CarRecallDB

2018 Mazda CX-5 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 352 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Mazda CX-5.

3
recalls
352
owner complaints
19
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Mazda CX-5 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 21V875000 · reported November 12, 2021 · Mazda North American Operations · 121,038 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Engine · Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 19V497000 · reported June 27, 2019 · Mazda North American Operations · 262,220 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 18V426000 · reported June 25, 2018 · Mazda North American Operations · 682 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 24, 2026 · Engine

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.

Oct 8, 2026 · Engine

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.

Sep 25, 2026 · Power train

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…

Sep 24, 2026 · Engine

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.

Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · 183,540 miles

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…

CX-5 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 3133110
2016 45113110
2017 115050
2018 3352191
2019 227272
2020 0108100
2021 0148100

Across all years, the 2016 CX-5 has the most complaints (511). All Mazda CX-5 years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, the most recent reported on November 12, 2021 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-5?
Owners have filed 352 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (180 complaints), followed by unknown or other (58).
How many 2018 Mazda CX-5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
19 of 352 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 24, 2026.