While driving vehicle on frwy, started losing power fast. As if the engine turned off. At light, traction light, stability control light and check engine light came on. Pulled to side of frwy turned car off, sat there in disbelief. I then turned the vehicle back on - only check engine light stayed on. Had power as if nothing had happen diag found code p1738, p0847. Galpin Mazda called tech line…
2013 Mazda CX-5 powertrain problems
moderate 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 35 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Mazda CX-5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Mazda CX-5 in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 CX-5 powertrain has a widespread pattern of intermittent loss of power during acceleration and merging—sometimes clearing on restart, sometimes requiring transmission replacement—plus a separate issue where the car won't fully shut off, draining the battery. These aren't isolated quirks; enough owners report them that you should have any used example thoroughly road-tested and scanned for transmission codes before purchase, and expect potential out-of-warranty transmission repair costs of $1,100–$4,000+.
The 2013 CX-5 powertrain shows a clear pattern of intermittent power loss tied to the automatic transmission. Owners describe sudden hesitation or complete loss of forward power during low-speed acceleration, merging, or turning—with the engine revving but the car refusing to move, as if the transmission isn't engaged. This happens at 20,000 to 50,000 miles in some cars and much higher in others. The event typically triggers multiple warning lights (Traction Control, Tire Pressure, Check Engine, AT) simultaneously. After turning the vehicle off and restarting, symptoms usually clear, but the issue recurs—sometimes within weeks, sometimes after months.
Dealership responses vary widely. Some tell owners this behavior is "normal for economy cars." Others claim they cannot duplicate the problem even after five diagnostic visits. When diagnosis does occur, Mazda has replaced entire transmissions, replaced valve bodies, reflashed the PCM per Recall 8915K, and flushed transmission fluid. Yet at least one owner experienced the same failure a second time after warranty repair. Out-of-warranty repairs cost owners $1,100 to $4,000.
A separate but serious issue affects roughly a quarter of the complaints: the vehicle fails to fully shut off. The radio and accessory lights stay on after pressing the start button, the vehicle beeps continuously, and the battery drains. Owners must restart the car or repeatedly tap the gear shifter to force shutdown. This relates to a shifter position sensor defect (Service Bulletin 05-007/15), but Mazda's warranty coverage leaves many owners stranded with repair costs.
Same Mazda CX-5 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Power Loss & Hesitation (Delayed Engagement / Limp Mode)
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of power, hesitation, or slipping sensation during acceleration from a stop or while merging into traffic. Engine revs but wheels don't respond, as if transmission is not engaged. Typically accompanied by multiple warning lights (TCS, TPMS, CEL, AT), though lights sometimes clear after restart. Issue occurs intermittently and can repeat over months or years.
When: 20,000 to 106,000+ miles; varies—some reports at low mileage (20k–40k), others at higher mileage (84k–106k). Often triggered during low-speed acceleration, merging, turning, or highway cruise control.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of forward power or severe hesitation when accelerating from stops or at low speed; Engine revs but vehicle doesn't move (RPM increases while car lingers in neutral-like state); Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously: Traction Control (TCS), Tire Pressure (TPMS/TPS), Check Engine (CEL), Automatic Transmission (AT); Jerking or clunky sensation during gear changes (2nd–3rd, 3rd–4th transitions); Vehicle feels as if it has downshifted multiple gears or slipped out of gear entirely; Hesitation occurs most during left turns from complete stops, merging into traffic, or highway driving; After turning vehicle off and restarting, symptoms often clear and lights reset, though issue recurs
Codes mentioned: P1738, P0847, P0101, P061B
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report Mazda dealerships replacing entire transmission (part FW7A-03-000R-V0, 6SP A/T), replacing transmission valve body, reflashing Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and/or performing transmission fluid flush. Some dealerships claimed no issue could be found despite repeated diagnostic visits. Out-of-warranty repairs cost $1,100 to $4,000+. One owner reported manual transmission fluid/oil changes did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda dealer service initially told owners this is 'normal for economy cars.' Some Mazda Tech Line calls resulted in PCM reflash instructions. Mazda issued Recall 8915K (PCM reflash), but at least one owner reported the recall did not fix the underlying power loss issue. Transmission replacements under warranty when mileage permitted; out-of-warranty replacements required owner cost-sharing with dealership covering partial cost.
Transmission Shift-to-Park Failure / Electronics Don't Shut Off
Vehicle fails to fully power down after shifting to Park and pressing the start/stop button. Accessories (radio, dashboard lights) remain on and vehicle beeps continuously, draining the battery. Owner must repeatedly cycle the gear shifter or press the start/stop button multiple times to force shutdown. Related to shifter position sensor issue (Service Bulletin 05-007/15).
When: Intermittent, occurring throughout ownership. One report at 100,000 miles; others note it has been happening for a week or longer.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not power down when start/stop button is pressed or after shifting to Park; Radio, dashboard lights, and other accessories remain on after shutdown attempt; Vehicle beeps repeatedly when doors are opened despite being in Park; Start button illuminates with red light instead of turning off; Owner must repeatedly tap or wiggle the gear shifter toward Park symbol or restart the vehicle multiple times to achieve shutdown; Battery drains due to electronics remaining powered; Intermittent nature—may occur sometimes, not consistently
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repair outcomes documented in these narratives. One owner reported attempting to shift the gear shifter vigorously for 10–15 minutes without resolution. Another was informed by dealer that the vehicle was not covered under recall. Repair involves shifter position sensor diagnosis and replacement (per SB 05-007/15).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda Service Bulletin 05-007/15 addresses this issue. However, owners report that vehicles out of warranty are not covered. One owner noted warranty expired before the SB was even released, leaving them unable to claim coverage.
Transmission Valve Body / Internal Transmission Failure
Transmission internal component (valve body) fails, requiring complete transmission replacement or valve body replacement. Occurs at low to moderate mileage. One owner cited a blog noting some owners are told valve body needs replacement while others are told the entire transmission must be replaced. Diagnosis and repair vary widely.
When: Reported between 27,000 and 50,000 miles in several narratives; also reported at higher mileage (84,000+).
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration on highway (drop from 65+ MPH to 30–40 MPH); Vehicle feels as though it has lost power entirely; Traction Control, Tire Pressure, and Check Engine lights illuminate; After restart, vehicle may operate normally or may remain in limp mode; In some cases, transmission does not engage in forward gears after restart; Violent jerking or jolting sensation at stops or during gear engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission complete replacement documented: part code FW7A-03-000R-V0 (6SP A/T). At least one case identified valve body ordered as replacement part (order placed but outcome not stated). Owner reports the second failure at 34,000 miles after first transmission replacement at lower mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda covered transmission replacement under warranty when mileage permitted. For out-of-warranty cases, Mazda offered partial cost assistance with remainder paid by owner. One owner reported second failure after warranty repair, citing no recall action.
Transmission Bearing Wear / Abnormal Winding/Grinding Noise
Transmission axle bearings deteriorate, producing abnormal winding or grinding noise during acceleration or deceleration. Mechanic diagnosed need for transaxle bearing replacement. Repair not covered under warranty at reported mileage.
When: Reported at 84,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal winding and grinding noise detected while driving at various speeds; Noise occurs during acceleration and deceleration; No warning lights illuminated at time of failure
Repairs/costs cited: Independent transmission specialist identified that trans axle bearings needed replacement. Repair cost not documented. Repair was not performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda informed owner that repairs were not covered under warranty.
Erratic Engine Idling & RPM Surging
Engine RPM surges or dips unexpectedly, causing vehicle to jerk, hesitate, or lose power briefly. RPM bounces between 1,500 and 2,000 in some cases even when in Park. Occurs independently of driver input and can happen during acceleration or at stops.
When: Reported at 20,000–50,000 miles; one narrative at lower initial occurrence and recurring over years.
Symptoms owners cite: RPM surges or dives unexpectedly (e.g., climbs to 5,000 RPM suddenly, or oscillates between 1,500 and 2,000 RPM in Park); Vehicle jerks forward or backward when shifting gears or taking foot off brake; Clunky or slamming sound during gear changes; Engine revving with no corresponding acceleration; Loss of power for 5+ seconds at traffic lights despite depressed accelerator; Hesitations during acceleration as if transmission is not shifting smoothly
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer ordered valve body for transmission after multiple restart cycles. Another owner's dealer claimed no issue found during diagnostics. No consistent repair approach documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda dealers told at least one owner the behavior is 'normal for economy cars.' Other dealerships claimed unable to duplicate or identify the issue.
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Malfunction
MAF sensor failure or fault code triggers Check Engine Light and causes vehicle to buck, decelerate, and enter limp mode with reduced power. Disconnecting battery temporarily clears symptoms, but issue recurs. Diagnostics reveal P0101 (Mass Air Flow) and related codes.
When: Intermittent; reported occurring multiple times within a span of days.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine, Tire Pressure, and Traction Control lights illuminate; Vehicle bucks and decelerates uncontrollably; Loss of forward power; Issue clears temporarily after battery disconnect and restart, but recurs within days
Codes mentioned: P0101, P061B
Repairs/costs cited: Owner report notes MAF sensor appeared fine during inspection. Repair plan included transmission fluid change and PCM reflashing. Part replacement cost not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership scheduled reflashing after diagnosis.
Sudden Violent Jerking / Lurching at Low Speed
Vehicle lurches forward violently or jerks as if rear-ended while stopped at traffic lights or during low-speed maneuvers. Occurs without driver input and can happen repeatedly. Sensation is jarring and alarming.
When: Reported at low mileage (23,100 miles in one case) and across various mileages. Recurring behavior noted in some narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden violent jerk or lurch forward while stopped at stop lights; Sensation as though vehicle has been hit from behind; Loud thump or jolt heard and felt through vehicle; Occurs without driver depressing accelerator; Can repeat multiple times (e.g., February 2013 twice, May 2014 once in one narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to find any problem in at least one case. Another dealer noted same problem in other models and performed a computer program update (no guarantee provided). No successful permanent fix documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed inability to replicate or diagnose issue. One dealer performed computer software update without guaranteeing resolution.
Battery Drain While Parked
Battery drains rapidly while vehicle is parked and powered off, leaving owner stranded. Issue occurs intermittently or repeatedly. Related to shifter position sensor remaining powered when vehicle should be off.
When: One owner reported having to carry portable battery pack and experiencing stranding approximately once per month.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drained while vehicle is parked and (ostensibly) powered off; Owner unable to start vehicle after periods of non-use; Repeated stranding events requiring jump-start or tow
Repairs/costs cited: No repair outcome documented. Owner has adopted preventive measure of carrying rechargeable battery pack.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in the narrative.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Out of the blue, I started my vehicle to go to work and the check engine light was on. I read in the manual the gas lid could be loose, but I checked it and it was fine. My husband took it to the dealership and they hooked it up to see what the problem was, and they said it was a miss in the engine, and he'd have to leave it with them so their tech team to try and get to the root of the problem.…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Mazda CX-5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Mazda CX-5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 35 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 17,111 and 72,500 miles, with the median around 38,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,111; a quarter make it past 72,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Mazda/CX-5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.