2018 Mazda CX-5 · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 129owner reports
- 57,000median miles
- $5,100median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 19, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
225 of the 348 complaints on this car are about the engine. 129 of those describe misfire, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 CX-5.
Tick what matches of 129 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
What owners paid
28 of the 129 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,500 to $6,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 43,000 and 75,896 miles, from the 65 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Purchased vehicle from dealership drove 1650 miles, cylinder head began leaking, excessive oil. Took vehicle to repair shop their assessment cracked cylinder head. Warranty expired, dealership refused help in addition to Mazda Corp. unless brought to nearest dealership 140 miles away, with no guarantee. Vehicle is not driveable, I do have photos of the cracks.”
Filed Dec 19, 2024 · 1,650 miles
“2018 CX-5 has a cracked or porous (depending who is telling me the issue) cylinder head at 60000 miles. I was told by the Mazda service advisor that the issue is common. I reached out to Mazda for assistance in covering their faulty part and was told they would not cover any of it.”
Filed Nov 19, 2024 · 60,000 miles
“Vehicle has a cracked cylinder head at 43,000 miles. It is leaking oil and will lead to further engine damage if not repaired. Dealer inspected and diagnosed the problem. There were no vehicle warnings. It was brought to dealer because it was leaking oil and smelled of burning oil. It appears to be a common problem with Mazda Cx5s.”
Filed Oct 30, 2024 · 43,000 miles
“Cylinder head was found to be cracked for a while on the vehicle. This was discovered at 117K miles but likely was cracked well before judging from the age of the oil in the engine bay. Car has been maintained well this shouldn't be happening at all this early into its life.”
Filed Jul 31, 2024 · 117,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 129 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 46 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 33 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 29 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 29 reports