The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is associated with 117 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 82 reports (70% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.2l 4-cyl and 2.5l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 26 to 29 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 117 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (82 / 70%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 1 crash / 0 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 26–29 MPG (4 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| CX-5 2WD Diesel | 2.2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 28 MPG | 31 MPG | 29 MPG | — | $2,750 / yr |
| CX-5 2WD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 MPG | 31 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| CX-5 4WD Diesel | 2.2L 4-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 MPG | 30 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,850 / yr |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD Later Release | | | | | 17.4% |
| SUV FWD Early Release | | | | | 16.900000000000002% |
| SUV AWD Later Release | | | | | 16.900000000000002% |
| SUV AWD Early Release | | | | | 17.4% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Mazda CX-5 models.
View complete 2018 Mazda CX-5 crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Mazda CX-5 problems & component breakdown (16 categories) →
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: ENGINE
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Defect 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."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
View all 2018 Mazda CX-5 recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →