2018 Mazda CX-5 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 and 120 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (97), power train (18), unknown or other (9). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2018 ranks #6 of 13 CX-5 model years for fewest complaints (2013–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (170). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 1.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Mazda CX-5. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · side/window
Problem: 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."
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Cracked cylinder head- factory defect, causing oil to leak onto exhaust manifold. Smoke fills engine bay and cab through air vents, very high concern of engine bay fire. 2018 Mazda cx5 non turbo 2.5 sky active engine. Mazda knows of this defect and will not proved remedy.
There has been numerous report of the Mazda CX 5 having failure rear differential. I just purchased a 2018 Mazda CX five for my daughter in September 2026 I now am experiencing this issue on the rear diff. The dealer will not cover the repair since it’s as is purchase Mazda should take this as a recall and fix the vehicle for the safety of the consumer.
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.5L NA Engine Cracked cylinder head and blown head gasket with leaking oil onto exhaust manifold resulting in white smoke & burning oil smell. No engine light. Issue confirmed by dealer and independent shop. Commonly reported issue amongst 2018-2021 Mazda CX-5 owners either naturally aspirated engines.
Safety ratings
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Later Release
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Early Release
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
CX-5 2WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
CX-5 2WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.2 L · Diesel · Turbo
Diesel
CX-5 4WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
CX-5 4WD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.2 L · Diesel · Turbo
Diesel
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, most recently for fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump (11/12/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-5?
Based on 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (97), power train (18), unknown or other (9).
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 safe?
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Mazda CX-5?
The 2018 ranks #6 of 13 CX-5 model years for fewest complaints (2013–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (170). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 1.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 range from 26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Mazda CX-5 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CX-5.