Warnings problems of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Six problems related to warnings have been reported for the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 based on all problems reported for the 2018 CX-5.

1 Warnings problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2025

The infotainment system consistently changes stations and volume on its own. Knob will not allow you to make adjustments . Contacted dealer and infotainment is not covered under warranty , or extended warranty. Now the collision notification is not working. Warnings from system that it has failed and causes system to not register any movement . This has been going on recently. Now have to drive it as it doesn’t have the system. And have to use my apple play for radio as infotainment keeps failing to include radio and navigation told by dealer that the infotainment system is not mounted into the dash and sticks up , so the heat from sun and summer has fried th system. Has been ongoing for over a year just found site to report it . Will not buy another vehicle with infotainment system sticking up out of dashboard.

2 Warnings problem

Failure Date: 06/30/2024

Mazda vehicles currently have an infotainment system that that is touch screen when the vehicle is stopped or below 10 mph. Above 10 mph, the touch screen disables and can only be used with the control console. Mazda infotainment systems have a "ghost touch" issue where when stopped, will behave abnormally and select random menus, options etc. Today while stopped at a red light, this ghost touch issued caused the infotainment system to turn off blind spot monitoring and Smart city brake support (automatic braking. ) due to the ghost touch, the control console wheel does not over ride the ghost touch issue. I could not turn these safety features back on until I started moving the car (accelerating above 10 mph) while driving at which point the touch screen "disables" and only allows the input of the manual control wheel. Mazda is aware this is an issues and refused to recall/fix these defective units outside of warranty without charging $500 - $1000 per customer.

3 Warnings problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2024

The info-tainment system (android auto/apple car play) is unstable and will come on at any time and change/delete settings and make calls, texts, etc. Without any input. It is distracting as the screen shows what it it doing and the driver will need to make it stop. It could cause an accident. It has at times: changed radio stations deleted presets and other settings deleted contacts from my phone made phone calls and sent texts deleted and reset the navigation to a destination not selected by the user. I understand this is called ghost touch and requires the touch screen to be fixed although I have never used the touch screen. I understand they recalled and fixed the 2016 to 2017 cars, but I have to pay to get the 2018 fixed out of pocket. This has been happening and getting worse for the past 6-8 months. Also, the forward collision has alarmed when there was nothing in front of me.

4 Warnings problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2023

On 7/30/23, I was driving home from church, and was driving on the freeway in the fast lane when my 2018 Mazda Cx-5, that was only 5 years old, with only over 33. 2k miles on it, started to stall. Thankfully, it didn't come to a complete stop, but slowed down tremendously, and had at least 5 malfunctioning lights come on all at once. The car wouldn't go over 25 miles afterwards. I was very thankful to make it home safely, but this was very alarming, since I never had any issues with that car, and always kept it very well maintained. For a car that was only 5 years old and had only 33. 2k miles on it, to experience such a drastic problem, is very confusing. It was very concerning that the car almost came to a complete stop unexpectedly without any warning ahead of time, especially while driving in the fast lane on a freeway. I also took pictures of the malfunctioning lights that came on right after the incident took place. I had the car towed into the dealer the next day, and they told me that it was unusual that my engine would do that. They said that it needed a tune up earlier than expected. I was told that the 3rd cylinder was misfiring, and also when the engine isn't working properly, everything else in the car would shut down. Now, why would a car that's been very well maintained, with only 33. 2k miles on it need a tune-up? and I always kept up with the oil changes on time. I found out that there was an engine recall on these particular models, but I was told by Mazda that my VIN # did not qualify; however, what I experienced, did fit the description of the recall. I've since then, decided to trade in the car, because I was just too afraid to continue driving it after this experience. I am however, very upset that I had to give up a car that I invested a lot of money in and took very good care of, and only had 33. 2k miles on it.

5 Warnings problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2023

When I drive 100 to 150 fest the front camera blocked warning light come on. The only way to reset is to stop turn of car and restart, only to have it happen again and again. The main thing is when and if I can get into cruise control and I am on a major highway and have the cruise set unannounced the warning comes on and turns off the cruise control. If there is someone close they run up on me. I have had it back to the dealer and have called Mazda, all they said was maybe the sun was setting it off, I guess I can only drive at night. The dealer had the car for over 2 weeks and did not fix it. I have recently discovered that if I keep the cruise control on it will not do it, it is very frustrating and now it is off warranty.

6 Warnings problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2022

Unknown my vehicle stalls while I’m driving. My rpm tends to stay at one number when this happens. I was nearly struck by a vehicle while trying to merge onto the highway. This is very dangerous. There’s also I light that comes on my dashboard that seems to be indicating an accident or something of that sort.


Other Forward Collision Avoidance related problems of the 2018 Mazda CX-5



CX-5 Service Bulletins