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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

    We expect the 2025 CX-5 will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    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

    Display screen goes blank

    "Touch screen goes black and automatically "ghost" selects when car is in idle."

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

    "It started about a year ago. If Im listening to an audiobook or the radio, the infotainment system randomly start selecting things as if I was selecting them and pressing enter by the car is doing it on its own. So it will fast-forward my audiobook and then keep changing selections on the screen."

    Anonymous, UT (2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Hardware replacement

    "We experienced the common touchscreen "ghost touch" issue where the screen initiated commands on its own and the infotainment system became unusable. This was due to a manufacturing defect. The dealer replaced the screen at our expense."

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

    "The Heads Up Display somehow detects that buttons have been pushed when they have not. This can cause it to switch radio stations, skip fwd/back when listening to music on a paired device, change other settings. The problem has not been resolved. It is very frustrating."

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

    "The screen scrolls randomly through different displays. Pressing music or nav returns it to normal until the next time. Been happening for about a year. Annoying but not worth $$$ to fix it. Nav didn't work when dealer returned car to me. Asked me to bring it back to work on it but I bought a new nav card. Nav works now. Not sure if it also cleared up the "wandering issue"

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

    "When radio issues began, was told by service tech that this was a fairly common problem and yet there was no recall issued. To add salt to the wound, the replacement cost is in excess of $1500, when the issue was communicated to Mazda HQ, along with unnecessary maintenance charges, no response or acknowledgement of receipt has been received to date."

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

    "It seems to switch channels and turn off presets all on its own if you are listening to a station it will select things at random or freeze totally"

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

    "Same problem mention previously. The infotainment system randomly start selecting and entering options without anybody touching anything."

    Anonymous, UT (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

    Calipers

    "Failed way too early and cost way too much"

    Anonymous, (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Premature brake wear

    "The sales team was high pressure plus they knew I was coming so the car they were selling me was exactly what i wanted but had been wrecked twice and even though I asked to see the Carfax,it wasn't until I was signing the papers I realized they hadn't given it to me and that's when I found out it been wrecked twice. I would have canceled if I hadn't been so overwhelmed under pressure and with someone who is ready to get home"

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

    "Rear brakes - Rotors rusting out every 30-40K KMs"

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

    "Started at 35000 miles and just got worse. The worst part is how expensive Mazda is."

    Anonymous, (2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 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

    "It started with fowl smelling exhaust, then oil all over the engine causing smoke. The cylinder head was replaced under warranty, I believe there has been a recall since my problem"

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

    "Cracked cylinder head. Known Mazda cx5 defect. Car out of warranty, Mazda picked up all except about 1100."

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

    "Head Gasket spontaneous breakage. Happened around 45K miles, after 5 yr warranty expired. Mazda refused to cover despite mileage below 50.The problem resolved with replacement of head gasket . cost of over $5500."

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 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

    Oil leaks

    "Leak was the result of the cracked head mentioned earlier"

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

    "Oil leak was the symptom of the problem. after inspection, noted that the head gasket need replacement"

    Anonymous, CA (2018 Mazda CX-5 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

    Other electrical system problem

    "lift gate stopped working - when the button was pressed nothing happened - had to replace the unit."

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

    "Airbag warning light was blinking on dashboard on and off for several months. Dealer fixed for $400, cause is corroded harness wiring in glovebox causing higher resistance to be detected. Trunk mounted taillights have let moisture in, one replaced while still under warranty, other is $450 charge."

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Rear hatch release module quit working."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel pump

    "Replacement fuel pump provided due to recall failed 13 months after installation. Was on trip and was stuck for two days in small town. Not covered even though I purchased an extended warranty. Mazda did nothing. Also the fuel pump in question changed the mpg to be less the est mpg from sales sheet when purchased."

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

    Transmission Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Took in for an oil change and a weird noise coming from the engine, and they said transmission was blown and I couldnt leave with it, it was in the shop for a month while I had a rental car"

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

    Steering And Suspension

    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

    Shocks or struts

    "During annual inspection, Service Dept indicated one side shock absorber had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, HI (2018 Mazda CX-5 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.

    What Owners Say

    Starter

    "This happens a few times a month. I'll push the start button, it sounds like it's going to start but then dies. It usually starts on the second or third attempt."

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

    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.

    Engine Cooling

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

    Noises And Leaks

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    Climate System

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

    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.

    Paint And Trim

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

    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
    Steering and Suspension
    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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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