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and found an oil leak, and the mechanic diagnosed that the cylinder head had cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under an unknown Extended Warranty because of the type of engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under Goodwill assistance because the oil changes had not been mainly performed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA #11687533

Other1 complaint

Drove 39 miles, around ~55 minutes. Parked the car, realized that I parked a little too far from the spot, car just stalled while rolling. Pressed accelerator, nothing. Turned off the car, tried to start again, it cranked but didn't start. Had to tow it to the nearest mechanic (total of ~2 hrs until my car got picked up and dropped off), mechanic calls me and tells me my car started fine. I'm thinking it could be 5321K recall but not sure as my VIN is not in the recall nor did I get any recall notice. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - No idea. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Got stranded for hours in the parking lot. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - Yes, fuel cap like icon and check engine light were on when trying to start the car after it stalled. The car would crank but not start.

NHTSA #11706210

Electrical System,Air Bags,Unknown Or Other1 complaint

My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.

NHTSA #11680964

Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance1 complaint

When accelerating, the transmission feels jerky/stutters. The check engine light and traction control light are illuminated and on the instrument cluster the messages: "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction", "Smart Brake System Malfunction" and "Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction" appear. The vehicle acts like it doesn't know which gear it should be in, it'll buck pretty hard and then it refuses to accelerate...it feels like it's in a "limp mode". A previous driver of the vehicle complained and said that it actually stalled in traffic on the highway and was of course difficult to steer due to loss of power. I took it to a dealership and they came up with a laundry list of things to fix...most of which wouldn't have any bearing on this issue. I did have the serpentine belt replaced and the belt tensioner replaced due to wear on the belt and loose tension. On 7/16/25, I scanned the vehicle with a code reader, the codes P0301 and P0506 appeared. P0301 is a generic "Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected" message and P0506 is a generic "IAC system RPM Lower Than Expected. The vehicle was taken to a shop where the spark plugs and the cylinder 1 coil was replaces and the IAC cleaned. On 7/24/25 the same vehicle behaviors were observed and the same warning lights and messages were activated. I scanned the vehicle and got "p0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected and P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire detected. There was a recall on this particular vehicle make, model and year and my vehicle was out of the VIN# range. I firmly believe that the recall needs to be expanded to include a larger number of vehicles...you can google about this vehicle and see many others with similar issues. Usually, the cure is a PCM reflashing/software update that seems to take care of the issue. Please expand the recall before someone dies in an accident because of this problem.

NHTSA #11675874

Vehicle Speed Control,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1 complaint

For the 3rd or 4th time since I have own this car I experienced a loss of acceleration when attempting to make quick acceleration while attempting to merge with traffic. Acceleration is fine around town where quick acceleration is not appropriate. But the first attempt to merge with flowing traffic the car will slowly accelerates to about 30 mph and no more regardless as to position of accelerator pedal. On all occasion this bad behavior has this first drive of the day - going to work in the a.m. There is often a warning message indicating the safety radar is not working due to limited visibility which is a very common warning in the a.m.

NHTSA #11673265

Engine And Engine Cooling,Engine1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a cracked cylinder head and that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA #11649241

Other1 complaint

Good afternoon. I am reporting an incident that occurred on December 29, 2024. I was driving my 2019 Mazda Cx-5 and I was about to make a left turn. However, as I was making the left turn, I received a notification on my dashboard about a "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction" (a photo of the notification will be included). My car instantly lost control and it did not stop until it collided with the street curb of the road I was attempting to turn on. Fortunately for those around me, my car did not collide with any other vehicles on the road. However, this collision caused damage to the right side of the vehicle, as the right airbag of the vehicle had deployed. I believe that this is a very significant problem that should be looked into as soon as possible. If my car were to hit other drivers on the road, it could have led to a very tragic incident. As far as repairs go, I wanted to wait and see how this complaint would carry out. I do not believe that it would be fair for me to pay repairs for an event that was out of my control. Thank you.

NHTSA #11635658

Steering,Electrical System,Service Brakes1 complaint

The steering and braking systems on my vehicle malfunctioned after jumping my vehicle when the battery drained too far to start, or even power my cars baseline electrical systems. After jumping my car, I started backing out of my parking spot and when I turned the wheel it very violently jerked in a manner that could have hurt me if I'd been holding onto the wheel tighter. Around this same time I believe I recall the brakes automatically applying and halting the vehicle. I was too far out of my parking spot when this began occurring and had to try to maneuver into a different one, during this attempt both of the conditions described above reoccured several times. I eventually noticed that it only seemed to trigger when the wheel was at more extreme steering angles, by keeping the steering angle lower I was eventually able to maneuver into another spot without triggering the issues. After parking and letting the car run for a bit to recharge the battery I no longer experienced these issues. There were several warning lights related to roll stability control, lane departure monitoring before pulling out. The following warnings were present, but I'm unable to recall whether they displayed before I first hit the issues: Smart Braking Malfunction, Power Steering Malfunction, Transmission Malfunction, Check Engine Light. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone, however I was able to find evidence of other people complaining about what sounds to be the same issue going back several years online. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11625779

Power Train,Electrical System1 complaint

Car failed while on highway driving 60 mph with the engine and power steering turning off instantly. A day prior the dash was blinking warnings. Mazda of Lodi replaced the entire transmission plus other parts. Just made it under warrantee. Would have cost 5k once expired.was told half the fleet of 2019 were recalled but not the second half of production for some reason even though they both experience the same failure.. also had 22,000 miles at end of the. Something smells in Denmark

NHTSA #11620008

Power Train,Electrical System,Service Brakes1 complaint

On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11646520

Back Over Prevention1 complaint

Back up camera display does not always immediately come on when placing car in reverse. It can sometimes be 10 -15 seconds before an image appears. I wait in the garage, driveway, or parking spot before backing but this potentially puts pedestrians behind the vehicle at risk. Per FMVSS 111 guidelines. S5.5.3 regarding response time: The rearview image "shall be displayed within 2.0 seconds of the start of a backing event." Problem has been intermittent but frequency seems to be increasing. I took the car to Headquarter Mazda in Clermont Florida. I was advised a software fix is available for the cameras but the cost would be $220 even though I have Mazda Extended Confidence warranty in effect.

NHTSA #11597483

Vehicle Speed Control,Engine1 complaint

Went to drive home from work one night, car had been normal until this event. Car suddenly began to state that it was overheating and throttled my speed down to 20 MPH. I was in the middle of traffic going 40-50 at this time. Turns out there is a VSB regarding a coolant leak that can occur and break. Nothing about how you are suddenly governed to 20 MPH

NHTSA #11593770

Other1 complaint

Automatic braking system has almost caused multiple rear end accidents as it still detects cars that have left the lane after they turn. The infotainment system has dangerous ghost touches that glitch every time the car stops which has been reported for Mazdas for the past 7 years with no recall.

NHTSA #11572016

Steering,Electrical System,Engine1 complaint

As I was driving home one day in February 2024, my car felt like a strong gust of wind was getting up underneath the hood of my car, causing it to pull left and right slightly. When checking the weather, wind gusts were at 5 MPH and you could barely see trees/leaf movement. I pulled off the side of the road, checked underneath the car to see if anything was dragging/missing and all was fine. As I started driving again, I then noticed my RPM's vs MPH was very strange. When accelerating, the car randomly increased up to 4,500 RPM when trying to go 45 MPH, then shifted down to 2,000 RPM's once I reached 45 MPH. But, no matter if I left my foot on the gas pedal, lifted my foot off of the gas pedal or hit the breaks, the car would not move off of 2,000 RPM's until I pressed my foot on the break all the way down to the floorboard. No lights came on at all. I took it to the dealership that I purchased it from, expressing the scary feeling of the driving the car and showing video proof of what the car was doing in RPM's vs MPH. After further conclusion, they determined that a "sensor" had gone bad. The thought that a plastic, electronic sensor going back caused my car to feel that way and put my life at risk while driving is a scary thought. Fast-forward to April of 2024, similar symptoms have come back again. Wind feeling like it's getting under my hood, causing the car to pull left and right, RPM's not matching up and now a hot engine with no warning light coming on, is questioning if it's this particular sensor again. Not to mention, I had it inspected by the dealership two weeks ago and had an oil change done to it and the dealership said "everything looks great". You should have zero thought or worry when operating your personal vehicle, but in the past three months, I have taken my car to the dealership and or a mechanic 7 times with thoughts/worries about my car. This car has now turned into a "lemon" as one would call it and I'm terrified to even start the car.

NHTSA #11583156

Visibility/Wiper1 complaint

Folding side mirror will not open all the way, causing a safety concern when driving.

NHTSA #11569639

Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other1 complaint

The main display has failed and/or malfunctioned regularly. Lighting systems for vehicle navigation system has been impacted and HUD lighting and visibility have been impacted. My safety and the safety of my passengers have been put at risk because of distraction and vehicle navigation malfunctions. The component has not yet been inspected. There were no other problems prior to failure. The first incident of this occurred several months to a year ago. This has been a continuous issue. The date provided below is simply to indicate that this has been occurring for an extended period of time.

NHTSA #11611109

Air Bags1 complaint

My air bag light warning light is constantly blinking and I took it to the dealer ship. I informed the service guy this could be a malfunction due to a recall. He only asked me to pay for an diagnostic for $175.00. I think based on a history dated from 2004-2018 regarding Air bags recalls this is a recall. I contacted Mazda 1-800-222-5500 Option 11/28/2023 @ 10:00 am I reported this to Mazda Vehicle Claim#[XXX] and they are stating it is no recall for that vehicle. I think this is a safety risk for me and Mazda needs to address this at no charge based on the history of several vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11557212

Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1 complaint

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the recent service that occurred on November 14th, 2023. Due to the service's failure and negligence, Luther Brookdale Mazda has jeopardized the safety and well-being of my family members. On [XXX], my 2019 CX-5 was towed from Monticello, Minnesota, to the dealership in Brooklyn Center around 9 pm. While returning from [XXX] dinner in St. Cloud on [XXX] , a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard: "Engine Coolant Temperature High. Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place." Upon receiving this notification, we pulled over to the shoulder and observed smoke emanating from the engine bay. We promptly turned off the vehicle. Concerned for our safety, we contacted our family to pick us up and had the vehicle towed by AAA. As we awaited the tow truck's arrival, we noticed coolant had sprayed all over the engine under the hood, and the engine cover was missing. Furthermore, the coolant reservoir was below the minimum threshold. This particular issue is the reason I brought the vehicle in for service the week prior, regarding insufficient coolant temperature. It was evident from the state of the engine bay that the dealership failed to follow proper protocol. This lack of oversight likely resulted in damage to the engine and other essential vehicle components, leading to the total loss of the car. I am deeply disappointed by the lack of care and attention to detail in the service provided. This negligence also compromised my family's safety. Moreover, what was meant to be a festive holiday was marred due to the disregard for my property. I have been a loyal customer at Luther Mazda Brooklyn Park for several years, and I am shocked by the incident that has transpired. We have approached the dealer with the issue and they are continue to articulate that there is no engine damage, but with the ongoing class action lawsuit, I am extremely skeptical of their claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11612890

Forward Collision Avoidance1 complaint

When the system thinks there might be a collision it initiates a hard braking even when there is enough space to avoid a collision. Multiple times, the car behind me had to do a hard break as well not to hit me from behind. A google search revealed multiple people complaining of similar issue. The system brakes too extremely aggressively (drops speed from 30 MPH to 5 or less MPH almost instantly stopping/causing skidding) even at its lowest setting. When I address with Mazda Service Manager he advised "it's supposed to do that" and if I choose to I can manually disable the feature each time I enter the vehicle. Note, I am currently driving a loaner car 2023 Mazda CX-5 and have not experienced the same issue, so it does not seem "it's supposed to do that". I have been driving the loaner for 4 weeks and not once have I experience this issue - the system has never engaged except for once where only the Warning light appeared on the display but the braking did not engage. Whereas my vehicle engages this anti collision braking nearly every day I drive it. This system has almost caused more accidents than it protected me from them.

NHTSA #11552985

Showing the 150 most significant of 257 complaints reported to NHTSA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2019 Mazda Cx 5 have any recalls?
There are 2 recalls reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Mazda Cx 5. Recalls are issued by the manufacturer or NHTSA and do not by themselves establish that any individual vehicle is defective.
How do I know if my vehicle might qualify under California lemon law?
California lemon law generally applies when a substantial defect covered by the warranty is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or the vehicle is out of service for repairs for an extended period. Whether any individual vehicle qualifies depends on its own repair history. We offer a free review to evaluate your specific situation.
Are these complaints proof that the vehicle is defective?
No. Complaints are consumer-reported allegations filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, do not establish that any defect exists, and are provided here for informational purposes only.
Does a case cost me anything?
In qualifying California lemon law cases, attorney fees are typically recoverable from the manufacturer. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact us for a free, no-obligation review of your situation.

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