2018 Mazda CX-5 · symptom sheet

Engine leaks oil

62owner reports
53,000median miles
$5,130median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 23, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

180 of the 348 complaints on this car are about the engine. 62 of those describe oil leak. Only misfire is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 62 reports

a spot of oil under the car

smoke or a burning smell from the leak

I keep adding oil between changes

it was found during an unrelated visit

the leak was out of warranty

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

19V-497Jun 27, 2019

Engine

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

Risk: 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.

What owners paid

17 of the 62 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,191 to $6,000.

$4,191$5,130$6,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 45,000 and 62,400 miles, from the 32 reports that gave a mileage.

119

121

522

823

2124

1425

1226

What owners wrote

“Oil leak from defective head that occurred behind exhaust manifold leaking hot oil onto the hot exhaust causing the potential for fire. Leak started at 44,000 miles. This manufacture defect is not being covered by Mazda or a recall even though the high potential of fire and serious injury.”
Filed Apr 15, 2026 · 44,000 miles

“Had an oil leak suddenly appear on the vehicle with only 55400 miles. Found there are technical service bulletins for this motor that the head cracks causing leaks. It is on many forums. Reached out to Mazda and got zero help”
Filed May 5, 2025 · 55,400 miles

“Cylinder head cracked at 46,000 miles causing smoke and oil leakage. This was the root of an almost $6,000 repair, leaving me without a vehicle for 15 days. This issue could also lead to more extensive engine problems in the future.”
Filed Jan 20, 2025 · 46,000 miles

“At approximately 57,000 miles, the cylinder head cracked. It was leaking oil and white smoke was coming out of the engine bay. There were no warning lights. I have since gotten the cylinder head replaced.”
Filed Jan 8, 2025 · 57,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 62 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.