Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Mazda CX-5 - part 1

While driving a short distance, my engine overheated and there was a strong burning smell. The cylinder head was cracked, causing a significant oil leak. The car is currently at the dealership but is available for inspection upon request. The defective cylinder head is leaking engine oil directly onto hot exhaust components. This creates an immediate risk of engine fire and causes smoke to enter the vehicle cabin, impairing visibility and driver health. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership. They confirmed the cylinder head is cracked and requires replacement. My mechanic advised this type of leak could lead to engine overheating, sudden power loss, or potential fire risk and should not be driven. Mazda has issued prior technical service bulletins and warranty extensions for similar cylinder head/manifold cracking issues on the 2. 5l turbo engine, but no program exists for the non-turbo engine, despite identical problems. Mazda should be held responsible for this safety issue. Mazda is aware of this manufacturing defect but has not recalled these engines to be repaired or replaced if they are outside of their warranty period, placing costly repairs and potentially life-threatening situations on their customers. The repair is replacement of the cylinder head/sleeve or replacement of the engine block, which has since been modified by Mazda to resolve this issue. Mazda’s refusal to extend reimbursement to non-turbo owners is unfair and leaves affected customers with no support for a known manufacturing flaw. I urge NHTSA to investigate this recurring engine defect in non-turbo 2019–2020 Mazda Cx-5 models and encourage Mazda to offer equal reimbursement.

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Low engine oil level light on about 1000 miles from last oil changed. Dealer fixed the Mazda recall code: p250f on July 30, 2025. Now is same issue of low engine oil level light on again on November 19, 2025.

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The cyclinder head cracked. This could cause the engine to fail, and leaving the driver on the highway or other unsafe locations of travel. The certified repair shop along with the insurance adjuster advised it was a manufacturing defect. The warning sign was an oil burning smell inside the vehicle while stationary and inside the garage.

Question 1 - what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? answer 1 - the engine cylinder head. The cylinder head developed a crack, causing a significant oil leak. The car is currently at the dealership but is available for inspection upon request. Question 2 - how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? answer 2 - the defective cylinder head is leaking engine oil directly onto hot exhaust components. This creates an immediate risk of engine fire and causes smoke to enter the vehicle cabin, impairing visibility and driver health. Additionally, the loss of engine fluids creates a risk of sudden engine failure or stalling at highway speeds. Question 3 - has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center answer 3 - yes. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership. They confirmed the cylinder head is cracked and requires replacement. The dealership acknowledged the failure and offered a partial repair discount, confirming their diagnosis of the defect. Question 4 - has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? answer 4 - yes. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership technician acting as a representative for the manufacturer. I have also escalated the issue to Mazda corporate (case number can be provided upon request), who reviewed the dealership's findings but refused to cover the full repair cost. Question 5 - were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? answer 5 - I noticed an oil leak on my driveway. I noticed it and brought it in to be looked at the first week of November 2025.

Hydraulic lifters keep having issues.

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2018 Mazda Cx-5, 2. 5l na has been diagnosed with leak in the cylinder head cover, which has resulted in engine oil leaking directly onto the exhaust manifold. This leak produces significant smoke and a strong burning oil smell while the vehicle is running. There are numerous reports on Mazda owner forums describing the same issue occurring in Mazda Cx-5 models. Some owners even reported instances of minor fires or active burning under the hood due to oil contacting hot components. Mazda released technical service bulletin TSB #sa-031-21, which includes a redesigned cylinder head for the 2018–2019 Cx-5 models. This bulletin demonstrates Mazda’s awareness of the design flaw. The TSB only covers turbo 2. 5l engines and not normally aspirated engines. There is substantial evidence that this is a widespread defect in these model years, unrelated to owner misuse or vehicle mileage. Mazda should take full responsibility by issuing a formal recall or providing an extended warranty to address the problem and prevent safety risks.

What component or system failed: the cylinder head failed due to cracking around the exhaust manifold, resulting in exhaust and coolant leakage. My independent mechanic and the Mazda dealer both confirmed this was the source of the burning smell and engine risk. The failed parts are currently in the possession of the Mazda dealership and available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: the failure created a strong burning rubber smell inside and outside the vehicle while driving. My mechanic advised this type of leak could lead to engine overheating, sudden power loss, or potential fire risk if not caught early. I frequently transport children in the vehicle, and the unexpected engine damage posed a significant safety concern. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed: yes. The issue was first diagnosed by an independent, certified mechanic and then confirmed by the Mazda dealership, who determined the cylinder head had to be replaced due to premature cracking and leakage. Has the vehicle/component been inspected: yes. The vehicle has been fully inspected by an independent mechanic and the Mazda dealership service department. The dealership stated the failed cylinder head will be sent to Mazda for engineering review. Were there any warning lamps or symptoms before failure: there were no warning lights or error messages prior to the failure - which is alarming. The only initial symptom was a strong burning rubber smell that began shortly before the diagnosis. No overheating warnings appeared on the dash before the problem was confirmed. Additional context: the vehicle has 40,000 miles, has been fully maintained according to schedule, and is garage-kept. The Mazda service department acknowledged this failure is unusual and premature. Mazda has issued prior technical service bulletins and warranty extensions for similar cylinder head/manifold cracking issues on the 2. 5l turbo engine, but no program exists for the non-turbo engine, despite identical symptoms.

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, there was smoke coming from the engine, and the contact smelled an oil-burning odor. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head was damaged, causing oil to leak into the cylinders, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and promised to open a case and give the contact a callback within 24 to 48 hours. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated that the front brake system malfunction, forward brake malfunction, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating as if the wheels would lock up. The steering wheel vibrated while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to retrieve a diagnostic code; however, the dtc number was unknown. The dealer was unable to identify the exact cause of the code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

In August 2025, we brought our Mazda Cx-5 (non-turbo engine) to a Mazda service center and paid nearly $3,000 for repairs, including replacement of belts and other related service. Despite this, we continued to experience a burning smell from the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the problem escalated — the burning smell persisted and smoke began to appear. Mazda is now demanding an additional $4,500 to replace a cracked cylinder head. This defect must have been present when the car was serviced in August, and the initial repairs failed to identify or correct it. While there is an NHTSA technical service bulletin for the turbo version of this engine, there are numerous complaints online about the same defect in the non-turbo model, which is what we own. This indicates that the problem is not isolated. Mazda should be held responsible for this safety issue. A cracked cylinder head that leads to burning smells and smoke is a serious hazard that could cause engine failure or even fire. Consumers should not be forced to spend thousands of dollars on repairs for what appears to be a widespread defect and when our vehicle has only $50k miles and it should last for the life of the vehicle.

2018 Mazda Cx-5, 2. 5l naturally aspirated engine the vehicle has been diagnosed with a leak from the cylinder head cover, resulting in engine oil dripping directly onto the exhaust manifold. This issue causes noticeable smoke and a strong burning oil odor inside the cabin while the engine is running. This defect presents multiple serious safety concerns: 1) health hazard due to prolonged exposure to burning oil fumes inside the vehicle. 2) fire risk from oil contacting hot engine components. 3) potential engine failure, which could lead to vehicle stalling or loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash and possible loss of life. Mazda issued technical service bulletin TSB #sa-031-21, which introduced a redesigned cylinder head for 2018–2019 Cx-5 models. The release of this TSB indicates Mazda’s awareness of the underlying design flaw. There is substantial evidence, including numerous owner reports, that this is a widespread issue affecting these model years. The defect is not related to vehicle mileage or user negligence. Mazda should be held fully accountable and take corrective action by issuing a formal safety recall or offering an extended warranty to affected owners. Immediate attention to this matter is necessary to protect consumer safety and prevent future incidents.

Cracked cylinder head leaks oil directly onto hot exhaust, causing smoke, fumes in cabin and a fire risk.

The contact owns a 2020 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated that while the cruise control was activated and driving 65 mph in the middle lane of a busy six-lane highway, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was suddenly stalled and coasted to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure and was unable to confirm that the failure had occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.

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Driving fine at low speeds (under 40mph), once I accelerate to highway speeds the engine misfires, check engine light flashes, Smart city brake system malfunction, radar malfunction, and car losses all engine power. Car just coast, lights and brakes still work. Check engine code moves around and will be on cylinder 3 sometimes and cylinder 4 other times. Able to replicate this issue multiple times. Serious safety concern.

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph with a toddler occupying the rear seat, the contact noticed smoke and an abnormal burning rubber odor coming through the vents. The contact pulled into a gas station and then pulled into a nail salon parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and found an oil leak, and the mechanic diagnosed that the cylinder head had cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under an unknown extended warranty because of the type of engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under goodwill assistance because the oil changes had not been mainly performed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Confirmed cracked cylinder by dealership, led to dumping of oil while vehicle was in motion on the highway. Vehicle/engine could have caught fire at any moment. There were no engine warnings that appeared on the dash. This is consistent with other Cx-5 complaints on NHTSA. Vehicle had 55,000 miles on it at time of incident, and needed $8,000 worth of repair. Please recall!!.

Cracked/leaking cylinder head on my 2019 Mazda cx5. It is understood that Mazda has extended warranty for the turbo model (csp11) of this car, but not the standard engine, even though they both are displaying the same issue in many 2019 cx5s. Quoted at $6000 for a vehicle under 90k miles. Issue needs to be escalated.

The cylinder head has a crack in it witch sprays oil all over the engine. It also sprays oil on to the very catalitic converter that's very hot . Smoke is everywhere and iam afraid it will cause a fire.

Dealership service department found a cracked cylinder head. This issue has been reported to NHTSA by Mazda. The car is being serviced and this issue was found. I’m attaching photos and also report from dealership l.

Cracked cylinder head.

Engine cylinder heads started to leak at 75k miles causing oil and coolant to leak and puddle. This was after a fuel pump recall.

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the side of the road before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine had failed due to a lack of maintenance. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an automatic reminder regarding the oil change. The contact stated that the oil change reminder failed to illuminate to indicate that the oil level was extremely low. The check engine warning light also failed to illuminate. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

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Timing cover oil leak. This is the same issue reported in technical bulletin #01-006/23 issued on 04/26/2023. There is oil leaking and the engine is smoking. No engine warning lights or other messages appeared. My car is a 2019 Mazda Cx-5 and has 31,954 miles. This problem has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and the dealer service center. On 08/22/2025, I took my vehicle to dealer service for the repair. I also submitted a ticket to Mazda care for review of the case.

I noticed an oil leak. I had it diagnosed and its a crack in the cylinder head, right above the exhaust manifold. This is known issue for Mazda's online. There is oil spilling everywhere. The oil burns off as it is driving. Smoke fills my car.

. . . . . On at least 5 seperate occasions our 2021 Mazda cx5 SUV accelerated to a high rate of speed (on it's own). It has done it to my wife and I both. I contacted two different Mazda service centers and was advised they have no knowledge of this and that there are no open recalls or TSB's and as intermittent as it is it would be almost impossible to duplicate. On July 18th the car accelerated (on its own) again but this time it drove my wife into a tree at aprox. 35/40 mph breaking her ribs. The body shop informed me this morning that the car is a total loss. Mazda needs to get to the bottom of this and resolve this issue ASAP. This time it was a tree, the next time it may be at a crosswalk or at an intersection. It's just a mater of time until someone is killed or at the very least badly hurt. I don't know how Mazda can be unaware of this problem, it's all over the internet. Our body shop pulled it up on line and was shocked at the amount of complaints/ concerns that existed related to this problem. Please investigate this because the next person may not be as fortunate. Thank you in advance.

For the 3rd or 4th time since I have own this car I experienced a loss of acceleration when attempting to make quick acceleration while attempting to merge with traffic. Acceleration is fine around town where quick acceleration is not appropriate. But the first attempt to merge with flowing traffic the car will slowly accelerates to about 30 mph and no more regardless as to position of accelerator pedal. On all occasion this bad behavior has this first drive of the day - going to work in the a. M. There is often a warning message indicating the safety radar is not working due to limited visibility which is a very common warning in the a. M.

Critical malfunction- causing parking brake malfunction, anti lock brake system malfunction, dynamic stability control malfunction, disabled blind spot monitoring, keyless entry system malfunction, front brake / and obstruction warning disabled, keyless entry system malfunction, air bag system and seat belt pre-tensioner system malfunction. Vehicle not starting. /dead. Sat at dealership service where purchased for 6 days saying they could not test bc they did not have a battery tester- magically when I complained they found one- and say everything checks out ok. Vehicle is not safe!!!! if this malfunction happened while driving I could have been killed. The dealership refuses to anything g but say it’s ok- and it’s not a lemon. I cannot put my life at risk and they will not guarantee it will not happen again- or say why it happened- other than check g the battery.

While driving down highway the car suddenly will stop accelerating. Once this occurs the check engine light will turn on and shortly after the battery light will turn on. The car will not move and the ac will then stop working. The first time the car was brought to dealership (under warranty). They had to replace battery, fuel pump and fuel level indicator. They stated the fuel pump was broken as was the fuel level indicator. They were able to reproduce the problem prior to fixing it the first time. Less than a month after the car was repaired the exact same issue happened. This is a significant safety concern as I was driving on the highway with a [xxx] child in the back seat when the car stopped driving the second time. I was barely able to get over a lane and off the road before the car stopped driving. The ac then stopped working on a day where the feels like temperature was over 100. I had to lay wet cloths over my infant to prevent her from overheating while we waited for aaa and a family member to reach us. The inability to accelerate/sudden stopping of the car while driving on a highway with a speed limit of 70mph posed a significant safety risk to my life, my child’s life and potentially other cars if they weren’t able to stop. I had to wave frantically at the car in the lane next to me so that they wouldn’t hit me. No warning lights came on until after the issue (stopped accelerating) occurred. The dealership (Mazda) now has the car again and will be inspecting it. I have files from the first incident however they are in the car. Once I get my car back I can send over the reports of what they replaced/work completed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Engine developed multiple oil leaks from oil seal and timing cover. The leaks could result in engine failure and endanger driver and/or passengers. No warning lights activated, was found at routine oil change. Defect was reported to manufacturer, but warranty had expired, and they refused accept responsibility. Research revealed this vehicle is known to have this defect.

The timing chain cover gasket failed and is leaking oil at 66,000 miles. It is currently being addressed at borgman Mazda in grand rapids. No crash or safety risk. There were no warning lamps, it was found by an separate inspection not from the dealership.

While waiting at a stop light the engine will turn off. This has happened three times since I’ve owned the car 2/16/2025.

I own a 2018 Mazda Cx-5. I currently have 64,770 miles on the car. I have had a burning smell and smoke coming from the engine. The car was taken to the dealer (john kennedy Mazda conshohocken) and I was told it was fixed by replacing a gasket. The smell and smoke persisted. I took it back to the dealer and now I am told there is a leaking cylinder head. I do not feel safe driving this car especially with my kids in the car while the engine is smoking. I have had to pull over on the highway due to this. No warning lights were on until a week prior to taking it back a second time when my oil light finally came on.

Car “died” while idling at a traffic light. It started but would not start several hours later and car was towed to mechanic. Diagnostics “determined “after several days that car needed an ecm. Ecm was ordered and replaced, along with the battery. This took several weeks, in the meantime, I had to rent a vehicle. Vehicle picked up on may 29th and driven 250 miles and car sputtered, hesitated, slowing down in heavy traffic at high speeds on highway, putting other drivers and myself in a very unsafe situation. Several days later this happened again while traveling back home, again, at highway speed putting other drivers and myself in high risk situation. (this happened several times during both trips. ) as I was focused on the road, I did not see if any messages were displayed. After returning home, the mechanic was informed via voice mail and again via telephone. The following morning (June 2), the car sputtered, hesitated to accelerate at low speeds and died while driving to repair shop (battery indicator illuminated as I was pulling over). Car has been towed again to repair shop.

My vehicle has 64k miles and has had regular maintenance - oil changes, etc. It has recently developed an oil leak. I took it to the dealer today & they said the cylinder head and gasket needs to be replaced. My car has not overheating or even run warm. I understand there are 2019 Cx-5s that have had a casting issue with cylinder heads. I feel sure that’s what the issue is here yet they want almost $6k to repair my vehicle!.

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the engine oil level was low was displayed. The contact stated that oil was added to the engine; however, the next day the message reoccurred. The contact stated that later while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who confirmed oil leaking from the engine, but the cause of the oil leak was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 96,600.