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moderate Owners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have filed 105 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 CX-5 | 7 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 21 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 9 |
| 2018 CX-5 | 87 |
| 2019 CX-5 (this page) | 105 |
| 2020 CX-5 | 12 |
| 2021 CX-5 | 63 |
| 2022 CX-5 | 6 |
| 2023 CX-5 | 8 |
Of the 12 model years of Mazda CX-5 we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 105.
Engine accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1) around the water pipe (2). This is caused by a gap between the housing and pipe due to a press fitting during the manufacturing process. The accumulated coolant is solidified and plugs the gap in high temperature environment and the seepage is stopped and does not progress. This is normal and does not require a part replacement, clean off the dried coolant from around the pipe with a wire brush. REPAIR PROCEDURE 1. Verify the customer concern. 2. If the above condition is experienced, remove the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold. When the new engine assembly is installed, debris in the intake manifold will be ingested into the new engine and cause internal damage. Clean the intake manifold
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) and TSB(s) listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-035/24 05/31/24 DESCRIPTION There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This Service Alert is to inform you about the water pump sealing mechanism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not. A mechanical seal (A) is used for the water pump. This mechanical seal can seal coolant (B) by sliding a mating ring (C) against a seal ring (D). When the sliding surface temperature of the mechanical seal is more than 248 °F (120 °C) while driving, a small amount of steam (E) is lea
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
A large cluster of 2019 Mazda CX-5 owners report cracked cylinder heads occurring at 26,500 to 96,600 miles, with concentrated failures in the 30–50k range. The cracks allow pressurized oil to escape, pooling under the vehicle and leaking onto the hot exhaust manifold—a fire hazard owners take seriously. Most owners get no warning light; they smell burning oil, see smoke, and find their oil depleted a quart or more per drive.
Mazda has issued Technical Service Bulletins (SA-031/21, 01-013/21) documenting the issue and offered warranty extensions (CSP11) for turbo-equipped models only. Non-turbo owners are denied coverage despite identical failure modes and repair procedures. Dealers quote $4,000 to $7,000 for cylinder head replacement, with some vehicles requiring full engine replacement when overheating codes complicate the diagnosis.
Owners report being told by dealership technicians that this is a known, recurring problem—one saw four other CX-5s in the shop for the same repair. Mazda's responses range from warranty-denial to partial goodwill assistance, but full reimbursement is rarely granted. Several owners cite manufacturing defects in the casting process or design flaws tied to cylinder deactivation technology. None of the failures are preceded by check engine lights in the majority of cases, making early detection nearly impossible.
Same Mazda CX-5 engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
The cylinder head develops structural cracks, allowing pressurized engine oil to escape. Owners consistently report the cracks occur at low mileage (26,500 to 96,600 miles, with clustering around 30–50k miles). The failure is not preceded by warning lights in most cases. Oil pools under the vehicle and leaks onto the hot exhaust manifold, creating a fire hazard. Some owners report the crack is linked to manufacturing defects in the casting process or design flaws related to cylinder deactivation technology. Mazda has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSB SA-031/21, TSB 01-013/21) acknowledging the issue in turbo-equipped models but has not recalled or extended coverage for non-turbo variants, despite identical failure modes.
When: 26,500 to 96,600 miles; clustering at 30–50k miles on 2019 models; some failures occur within 2–5 years of purchase regardless of maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil smell inside cabin or from engine bay; Smoke from engine hood or exhaust; Oil pooling underneath vehicle; Low oil pressure warning light (late-stage symptom); Loss of oil level (1–4 quarts reported in single drives); Engine overheating message (secondary symptom in some cases); No check engine light in most failures
Codes mentioned: P0126 (insufficient coolant temperature, related case), Low oil pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Full cylinder head replacement quoted at $4,074 to $7,000. Parts are casting failures; Mazda has issued revised cylinder head assemblies for turbo models. One owner reported the dealer noted 'revamped' parts due to known issue. Replacement parts from Mazda may be identical to defective original part in non-turbo engines. Engine replacement cost cited at $10,000 in one case when overheating code prevented warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda issued TSB SA-031/21 and TSB 01-013/21 for turbo-equipped CX-5 models (2.5T SKYACTIV-G). Mazda also issued CSP11 (10-year/120,000-mile warranty extension) for turbo models only. For non-turbo models, Mazda has declined coverage citing warranty expiration, non-dealer maintenance history, or overheating codes as denial reasons. One warranty extension letter mentioned (November 2024) addressed coolant control valve, not cylinder head. Mazda corporate has acknowledged the issue but refused goodwill repair and full reimbursement in multiple cases.
In one narrative, a 2019 CX-5 experienced repeated engine stalling at low speeds with flashing check engine light, without diagnosis confirmation. A separate case reported engine shutoff on an incline at 45 MPH with flashing check engine light; dealership could not determine cause. These stalling events may be related to cylinder head failure or fuel pump issues; one narrative conflates fuel pump recall concerns with undiagnosed stalling. Not definitively linked to cylinder head cracks in all cases but represents a documented safety concern in the complaint cluster.
When: One case at 129,000 miles (unrelated mileage for cylinder head issue); another recurring over 3 days without determined cause
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving (idling, decelerating, or on incline); Flashing check engine light; Abnormal rumbling sound from engine; Vehicle requires multiple start attempts to restart; Loss of safety features (power steering, brakes) during stall
Codes mentioned: Flashing check engine light (no code read by independent mechanic in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and ignition coil replaced by independent mechanic without resolving stalling. Dealership unable to determine cause. No repair completed in documented cases.
One narrative explicitly references TSB 01-006/23 (issued 04/26/2023) for timing cover oil leaks causing engine smoking. This is distinct from cylinder head cracks but occurs concurrently in some vehicles and involves similar oil escape and fire hazard. One owner reported timing cover repair performed in May 2025, followed by cylinder head crack four to five days later, suggesting potential linkage or cascading failures.
When: 31,954 miles in one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from timing cover area; Engine smoking; No engine warning lights
Codes mentioned: TSB 01-006/23
Repairs/costs cited: Sealant replacement and timing cover repair documented. One owner reported incorrect sealant installation leading to oil leak, then cylinder head crack shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 01-006/23 issued 04/26/2023 acknowledging the timing cover oil leak issue.
Synthesized from 105 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Oil coming through cylinder head above exhaust manifold due to being porous, car leaking oil and need to put more oil in every other day. Mazda known issue tsb# sa-031/21
This car has less than 37,000 miles on it it has significant oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, it’s timing cover gasket and now it had been determined it has a cracked cylinder head. This was covered by 3 Service alerts with the cracked cylinder head being SA-031/21. None of the dealers notified us of the issue when serviced Galpin Mazda and New Century Mazda. But Big O Tires did. The two…
1. What component failed, and is it available for inspection? Component: The Engine Cylinder Head. The Failure: The cylinder head failed due to a structural crack caused by overtightened bolts (manufacturing defect), resulting in an engine oil leak. Confirmation: The defect is confirmed and resolved. Wayne Mazda (NJ) acknowledged the failure and replaced the cylinder head under the CPO…
The 2019 has a creaked cylinder with 40000 miles on it. This is a problem with that has been happening. We are 4 months out of the warranty with May 2024.
Brought 2019 Cx-5 to local dealer with complaint of strong smell and smoke coming from hood. Cracked cylinder head at only 21k miles. Known flaw for this particular make and model. Only 6 months out of warranty. Mazda refuses to make it right and only extended warranty for turbo engines. Mazda needs to make this right for ALL engines with this issue.
My Mazda CX-5 was found to have a cracked cylinder in the engine and was profusely leaking oil. When I spoke to the dealership they denied seeing this regularly, however, upon doing research on reddit, it is found to be more pronounced than indicated. There was no known cause indicated, however, on reddit it appears that the original casting done in Mexico maybe the culprit because it is so…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 105 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.