2018 Mazda CX-5 · symptom sheet
Burns oil or oil level rises
- 29owner reports
- 53,000median miles
- $6,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Apr 13, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
203 of the 348 complaints on this car are about the engine. 29 of those describe oil consumption.
Tick what matches of 29 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the piston rings (9 reports) and the turbo (4 reports).
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
8 of the 29 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,350 to $7,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 37,000 and 65,000 miles, from the 9 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Vehicle developed burning oil smell. Dealership diagnosed a cracked cylinder head. No warning lights (yet. Eventually low oil pressure light would come on.) Potential for engine to lock up and lose power while driving putting occupants and others at risk. Know problem for 2018-2021 model years. Car no longer under warranty. Cost to repair $7,100. Technical Service Bulletin SA-031-21 issued regarding this problem.”
Filed Mar 7, 2026
“The issue began when I started to smell burning oil. As time went on smoke began to slowly come from the hood. I took my car to the mazda dealership and said that there was a cracked cylinder head in the engine. After doing research online this has been a major issue with the 2018-2020 model.”
Filed Mar 25, 2025
“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
“Defective cylinder head resulting in oil leak. Confirmed and inspected by dealer. No warning messages or symptoms. Just smell of burning oil.”
Filed Oct 25, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 29 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
- Check engine light or misfire 129 reports
- 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