This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. This may be caused by insufficient sealing at the drive belt auto tensioner damper when the auto tensioner fully operates under both high ambient temperature and high load conditions. To eliminate this concern, the shape of the drive belt auto tensioner damper has been changed. REPAIR PROCEDURE If the tensioner is found to be "No Good" after completing the Drive Belt Auto Tensioner Inspection, replace it with a modified part according to the instructio
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Mazda CX-5 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Mazda CX-5 have filed 49 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 54,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 CX-5 | 35 |
| 2014 CX-5 (this page) | 49 |
| 2015 CX-5 | 19 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 49 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 11 |
| 2018 CX-5 | 17 |
When does it fail?
Of the 49 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Mazda CX-5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 49 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 #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three primary categories: Noise, Vibration, or Harshness. Many customer complaints may involve overlapping symptoms, such as both noise and vibration, so identifying the dominant characteristic is critical. Once the primary symptom is determined, follow the appropriate diagnostic path. For example, if a concern includes both noise and vibration but is related to vehicle speed, the vibration diagnostic path should be followed. When considering component replacement during the diagnostic process, it is best practice to start wit
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customer's might state that they notice fluid or oil leaking/dripping on the ground when the vehicle is parked. For this concern, inspect the vehicle for any trace of a fluid or oil leak and use the following examples as a guide to determine if it is severe enough to require a repair, or just to clean the area and monitor it at the next service. Examples of residue or seepage that may not be considered a leak and that may not require repair based on splash shield inspection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses “Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ”. Only use “ATF-FZ” to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in the SKYACTIV-DRIVE series AT. It is a low viscosity formula with less friction for better fuel economy. NOTE: ATF-FZ is colored blue for easy identification.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 CX-5s report recurring powertrain problems across multiple systems. The most widespread complaint involves the shifter position switch failing to recognize Park position, preventing full engine shutdown. Accessories remain on, doors won't lock, and the battery drains if the vehicle is left unattended. Owners describe cycling the shifter in and out of Park multiple times or restarting the engine repeatedly before the car finally powers down. Mazda issued service bulletins (05-004/16) recommending replacement of the KDY0-46-040 switch part, but has not issued a recall; repair costs run several hundred dollars, and extended warranties often exclude the defect.
A second major failure mode is sudden loss of driving power. Engines run but won't accelerate, leaving owners stuck at 5–10 mph on 50+ mph roads or unable to move from stops. Warning lights (Check Engine, Traction Control, TPMS) illuminate during these events. Some owners report the transmission appears stuck in high gear and won't downshift.
Additional concerns include harsh transmission slamming into gear at traffic lights (causing the car to lurch forward unexpectedly), transmission shifting into Neutral at highway speeds, gear shifter buttons failing, and unexpected engine revving during braking. A small number report differential failure at low mileage and sudden unintended acceleration while stopped. Dealers frequently cannot replicate problems during diagnosis, leaving vehicles unrepaired.
Same Mazda CX-5 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Shifter position switch fails to recognize Park, preventing shutdown
The transmission safety switch (part KDY0-46-040) does not consistently register when the vehicle is in Park position, preventing the engine and accessories from fully shutting off. The vehicle stays in accessory mode or partial shutdown, draining the battery. Owners report having to cycle the shifter in and out of Park multiple times, or restart the engine repeatedly, before the car finally powers down.
When: Occurs intermittently, becoming more frequent over time; some reports start at 45,000 miles, others at 70,000+
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off but infotainment system and accessories remain on; Vehicle stays in accessory mode despite being in Park with button pushed; Dashboard message saying 'Shift to Park' even though shifter is already in Park; Doors won't lock; key fobs won't work when vehicle won't shut off; Battery drains if vehicle left unattended with accessories running; Requires multiple attempts (3-10+ times) to fully power down vehicle; May require moving shifter out of Park and back into Park before power button works
Repairs/costs cited: Mazda issued service bulletins 05-004/16 (12/22/15 and 4/11/16) recommending replacement of shifter position switch unit with part number KDY0-46-040. Some dealers have replaced under warranty; others charge customers $200+ diagnostic fee plus repair costs. Costs reported in hundreds of dollars. Replaced part is improved in 2015 model year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda Service Bulletins 05-004/16 (issued 12/22/15 and 4/11/16); no formal recall issued. Extended warranties often do not cover this defect. Some owners report Mazda paid for repair outside warranty; others denied assistance.
Loss of power / failure to accelerate during driving
Engine runs but transmission fails to transmit power to wheels, or vehicle loses ability to accelerate normally. Owners experience sudden loss of drive power despite pressing accelerator, sometimes with engine revving. Engine warning lights illuminate. Symptoms range from complete power loss to severe limitation (5-10 mph max on 50+ mph roads). Restarting the engine sometimes restores power temporarily.
When: Occurs at low speeds (10-30 mph), at traffic lights, on highway on-ramps, during normal driving; failures reported between 20,000 and 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power to wheels despite engine running; Vehicle will not accelerate or accelerates very slowly (5-10 mph on 50+ mph road); Check Engine light, Traction Control, TPMS, and ABS warning lights illuminate; Engine revs but no power transmitted to wheels; Engine sputtering, vibrating, and shaking; Transmission feels stuck in high gear or fails to downshift; Occurs intermittently at first, then increasingly frequent
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, Traction Control warning, TPMS warning, ABS warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer found carpet debris wrapped around speed sensors and removed it; another had Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) recalibrated at out-of-warranty cost ($600-800+ range implied). One dealer diagnosed faulty shift solenoid and replaced valve body at 20,695 miles. Parts failures include transmission shift solenoid and valve body. Some repairs temporary or incomplete.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate in many cases; some found no codes. Service bulletin referenced for recalibration of TCM/PCM. No recall issued. Mazda aware per owner statements.
Harsh, unexpected transmission slamming into gear at stops
While stopped or at low speed, transmission suddenly slams into gear with violent force, causing vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly. Owners describe hearing loud clunk and feeling impact similar to being rear-ended. Occurs multiple times for some owners. Owners note they did not have foot on accelerator.
When: Occurs while waiting at traffic lights or stop signs with foot on brake; temperature range reported 10–70°F
Symptoms owners cite: Violent slam or clunk into gear while stopped or at very low speed; Vehicle lurches forward suddenly; Sound and sensation like being rear-ended; Occurs multiple times for some owners (4+ incidents reported); No warning or check engine lights in some cases; Engine may rev up before clunk
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in any narrative. Dealers dismissed owner concerns, attributing to driver placing foot on accelerator (which owners deny).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim driver error (foot on accelerator); no repair or recall issued.
Transmission signal/electrical fault causes warning lights and intermittent shutdown
Weak or faulty transmission signal triggers multiple warning lights (engine, ABS, SBC, traction control) and occasionally causes engine to lose power or shut off without warning while driving. Reprogramming the transmission signal temporarily resolves issue, but failures recur.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; first incident reported on 2014 model at approximately 6 months; recurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate (engine, ABS, SBC, traction control, etc.); Transmission loses control of itself; shifts erratically or feels stuck in high gear; Engine may shut off without warning; Transmission unable to start from 1st gear after stopping; stuck in high gear requiring heavy acceleration to move; Occurs suddenly while driving
Codes mentioned: Engine warning light, ABS warning, SBC (stability control) warning, Traction control warning
Repairs/costs cited: Mazda dealer reprogrammed transmission signal/control module. Temporary fix; problem recurred multiple times for same owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial dealer misdiagnosis (told owner check engine light code cannot be addressed if light is off). Second dealer correctly diagnosed weak transmission signal and performed reprogramming.
Gear shifter button fails or shifter fails to engage properly
Automatic transmission gear shifter button disengages or fails to work properly, causing vehicle to slip out of Drive into Neutral or preventing proper gear selection. Indicator shows Drive but vehicle is in Neutral. Button may fail to respond at highway speeds.
When: Low mileage (2,500 miles reported); also at highway speeds (70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter button disengages while driving, changing from Drive to Neutral without warning; Shifter button fails to respond; Indicator shows Drive but transmission is actually in Neutral; Vehicle rolls backward after shifting to Drive or will not move forward from Park; Shifter will not immediately change into Park position
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had faulty shifter replaced at dealer after vehicle rolled backward. Other failures not repaired in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer replaced shifter; manufacturer notified but no recall issued.
Unexpected high engine revving during deceleration and braking
Engine continues to rev higher than expected while decelerating or braking, despite driver keeping foot off accelerator and pressing brake. Owner describes sensation of engine 'pushing to increase speed' while attempting to slow down. Owners fear vehicle will not slow adequately when needed.
When: Occurs all the time during deceleration; reported as a design characteristic by dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues to rev higher during deceleration despite foot off gas; Engine revs during braking; Sensation of engine pushing to increase speed while slowing down; Concern that vehicle may not slow adequately in emergency
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired. Dealership and Mazda told owner this is how vehicle is designed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Both dealership and Mazda stated this is normal design behavior.
Transmission slips into Neutral at highway speed
While driving at highway speed, transmission suddenly shifts into Neutral without warning, causing loss of power and forcing vehicle to coast to a stop.
When: At 30 mph and at 70 mph highway speeds; mileage around 49,500
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slips into Neutral without warning; Vehicle stops without driver shifting; Loss of power while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate; no diagnosis or repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware via email but unable to reach owner to follow up; no repair issued.
Check Engine and A/T warning lights remain on; random fault codes
Check Engine and Automatic Transmission warning lights remain illuminated persistently. Fault codes appear randomly, not in response to specific driving conditions. Owners report Mazda charges for TCM and PCM software updates to address codes that Mazda is aware of.
When: Occurs at 75,000+ miles and earlier; codes appear randomly
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light remains on; Automatic Transmission warning light remains on; Fault codes appear without obvious cause or specific driving condition; Codes appear randomly
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, A/T (Automatic Transmission) warning
Repairs/costs cited: Mazda charges customers to update TCM and PCM programming codes. Cost not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda aware of issue; charges customers for software updates that should address fault codes.
Differential failure at low mileage
Vehicle requires differential replacement at 58,283 miles, unusually early for this component. Owner notes never experienced differential replacement on prior vehicles with over 200,000 miles.
When: At 58,283 miles (vehicle purchased used at 23,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Differential failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Differential replacement required; cost not specified. Owner considers this premature failure.
Sudden unintended acceleration while stopped
Vehicle accelerates aggressively without driver input while stopped at traffic signal. Engine revs with no foot on accelerator, forcing driver to stand hard on brake to prevent collision. Followed by vehicle jumping forward unexpectedly.
When: At traffic signal while waiting to turn; low speed stop situations
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates aggressively with no driver input; Engine revs at high RPM (4000-5000 RPM noted); Vehicle lurches or jumps forward; Occurs while stopped or at very low speed; Smell of burning gas and brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Mazda cx-5. After the contact shifted into the drive position, the vehicle rolled backwards and would not drive forward. Also, the vehicle would not shut off when the engine power button was pressed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer (koeppel Mazda, 7712 northern blvd, queens, ny) where it was diagnosed that the shifter was faulty. The shifter was replaced, but…
Tl the contact owns a 2014 Mazda cx-5. The contact stated that there was a manufacturing error for the upswitch built into the selecter lever component in the gear shift in an automatic transmission. The switch would not turn off one out of every three times, which drained the vehicle's battery. The manufacturer stated that they saw no recalls for the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA.…
About an hour into my commute from work, stopped at traffic light. Accelerator didn't respond after several attempts to reach full speed. Maximum speed reached 5-10 MPH on a 50 MPH road. Several warning lights displayed immediately and was able to safely pull over onto side road. Restarted veh and engine light remained on; accelerator responded normal and was able to get home cautiously. Veh was…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Mazda CX-5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 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 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 27,060 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 54,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,060; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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/2014/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.