Power Train Problems of Mazda CX-5 - part 2

Mazda CX-5 owners have reported 221 problems related to power train (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Mazda CX-5 based on all problems reported for the CX-5.

36 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 02/18/2025

I purchased my Cx-5 from Mazda dealership when new. The vehicle has been having coolant issues where the electronically controlled thermostatic valve (ectv) will open prematurely at 120°f instead of at higher temperatures. This all leads to higher fuel consumption, premature wear and tear on the engine, higher water condensation in the engine oil, poor engine and cabin air performance. I had it diagnosed at the Mazda dealership where I bought it from (previously it was sussman Mazda of abington, now fred beans Mazda of abington in PA) and they said the values are admissible by Mazda and not indicative of a problem. However, my vehicle cannot reach normal operating temperature of 198°f when driven for 50 miles at ambient 28°f for over an hour due to premature opening of the ectv at lower temperatures. There are no codes showing up relating to the issue, therefore the dealership declined any repair works to be done.

See all problems of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

37 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 01/07/2025

Ticking sound coming from engine. Likely related to the hydraulic lash adjusters. Vehicle has had a recent oil change by a technician.

38 Power Train problem of the 2016 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 12/27/2024

I was driving on a city street and slowed to turn right onto a driveway at at a private residence. As my car entered the driveway and near the end of the right turn, my car had a sudden unintended uncontrolled acceleration, continued the turn, went over a low hedge of shrubs on the right side of the driveway, continued down a short rocky incline, and landed on a large rock where the car stopped.

See all problems of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

39 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 12/23/2024

I have a 2019 Mazda cx 5 with only 67,000 miles on it and the cylinder head is cracked and leaking oil everywhere. I have noticed tsbs released for this issue, but it seems to be a very common issue with most people not being covered for a very major repair. Mazda refuses to fix the issue created by the improper build of this component and may lock people's engines if not caught soon enough.

See all problems of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

40 Power Train problem of the 2017 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 12/12/2024

Rear differential failed at roughly 80,000 miles. Depending on failure, unexpected loss of traction or a locking up of the drivetrain could occur. We were lucky to catch it before then. Dealer confirmed issue with no clear cause. No warning lamps/messages/etc indicated that the part was failing. The only thing we noticed was increased highway noise, which could easily be ignored by someone who is not as aware of good/bad car noises.

See all problems of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

41 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 12/09/2024

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).

42 Power Train problem of the 2017 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 11/14/2024

Car was making popping noise, got it checked out at mechanic. Said rear differential had metal in the oil.

43 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 11/09/2024

This car has a confirmed cracked cylinder head and is leaking oil. This is a known issue and there is a TSB out for it. It happened at $62500 miles and is just outside of the warranty. This has happened to several of these cars. Mazda is not doing "good will" to repair them and there is not yet a recall which there should be. The car suddenly started leaking oil and smoking/burning. It is unsafe and a defective cylinder head. Mazda should be taking responsibility for this.

44 Power Train problem of the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 11/01/2024

Engine developed a major oil leak at 70,000 miles, with multiple seals leaking. This appears to be a known defect with these vehicles and owners should not be bearing the cost for repairs.

See all problems of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

45 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 10/27/2024

We purchased our vehicle from riley Mazda in September 2018. Shortly after reaching approximately 50,000 miles, we began to notice that the gauges would fluctuate, and there was a slight burning odor in the car cabin. We replaced the air filters for both the engine and cabin, as well as performed an engine oil change. In October, we had a brake flush done when we inquired about the burning smell coming from under the hood. Despite our concerns, the dealership was unable to identify any problems at that time. On a subsequent visit, we paid a diagnostic fee of $220. 00. It was during this visit that the dealership discovered an issue with the engine. The newly identified problems will significantly impair the vehicle's performance and decrease its value. Additionally, we anticipate needing future repairs, which could pose serious safety hazards.

46 Power Train problem of the 2016 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 10/24/2024

About a month ago, started hearing a whining noise from the automatic transaxle when driving at different speeds. The more speed, the more noise you hear inside the vehicle. It occurs with all types of driving, acceleration, deceleration and steady speed. Took my Mazda Cx-5 into auto experts and found there is a service bulletin regarding this issue in 2013-2016 Mazda Cx-5's. There is a damaged bearing in the transaxle due to improper configuration of the transaxle case. There needs to be a recall for this issue, not just a service bulletin. I cannot afford a new transmission and replacing the transmission with a like for like or used transmission, there is no guarantee the issue won't come back.

47 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 10/01/2024

Car failed while on highway driving 60 mph with the engine and power steering turning off instantly. A day prior the dash was blinking warnings. Mazda of lodi replaced the entire transmission plus other parts. Just made it under warrantee. Would have cost 5k once expired. Was told half the fleet of 2019 were recalled but not the second half of production for some reason even though they both experience the same failure. . Also had 22,000 miles at end of the. Something smells in denmark.

48 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 09/04/2024

On [xxx], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda Cx-5 in los angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [xxx] in los angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

49 Power Train problem of the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 08/23/2024

Oil has been leaking multiple times, with warranty repair for a faulty timing cover and gasket. This is now leaking again after being repaired twice already. This most recent time causing error messages regarding oil while driving. Significant burning smell coming from engine area.

50 Power Train problem of the 2024 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 06/08/2024

This vehicle belongs to my friend, but I was the injured party. She was visiting me and realized she forgot her phone,. The vehicle wias at the top of my driveway and in park. She wanted to go back in the house to look and got out of the car & left the door open. , I leaned into the car to press stop engine and immediately the car began to roll down the hill, dragging me 50'. Car still in park slammed into the stone wall of my garage. I had injuries to my right leg. Aplit lip, frctured nasal bone, nerve damage to my thigh and torn meniscus. The ambulance arrived, I was taken to the hospital and treated. Witnesses signed affadavits confirming vehicle still in park. I have not been awarded any compensation since they say that my injuries were not serious enough. Mazda,at this time, has refused to take respomsibility since they could not duplicate the incident remotely tested by a calif. Facility. I am reporting this incident because all other parties have failed to do so.

See all problems of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

51 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 06/05/2024

2018 Mazda started smoking from under hood and noticed a burning oil smell. Took to mechanic and was told engine head gasket has a huge crack. Car only has 22k on it and never been in any accident. All appropriate preventative services are up to date. There was no indication light no warning light nothing to identify why the car was leaking oil and smoking until it was looked at. This has multiple. Complaints in regards to this specific year and model and needs to be addresses before someone's car catches fire or stalls in the middle of highway.

52 Power Train problem of the 2014 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 05/31/2024

I was waiting at a traffic signal to make a left turn, with my foot on the brake. The car accelerated aggressively, with no warning, like the pedal was pushed to the floor. I stood on the brake and shoved the shifter into park - coming to a stop in the middle of the intersection, fortunately my wheels were pointed straight and the car did not race into oncoming traffic. My 96 year old father was in the car with me. Thankfully, my grandchildren were not in the car. You could smell the gas and brakes. It was not driver foot placement, nor was it floor mats. Vehicle has ~ 75k miles, and I am terrified of this happening again. I had driven this car regularly in rush hour stop & go traffic for years with no event like this ever before. Apparently sudden unintended vehicle acceleration is a recognized problem.

See all problems of the 2014 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

53 Power Train problem of the 2020 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 05/23/2024

Defective transmission causes metal fragments to break off and over time damage transmission.

See all problems of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

54 Power Train problem of the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 05/07/2024

I got this SUV in 2023 and I kept up with oil changes and I take it in for a oil change and not even 2 days later the oil light came on so I topped it off and I go in for another oil change not even 2 days later I'm running hot so I take it back to the dealer to find out I have either a cracked head or a blown gasket??!!! there is coolant visible and Mazda told me they are aware of this problem but why aren't they doing something about it bc ppl are barely making ends meet and they continue to sell these cars with these engine problems without fixing the issue. . .

55 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 05/01/2024

Unknown. Vehicle stalls and jumps when I step on the gas pedal or try to increase speed.

56 Power Train problem of the 2023 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 04/23/2024

Slowly and cautiously entered parking lot of a small strip mall. Proceeded to a parking space located in between two parked vehicles. Maneuvering into parking space I removed foot from gas pedal toward the break pedal; before foot made contact with break pedal the vehicle accelerated on its own surging over the cement parking bumper, over bushes, through the grass, down the curb and into the street. I jammed on the breaks. Lifting foot from break pedal I did not touch the gas pedal in fear the surge might happened again. Instead I allowed the vehicle to coast as I guided vehicle to the curb. In all the commotion, while trying to control vehicle safely I noticed the dashboard transmission indicator lights flash from park to drive to neutral. Safety issues for me and family at risk because we had no control over the acceleration of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

57 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 04/22/2024

I had just had my car serviced for 30k services and about 2 months later smoke was coming out of my engine after driving. Took it in and it turned out to be a cracked cylinder head. None of my lights were on indicating there was an issue either. I was told this is a known issue with Mazda and should be a recall but there still isn’t one. TSB#sa-031-21.

58 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 04/19/2024

Cylinder failure low oil pressure and check engine light. Mazda redid cyclinder and still getting the check engine light. Mazda working on issue and having issue resolving problem.

59 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 04/10/2024

Noticed a burning oil smell coming from the car along with leaking oil in the driveway. Vehicle has 53000 miles on it and was 3 months out of powertrain warranty but still under the 60000 mileage cap. Local Mazda dealership came back saying that it was a "sa-037/23 oil leak at cylinder head, cylinder head replacement with parts kit" and quoted $5100 to repair. Dealership stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. There were no dash indicator lights or symptoms of overheating to indicate that there was a problem outside of the smell. After the diagnosis was made, we researched and found that this was a commonly reported problem for this model year.

60 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 04/02/2024

Noticed an oil smell when driving the vehicle, slightly premature to when it was due for an oil change. Engine was emitting light blue smoke when parked after driving for more than 20 minutes. Took the car to a Mazda dealership to get serviced two days after noticing the issue and was told that the cylinder head was cracked and needed to be replaced. There was oil leaking from the vehicle, which I had not noticed, and it had soaked a lot of the front undercarriage of the car. Research into the effects of an oil leak indicate that it can cause a serious malfunction of the engine and other components of the car, but I did not experience that in the time of noticing the problem and taking the vehicle to get serviced. The problem was diagnosed by the service department at a Mazda dealership and is being repaired there. The oil indicator came on a day after noticing the smell.

61 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 04/01/2024

Cracked cylinder head. Burning oil smell. Coolant leaking into oil. Car purchased a year ago for $21,500. Dealer I bought it from paid 1/2 after sending it out to Mazda to be diagnosed and fixed.

62 Power Train problem of the 2024 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 03/29/2024

Since the day we purchased our new 2024 Mazda Cx-5, two issues have become apparent. Firstly, there is a clicking noise emanating from the rear passenger seats behind the driver whenever the vehicle is in motion. Secondly, there is a noticeable rumbling in the drivetrain during idle or stop-and-go traffic. I have visited the Mazda showroom twice regarding the seat back noise. Together with a Mazda technician, we determined that the rear passenger seat indeed makes a clicking noise even after being properly latched. We tested several new cars on the dealer lot and found that all of them exhibit this noise. It is quite bothersome while driving, and I request Mazda's immediate attention to resolve this issue by fixing the latch bracket to securely hold the seat and eliminate the noise. The drivetrain rumbling has become increasingly noticeable as I use the car daily for work and errands. It feels like the vehicle is being shaken underneath me when stopped at a red light, stop sign, or while parked and idling. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in addressing these concerns at your earliest convenience.

63 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 03/18/2024

2018 Mazda Cx-5 with roughly 52,000 miles on it was emitting a burnt rubber smell and white smoke from the engine. Repair shop thought it was a bad timing lock. Replaced that and car continued to emit white smoke and smell like burnt rubber. Engine then began leaking oil. Took the car back to the repair shop and it was confirmed that the engine had a cracked cylinder head. The repair shop said this is a known issue with 2018-2019 Mazdas. In three days time, the engine leaked roughly 1 quart of oil and was deemed not safe to drive by the repair shop.

64 Power Train problem of the 2020 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 02/26/2024

Low oil level indicator came on at roughly 55,000 miles only about 3000 miles after last oil change. Car was immediately stopped and towed to the nearest Mazda dealer. Dealership confirmed oil level was low. Car appears to me consuming excess oil. Oil consumption test pending.

65 Power Train problem of the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 02/01/2024

-my rear differential needs replaced with just 24,000 miles on the car. I have the video from the technician at the Mazda dealership if needed. -my safety was not at risk because I took the car in at the first sign of issue. -Mazda dealer technician has confirmed problem. -Mazda has been contacted to approve the part/fix since it is still under warranty. -no warning lamps appeared. I noticed a noise that was not something I had heard/noticed before. -I have searched many forums and this is a known/common issue with this make/model.

66 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 01/18/2024

Had the sudden onset of strong exhaust fumes in the cabin as others have described - especially when idling at a light. Returned to dealer after having it up on a rack to find oil dripping everywhere (shield underneath prevents from seeing drops when parked) - got word today it is indeed the cylinder head assembly. How is oil running on hot exhaust not a fire concern? I had to roll my windows down for fresh air in zero degree weather the fumes were so strong inside the vehicle. On top of that the p0126 (thermostat stuck open) diagnostic code is back for the second year in a row after having the “fix” installed under warranty last year.

67 Power Train problem of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 01/06/2024

Constant ticking sound coming from engine, most apparent while idling but continues even after oil change and engine warm up. Goes away for short periods of time. Always comes back and is very loud. Sometimes engine block shakes and can be felt through the steering wheel.

68 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 01/03/2024

Car will whine and jerk when accelerating. Car suddenly stopped engaging in gear after it was warm. Dealer states it has internal transmission malfunction at 64k miles. Prior to the car breaking down the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic on 12/27/23 and concerns with the whining and jerking when driving were expressed. Dealer reports that the transmission was “operating as designed”.

69 Power Train problem of the 2023 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 12/26/2023

When driving the vehicle, my car exhibits a rocking / shake when going from brake to gas at speeds below 20 mph. I was told by the dealership that it is normal operation, but when driving two other cx5’s, the behavior did not exhibit. I do not know what to do. I have also brought it to 2 independent mechanics and they told me the engine mounts needed to be replaced. I did the service at 36,000 miles and it did not get rid of the problem. It seems to be a defect of the car, which I’ve been living with since 2023. The issue has been ongoing.

70 Power Train problem of the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Failure Date: 12/15/2023

The 2019 Cx-5 has approximately 31086 miles. It was discovered that the cylinder head is cracked and causing the car to leak oil.



CX-5 Service Bulletins