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Mazda CX-5

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 CX-5 has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Mazda CX-5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

""The car display freezes up and disconnects from Apple Car Play. Even when Car Play is not connected, sometimes the display screen starts switching function all by itself - this usually stops on its own after a while.""

Anonymous, NY (2018 Mazda CX-5 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen freezes up

""The display screen suddenly changes and makes selections to change settings on its own, and I can't stop it. For example, it will suddenly change from FM to AM radio. It will select the skip ahead button if I'm listening to a podcast. It will make changes to the speaker controls. In all these cases, the touch screen doesn't respond.""

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""It didn't "freeze" so much as "freak out" instead. The display itself was fine, but the touch screen function would somewhat randomly "freak out" and then the system would not respond to the normal controls or inputs until it was done "freaking out". Thos occurred infrequently for over a year, but got much worse into the late fall. The fix was to replace the screen/touch-screen hardware with an updated OEM unit.""

Anonymous, FL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The screen will jump around from radio to maps to contacts"

Anonymous A., OH (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"it happens random. Gets stuck on home screen unresponsive.Sometimes starts working after few min,sometimes i have to shut down the car to reset it.Also random while driving listening to the radio screen switches on its own to settings mode where you see all the settings options."

Anonymous A., IL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""The display freezes up and at other times it switches from one function (e.g., radio station selection) to another (e.g., navigation) on its own. This usually stops after a while.""

Anonymous, NY (2018 Mazda CX-5 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Display screen goes blank

"Often reboots the entertainment system while driving"

Anonymous A., MI (2018 Mazda CX-5 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"It started about 3 years ago. It has not been resolved. It is expensive to fix. Internet says to cut the wire to stop the annoying sounds of it coming on and going off every 5 seconds. A recall may be coming for Mazda to repair."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"that happened only maybe 2-3 times. Just out of nowhere. Turning off/on the car helped."

Anonymous A., IL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"When using the music setting with Sirius, the stations change by themselves and many setting change and reappear as something else."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Hardware replacement

""Shortly after the warranty ran out, the screen started showing 'ghosting' or 'stains' around the edges. Looks terrible.""

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""The screen would randomly change, including radio channels, etc.""

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""Ghost touch with screen. Changes stations, songs, makes calls without being touched. Started after about four years.""

Anonymous, HI (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Heads-up display

"The screen would scroll through various functions without warning and would not allow for Bluetooth connection"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Apparently needs to be updated"

Anonymous, PA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"On occasion I will have to input the address two or three times"

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other in-car electronics problem

"When listening to music, typically Sirius XM, the system will randomly switch stations, activate the "scan" function, or activate the speaker balance functions. The on/off button to turn music off no longer works. There is a Class Action Settlement currently being pursued for exactly this problem."

Anonymous, MD (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"It has been a problem since I started driving it 3500 miles ago. Basically, the screen will just start moving between menus and selecting options without user input."

Anonymous, SC (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"the screen has a mindo of its own will act like someone is touching it changing settings making calls when in apple play etc"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The heads up display would change on it's own. It would change to display my phone and make a call for me while I was driving. It would often change the channel on my radio station."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Apparently needs to be updated"

Anonymous, PA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"The radio will switch stations randomly and repeatedly after I switch back to the station I was listening to"

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""The radio randomly changes the station and continues to roam. Often times you cant stop it or it will do it again after you change it back. To fix it, you have to prove to the dealership whats happening. Catching it on video while driving is near impossible!""

Anonymous, TX (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"All of the problems are related to the electrical system starting snd stopping on its own."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"battery died"

Anonymous, WA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Burns oil between regularly scheduled changes resulting in the oil light appearing."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Needed to replace surpentine drive belt and belt tensioner"

Anonymous A., TX (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"have not yet taken delivery"

Anonymous, FL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Merry poor wi fi and no blue tooth was installed this years model"

Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"A cylinder head was leaking. Mazda said some had been affected by a manufacturing defect. They replaced it under warranty."

Anonymous, VT (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other major engine problem

""After having the drive belt tensioner replaced, the car was making tapping/clicking noise when cold and was more quit after warming up. This was noticeable anytime the car was cold when first starting and driving. It was determined that this was caused by the hydraulic lash adjusters under TSB 01-002/21 and was repaired under warranty. This resolved the issue. The car was unavailable for several days while parts were acquired and repairs were being done.""

Anonymous, MN (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Tensioner pulley seized causing the belts to break"

Anonymous, VA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Mazda replaced the entire engine in 2019 under warranty because of oil leaking through cracks in the engine. 2025 just had to get the Cylinder Head replaced as oil was leaking around the head gasket."

Anonymous A., TX (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Other climate system problem

""I've encountered the same issue a few times. The first time I thought I just needed new wiper blades, but it has since happened with brand new (high quality) blades. During an active snowstorm, the combo of center front windshield vent and lack of heated windshield under the wiper blades causes the blades to accumulate ice and fail to clear the windshield. The problem gets progressively worse and my field of vision narrows to only the very middle of the windshield over time, which is terrifying. The first time it happened I had my climate control set to 80 degrees and still had to pull off the road to manually clear my wiper blades and windshield so I could see. I asked the dealership about it and they didn't find anything wrong. I honestly can't understand why they're using a stupid single center vent instead of the ones across the entire front dash (or at least have vents in the corners in addition to the center). I love the vehicle overall, but it's absolutely terrifying to drive in those conditions and I would only buy another one if they fix that serious design flaw.""

Anonymous, CO (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

""Even if air conditioning is on high, it blows out air as if its on low. Intermittent issue. Mazda dealer could not find problem with hen trying to replicate. But happens after driving for more than 30 minutes.""

Anonymous, HI (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

"air conditioning developed a leak, was expensive to fix."

Anonymous, MA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Accessory belts or pulleys

"The hydraulic drive belt tensioner seal deteriorated and was leaking. This was noticed during inspection while changing oil. It was replaced quickly and without unusual cost."

Anonymous, MN (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Oil leaks

"Oil temp sensor leaked. Small drip on the garage floor for about a year. Finally got it fixed in August 2025. Replaced oil temp sensor and resealed oil pan."

Anonymous, CO (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Engine gasket was falling apart so oil was leaking onto engine causing burning smell. Online research indicated this is a common problem for this model. This was an expensive repair not covered under warranty."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Caster is out of alignment, and it is not an alignment adjustment. It is fixed by replacing parts. The dealer does not know what to do."

Anonymous A., VA (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Ball joints

"Suddenly car would not drive straight(no event preceded this problem)replaced control arms (bent) strut and steering-very $"

Anonymous, NC (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"Had to replace rotors & pads at 42000 miles"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"I lived in the mountains so my brakes wore out early."

Anonymous, IL (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other minor transmission & clutch problem

"when excelerating from a stop position it lunges a bit."

Anonymous, MI (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rough shifting

"Transmission suddenly, in the past two months started being very rough on downshifts"

Anonymous, TN (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

CV joint

"Front right and left boots were ripped."

Anonymous, OR (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other driveline problem

"Replaced the tensioner and the belt. Replaced the original battery, after 3 years, then replaced that battery after 6 years of vehicle ownership. After 6 years now have a 3rd battery."

Anonymous, ON (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"It started one night while driving and the car shut down. I had the transmission replaced the next morning."

Anonymous A., OH (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

""One day, neither of our remotes would work to unlock the car and/or start it. I replaced both remote batteries with no effect. I unlocked the car with the hidden key and held the remote next to the push-to-start button, and it started, so I took it to the Mazda dealer. They replaced the remote batteries, and unlocking and starting worked normally!""

Anonymous, TX (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

2018 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nov 12, 2021
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V875000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 121038
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Jun 27, 2019
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V497000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 262220
AIR BAGS
Jun 25, 2018
If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V426000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 682
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