2018 Mazda CX-5 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The most-reported areas: Engine (95), Power Train (17), Unknown Or Other (9).
Key takeaways
- 117 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 1 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 1 reported injury.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 95 | 81% |
| Power Train | 17 | 15% |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 | 8% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 | 3% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 3% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 2% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 2% |
| Steering | 1 | 1% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1% |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1% |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Later Release | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Early Release | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Early Release | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-08-19
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking engine oil, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that upon further inspection, there was a puddle of engine oil on the ground while the vehicle was idling. No war...
Engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2026-07-23
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife pulled over and discovered that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who...
Engine - filed 2026-07-22
I am writing to formally document a significant engine failure on my 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring (VIN: [XXX], License: [XXX], Odometer: 78,159 miles). The vehicle began exhibiting visible smoke from under the hood and severe oil leakage — oil was actively pooling beneath the car and leaving a trail. Upon inspection ...
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More for the 2018 Mazda CX-5
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.