2018 Mazda CX-5 Problems & Recalls
Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.
2018 Mazda CX-5 Top Failure Categories
Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.
Official Safety Recalls for 2018 Mazda CX-5 (3)
Defect Summary: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Safety Hazard: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Free Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.
Defect Summary: 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.
Safety Hazard: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Free 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.
Defect Summary: 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.
Safety Hazard: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free 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.
Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints
Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).
"My 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring (2.5L non-turbo engine with cylinder deactivation) developed a burning oil smell that steadily worsened over several days. On XXX, at about 61,300 miles, I saw smoke coming from the engine compartment after driving. The engine had not overheated, and the car was regularly maintained. On XXX, an independent repair shop (A..."
"2.5L Skyactive engine - burning smell accompanied by blue smoke from engine compartment. Yes, available for review on request. Unknown source of smoke and burning smell may be a potential complete engine damage risk. Yes, Mazda dealer confirmed leaking engine oil. No watling lamps / lights / telltales on cluster."
"Cracked cylinder head- factory defect, causing oil to leak onto exhaust manifold. Smoke fills engine bay and cab through air vents, very high concern of engine bay fire. 2018 Mazda cx5 non turbo 2.5 sky active engine. Mazda knows of this defect and will not proved remedy."
"There has been numerous report of the Mazda CX 5 having failure rear differential. I just purchased a 2018 Mazda CX five for my daughter in September 2026 I now am experiencing this issue on the rear diff. The dealer will not cover the repair since it’s as is purchase Mazda should take this as a recall and fix the vehicle for the safety of the cons..."
"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."