Electrical System Related Problems of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Table 1 shows one common electrical system related problems of the 2018 Mazda CX-5.

Table 1. Electrical System related problems of Mazda CX-5

Problem Category Number of Problems
Electrical System problems
28

Electrical System problem #1

The cylinder head on my 2018 Mazda Cx-5 developed cracks on the exhaust side, leading to significant oil leakage onto the exhaust manifold. This has caused engine damage and safety concerns. The vehicle is currently at a Mazda dealership, where the issue has been inspected and documented. The component is available for further inspection upon request. The oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold creates a serious fire hazard due to the high heat generated in this area. Additionally, the vehicle experienced burning smells and visible smoke coming through the air vents, which could impair visibility or cause distraction while driving. These conditions place the safety of myself, my passengers, and others on the road at risk. The issue has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership. They provided a video showing oil actively dripping from the cracked cylinder head and stated that the engine requires a full replacement. Mazda dealership video: [xxx] this video contains the engine inspection findings conducted at the dealership during my recent visit. It clearly shows the damage and highlights the issues identified. The vehicle has been inspected by the Mazda dealership service team, who identified the cracks in the cylinder head and documented the oil leakage and related engine damage. There were no warning lamps or messages on the dashboard prior to the failure. The symptoms began with a noticeable burning smell inside the cabin, followed by a slight mist coming out of the air vents and smoke from under the hood. Oil leakage was later observed on the ground, and the coolant level appeared empty. I’ve received a video inspection of my vehicle from the service center on March 7, 2024 with no concerns at that time, which you can view here: [xxx] . This link leads to truvideo, a platform that many dealerships use to share service videos with customers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Electrical System problem #2

While driving through town the braking system malfunctioned and the car came to a stop in the middle of the road with messages on dash saying the Smart city braking support was malfunctioning as well as brake assist. Engine light came on as well as traction control light right after the car coming to a sudden hard braking stop. Drove straight to shop to check engine code which was p0882. I am so afraid of this happening on the highway with my daughter in the car. There is a recall for this system but my car isn’t under the recall so I'm sure there are others that are having the issue but aren’t covered under the recall either.

Electrical System problem #3

The infotainment center glitches and starts clicking things on its own, often changing the volume to all the way loud suddenly orchanging radio station constantly, startling me while I am driving and causing major distraction which can easily lead to an accident. Settings, including safety setting start to get changed on their own while driving as well. The edges of the screen on the infotainment center are also crackling on their own inside the screen somehow, and I am not sure if heat has caused this, and been making this issue worse because it is only ever wiped with a microfiber cloth.

Electrical System problem #4

The radio changes stations by itself, speakers/music goes in and out. The screen freezes and cannot change stations. And also the car lags on taking off sometimes. Often smells like fuel when you turn on the car, assuming a fuel pump issue, not sure. I spoke to the salesman who sold me the car (adam) within less than 30 days of having the vehicle and told me the electrical issue with radio would be covered. Then when I called to have the issue fixed I was told it wasnt going to fixed on their behalf. This car was sold to me with a few issue that I was not aware at the time of purchase.

Electrical System problem #5

This car that I financed on March 26th 2024 has been back to the dealership over 6 times. My car loses power on the freeway and all main roads. I push the gas pedal and nothing happens so I am forced to pull over and turn the car off and restart it again. It's very dangerous when I'm merging on the freeway and I cannot accelerate and have to pull over in traffic. Sports cars International in lynnwood washington is well aware of the issues I've been having and they have not fixed them. They have allowed me to drive off the lot knowing I am in a car that is dangerous and unsafe, a car that could kill another family or myself. They are unresponsive to call of my phone calls and emails. This car has had nothing but problems since then day I drove it of the lot. Come to find out from their yelp and bbb reviews thus happens to a lot of people that buy cars from them. They are rude to me and I feel like I'm on danger every time I drive this car.

Electrical System problem #6

This vehicle has stalled out while driving at least 4-5 times since purchasing it in 2018, although issues started about 2020 or 2021. It usually starts with the radio console either malfunctioning or going dead completely while I’m driving and several minutes later (usually after stopping at a red light but sometimes while actively driving) the car stalls out in the middle of traffic. It starts up after few minutes but it’s a very dangerous situation. It also sometimes hesitates when putting my foot on the gas, as if there’s a fuel injection problem. I already got all the recalls fixed but there’s obviously other significant problems with this vehicle. If it causes me to get injured I will be taking legal action.

Electrical System problem #7

My 2018 Mazda Cx-5 touring has been experiencing problems with the multimedia display for over a year now. At random times the multimedia display cycle through all the menu options (radio stations, navigation, maintenance system, etc) on its own. Makes unwanted phone calls, changes radio settings, attempts to reset maintenance reminders and computer settings. We don't know what is it is trying to do behind the scenes. This represents a risk while driving and needs to be a recall to address this issue as it is very distracting while driving.

Electrical System problem #8

For the past year my car has been in and out of the Mazda dealership. There is a red key with an explanation point through it that was been coming up once I am in the car and someone else opens a door then it stays flashing the whole time I'm driving. My trunk has been having issues too with not opening like it should and when I'm driving then I go to turn it starts beeping. The dealership keeps telling me they can't replicate the problems and keep giving me the car back. I have only had this car for two years. I love my Mazda but it's sad I have no other options at this point.

Electrical System problem #9

Many incidents have occurred with this vehicle. First occurrence happened 11/25/21. Attempting to pass another vehicle and the car began slowing down and various warnings came on. Pulled off to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle and restarted without any further incident. This same thing happened 2 times in 12/2021 both time attempting to pass another vehicle. 2nd time in December the check engine light came on. Scheduled to be seen by a mechanic with the earliest appointment on 12/31/21. Mechanic recommended taking to a licensed Mazda mechanic. Appointment was on 01/07/22. They looked at the car and fixed the issue. Can't remember the issue at that time. By 05/2022, check engine light came back on and car would start slowing down and shutting off when attempting to pass another vehicle. If rpms would go to high, car would do this. Check engine light came back on. Took to Mazda mechanic on 06/17/22. After several troubleshooting fixes, it was determined I needed a new engine as there were parts broken missing or broken. Did not have my car for 13 weeks. Most recently, on 08/13/23, car shut off in a drive through. Towed to mechanic and needed a new camshaft. Picked up my car on 08/21/23 and within 45 minutes, car shut off while driving up a hill. Towed back to mechanic. This time there are electical issues and an ill fiitting pin. Have to take it to a licensed Mazda mechanic. Having to tow it due to how unsafe it is to drive. Reached out to Mazda with my concerns over saftey and waiting to hear back. Very concerned that this will never be resolved and that this is a very unsafe vehicle to drive.

Electrical System problem #10

I drive a 2018 Mazda cx5. My "infotainment system" which contains radio, phone, and gps controls began making random unprompted selections while I would not touch it. This is an ongoing issue. The name for this issue is called "ghost touch" while the Mazda system "locks" the touch screen while the car is moving, the issue continues as soon as you come to a red traffic light. Without putting the car in park, the touch screen reactivates and the issue proceeds. This is a safety issue as it can cause distractions while driving such as sudden significant changes in music volume and it can call a random person if your phone is connected to bluetooth. Regardless of if the car is moving or not, this causes a driver to take their focus away from the road. From a quick google search, this is a common issue. Mazda is aware of this common issue, and in fact extended a warranty to correct it in 2014-2016 Mazda 3's. However, I called Mazda USA today and they stated that it would have to be paid out of pocket for my car.

Electrical System problem #11

Infotainment system has begun exhibiting phenomenon described as "ghost touch" where options are selected randomly by the system due to touchscreen failure. This happens while the vehicle is moving and creates a significant distraction to the driver, creating a safety hazard for driver, passengers, and other cars on the road. This vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership but internet information indicates it is a known issue but a recall has not been issued from Mazda, which compromises the safety of the vehicle. No warning for incidents. This is an ongoing issue and occurs routinely during daily driving.

Electrical System problem #12

2023 02 28, 36410 miles - engine oil burning smell entering the cabin of the car, oil leaking from engine. No warning lights. Diagnosed by Mazda dealer as a cracked cylinder head, will be repaired under warranty. Discovered service alert #sa-013/22 that applies to this defect. 2023 02 23, 36,389 miles - car in for an oil change under extended service program at Mazda dealer. Dealer discovered the timing chain cover leaking, repaired under warranty. Owner also reported that information screen has been malfunctioning intermittantly. Dealer remarked that the screen does have problems, but that it is not covered by the warranty, and would need to be replaced within the next two years and would cost about $2000. Upon vehicle pick-up, several warning lights went on, dealer reprogrammed the code system, test drove, pronounced the lights indicated nothing was wrong. 2022 08 17, 31,174 miles - fuel pump replaced under recall while car in for regular oil change covered by service contract. 2021 02 04, 17,629 miles - timing chain cover leaking, discovered by dealer while in for regular oil change, repaired under warranty.

Electrical System problem #13

Sometimes, the breaks will not go all the way down to the floor and act like theyre not working. It's very odd and only does it once in a while. I have constant issues with the technology in the car. It changes my music, the buttons get stuck and my it acts up. My aunt has the same model and is running into the same issues. I never received a letter in the mail about the last recall and have had issues where it doesnt seem like my engine is getting the power it once did. This was early on after I got the car. My gas mileage has significally decreased even after oil changes.

Electrical System problem #14

The informational screen will just start going "haywire"--someone described it as a "ghost touch!" it will change screens without warning, going through my saved contacts and calling or deleting them. Changing channels etc. . ---it is more than a nuisance, it can be a hazard!.

Electrical System problem #15

The Mazda infotainment system has a problem that is known to the manufacturer and many vehicle owners. It is called "ghost touch" where the touch screen malfunctions and registers an input that is not actually made. The touch screen is not touched, but the infotainment system still reacts and changes inputs, adjusts volume, and performs other actions. This has been a major safety risk for me and my family on several occasions. On several occasions, the infotainment system will be set at a reasonable volume playing music or a radio station or sometimes even off or muted. The "ghost touch" occurred and changed the volume input of the navigation system (which was not being used) to the maximum level. The car then announces that "navigation will be at this volume. " the voice is extremely loud and is completely unexpected. This stated the driver and has almost caused accidents on at least three occasions. It is the equivalent of someone blasting an airhorn in your ear while you are driving. It is shocking and can cause accidents. This problem is known to the dealer and manufacturer. I have taken the vehicle for service of this issue as recently as August 23, 2022. The dealer knows the issue happens with many of its vehicles. They refuse to fix the issue in my car without charging me extraordinary amounts of money because it is out of the full warranty. The car has 44,000 miles and is a 2018 model purchased new in February 2018. They are aware that it is a critical safety issue, but they will not fix it. They have issued a recall for the same issue on another vehicle, but not on mine. This malfunction happens without warning. Again, the dealer and manufacturer are well aware of the issue, but they refuse to fix it even though it is a critical safety issue and it is covered under the implied warranty of the vehicle.

Electrical System problem #16

Driving on highway going 70-75 mph, all of a sudden car starts to stall, check engine light lights up informing me keyless, power steering, vehicle system, Smart brake malfunction. I almost crashed as I was on I-55 heading to downtown chicago. My girlfriend and I could have died.

Electrical System problem #17

Module in the the car sofi and radio stop working at times car slow acceleration from stop to move.

Electrical System problem #18

The parking break is getting stuck and we are unable to release it. We have gone to various Mazda showrooms and service centers but no one have been able to find the issue. We are scared that on the highways the car can malfunction. The parking break warning sign comes on on its own even when the vehicle is moving which is a big concern for us while driving. When I searched for this issue online, I can see few articles where different models of Mazda has same issue and they recalled those vehicles. Mazda service center people after charging me for the issue, suggested not to use parking brake, even I don’t use that it gets on by itself. There is a warning symbol. It is available for inspection when requested. Electronic parking brake component is not working. Multiple Mazda showroom people confirmed this and none of them can fix this.

Electrical System problem #19

Infotainment system/radio: radio stations start changing by itself while loudly beeping constantly while I drive. I lose total control of the infotainment system. It becomes possessed. The infotainment system automatically starts moving to different screens and tries to delete stations. Very unsafe. I've seen reports of this happening on other Mazda vehicles and other models were recalled for it. Considered a "ghost touch. " this was an actual recall on another Mazda model. Https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2019/mc-10164268-0001. . Read more...

Electrical System problem #20

The entertainment system the screen goes crazy change station by itself make calls by himself and then goes black an the back camera doesn't work it's a very high destruction issue we need to reset it and works for a while then happen again thank you.

Electrical System problem #21

On 11/28/2021, my vehicle suddenly showing five warnings 1, front camera sensor malfunction, 2, Smart brake system malfunction, 3, forward Smart city brake support malfunction, 4, hbc/las system malfunction, and 5, scbc malfunction. I have no idea which part was go wrong, but this is not the first time my vehicle shows the same warning. Back to 12/20/2019, my vehicle has a same warning showed, I bring my vehicle to dealer to check but after they check, they told me nothing wrong. After two year the same problem come out again, I am very concern about the safety of my vehicle. The first time having a issue was my vehicle just a year old, and today the same issue come out again. Please help me to look up my vehicle is it any part has to recall and need to fix it. Thank you.

Electrical System problem #22

Approximately 9:15am 5/16/21 I was driving on the road when my engine stalled and went out. Was stuck in the middle of the road for a couple of minutes while I tried to restart the car. My vehicle was recalled for this very purpose but 13 days prior I went into the dealership to fix the issue and get a software update. After said update I experienced the recall issue on my vehicle.

Electrical System problem #23

Computer malfunction has been inspected by dealship.

Electrical System problem #24

First noticed in a shopping center parking lot. I was distracted by something and did not put car transmission shift control in park. I touched engine start/ stop switch and engine turns off as it should. I proceeded to exit the car and noticed it rolling away. Since I was still in car, I realized what happened an corrected the oversight. Most people are used to key ignition and can not pull key unless tranny is in park. This is a safety issue and should be corrected.

Electrical System problem #25

Mazda USA - there’s been over 5 failures of my ac since before the car even hit a 5,000 mile mark. Mazda north America has a d- rating w/the better business bureau & it shows! my complaints have gone one deaf ears and there’s a huge lack of accountability. Https://youtu. Be/83lv-29xz8s.

Electrical System problem #26

On two separate occasions in the last month, during key on/startup/initialization, I will get an adaptive cruise control/aeb/lane keeping system failure. This is due to a fault in the camera module. Adaptive cruise control still works above 20 mph indicating that the failure is in the camera module. Failure is latched for the key cycle and but will recover after a long key cycle. 1st time the failure set, it was very warm out so I believed this was due to an overheat. The second time the failure set the temperature was in a normal range so my hypothesis is wrong. No unusual situation is occurring at startup except the failure. Have not taken to the dealer yet.

Electrical System problem #27

Car burst into flames while driving on highway, unknown cause, suspect electrical or fuel system related.


Electrical System related problems in other Mazda CX-5 model year vehicles:



CX-5 Service Bulletins