2018 Mazda CX-5 · symptom sheet
Burns oil or oil level rises
- 30owner reports
- 53,000median miles
- $6,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
204 of the 350 complaints on this car are about the engine. 30 of those describe oil consumption.
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Oil consumption on other CX-5 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Two different complaints land here. The more common one is an engine that uses oil: owners add a quart between changes, get a low-oil warning, or are told by the dealer that the rate is normal. The other is the opposite, where the oil level climbs and the oil smells of gasoline. Both deserve a proper test, and both are easier to argue with records in hand.
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.
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
All 3 recalls on the 2018 Mazda CX-5, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
What owners paid
8 of the 30 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.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Guideline 1.
If a vehicle is driven on extremely short trips most of the time (where the engine never reaches normal operating temperature), the engine oil may become diluted with fuel and the engine oil level will increase.
What owners wrote
“2018 Mazda CX-5 2.5L NA Engine Cracked cylinder head and blown head gasket with leaking oil onto exhaust manifold resulting in white smoke & burning oil smell. No engine light. Issue confirmed by dealer and independent shop. Commonly reported issue amongst 2018-2021 Mazda CX-5 owners either naturally aspirated engines.”
Filed Sep 24, 2026
“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
“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 30 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Check engine light or misfire 130 reports
- Engine leaks oil 63 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