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 ↗2019 Mazda CX-5 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have filed 29 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 CX-5 | 19 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 49 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 11 |
| 2018 CX-5 | 17 |
| 2019 CX-5 (this page) | 29 |
| 2020 CX-5 | 8 |
| 2021 CX-5 | 15 |
| 2022 CX-5 | 4 |
| 2023 CX-5 | 3 |
2crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 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.
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 ↗Some vehicles may display some (or all) of the following symptoms: • Check engine light on with DTC P061B • Light increase in engine rpms during acceleration • Transmission will not shift past 4th gear • Various U codes (U0401 ABS, U0401, U0415 FSC, U0301, U0316 SBS/MRCC, U0442 TCM) may be set
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗When inspected, the differential or PTO oil is dark or black. This is considered normal and NO repair should be performed. During production, differential ring and pinion gears receive a manganese phosphate coating (commonly referred to as black oxide). This coating forms a porous, oil-retentive surface that improves boundary lubrication and reduces adhesive wear during initial contact cycles. Designed as a sacrificial layer, it is gradually removed under load throughout the break-in process. As a result, after the first few hundred miles, or at the initial gear oil service interval, the lubricant may appear darkened by the worn-off coating. It will contain trace ferrous particles from the n
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure is cracked cylinder heads on the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine appearing as early as 20,000 miles and as late as 96,000 miles. Oil leaks directly onto the hot exhaust manifold, creating a fire hazard and thick white smoke visible from under the hood. Owners report a strong burning smell as the first symptom, followed days later by a low oil warning light—but no check engine or overheating lights beforehand, leaving them unaware of danger. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletins documenting this defect and offers an extended warranty on the turbo version only, explicitly excluding the naturally aspirated engine despite identical failure mechanics. Repair costs run $6,000–$11,000 for cylinder head replacement.
Transmission failures strike without warning, with vehicles suddenly unable to move or stuck in limp mode at highway speeds (60–82 mph), creating collision hazards. Some transmissions fail as early as 25,000 miles. Hard shifts, jerking, and refusal to engage gears are reported before total failure.
A third cluster involves engine oil leaks from the timing chain cover due to insufficient sealant during manufacturing—confirmed by a TSB. One independent shop reported three identical vehicles in one week.
Additionally, two owners report vehicles rolling or accelerating while parked in Park, one resulting in serious injury.
Dealership responses range from dismissal ("they are supposed to drive like that") to denying coverage based on warranty expiration, even when owners acknowledge Mazda's awareness of the defects.
Same Mazda CX-5 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Cracked Cylinder Head
The cylinder head develops cracks, typically around the exhaust manifold or between cylinders 2–3, allowing pressurized engine oil to leak onto the hot exhaust manifold. This is documented on both turbocharged and naturally aspirated 2.5L engines.
When: Ranges from 20,000 to 96,000 miles; some failures occur within the first few months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning rubber or burning oil smell inside and outside the vehicle; Thick white smoke from under the hood while driving; Low oil warning light (typically appears 2–3 days after smell onset); Oil visible on engine and underbelly; No check engine light or overheating warning before failure; Heavy smoke and noxious fumes entering cabin through HVAC; Oil pooling on exhaust components
Codes mentioned: P0126 (thermostat stuck open—noted in one case after prior warranty repair)
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement cost $6,000–$11,000 (dealership estimates cited). One independent shop charged for inspection without prior request.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 01-002/23, TSB SA-037/23, TSB SA-031-21) and a Service Advisory (SA-037/23) documenting the defect. Extended warranty program and goodwill assistance exist for the 2.5L turbo engine but not for the naturally aspirated engine, despite identical failure modes. Dealership acknowledged the failure is unusual and premature for a fully maintained vehicle at 40,000 miles. No recall issued as of the complaint dates. Some owners report Mazda declined goodwill assistance despite the known defect.
Transmission Internal Malfunction
Transmission exhibits jerking, hard shifting, slipping, and loss of engagement; in severe cases the transmission loses all drive function while the vehicle is in motion on the highway.
When: At 64,000 miles and 25,000 miles respectively; one failure occurred 600 miles overdue for scheduled maintenance.
Symptoms owners cite: Rough driving and bucking at speeds 15 mph or below; Vehicle lurches and slips out of gear without accelerator or brake input; Hard shifts into 1st and 3rd gear during acceleration and deceleration; Whining noise when accelerating; Vehicle will not coast, even downhill; Loss of power and sudden downshift to limp mode on highway at highway speed (60–82 mph); Vehicle unable to exceed 30 mph after repair attempt; Internal transmission failure at 64,000 miles with dealer noting 'operating as designed' during prior diagnostic
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement cost approximately $5,000 (owner stated cost after warranty expiration). One transmission replacement was performed under warranty; another required complete replacement at 25,000 miles with extended waiting period (approximately 6 weeks) before repair completion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service manager initially dismissed rough low-speed driving as normal for the model. After failure, one dealer replaced the transmission under warranty; another service manager denied the issue was covered. One recall was issued for half the 2019 production fleet for transmission failure, but not the other half despite the same failure mode occurring in both.
Engine Oil Leak from Timing Chain Cover
Oil leaks from the front timing chain cover due to insufficient sealant applied during manufacturing. This is a documented defect with a Mazda Technical Service Bulletin identifying the root cause.
When: At 35,000 miles on a fully maintained vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from front timing chain cover; Potential for smoke while driving; Risk of engine losing function while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Identified during routine inspection at an independent service center. The service center reported having three vehicles with the identical issue in one week.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda issued a Technical Service Bulletin detailing the issue and identifying the root cause as lack of sufficient sealant applied during manufacturing.
Engine Stalling and PCM Malfunction
Engine stalls on the highway, check engine light activates, and the vehicle enters limp mode, restricting speed to 30 mph or lower.
When: Starting August 2023.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling while traveling on freeway; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle slipping into limp mode; Sudden loss of engine and power steering while driving at 60 mph; Vehicle unable to exceed 30 mph after dealer repair attempt; Dashboard blinking warnings the day before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially diagnosed battery and catalytic converter as the cause and performed repairs; issue persisted. Owner obtained a diagnostic report from Auto Zone supporting PCM (Powertrain Control Module) issue. Vehicle also inspected by another Mazda dealer and independent mechanic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner identified symptoms aligned with a 2019 PCM recall. No manufacturer response or recall action documented in the narratives.
Battery/Electrical System Failure
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving on highway at highway speed, causing engine shutdown and inability to restart.
When: After 600 miles overdue for scheduled maintenance (July 2021).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jolted twice while cruising on highway at 82 mph; Engine light and battery light illuminated; Sudden loss of power; Engine will not turn over; starter cycles without ignition; Vehicle became drivable after disconnecting and reconnecting the positive battery terminal
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service person offered no diagnostic or solution beyond towing 300+ miles to the nearest dealership. Owner self-resolved by resetting battery connection.
Unintended Vehicle Motion (Park Brake/Transmission Holding Failure)
Vehicle rolls backward or forward while parked in Park, causing physical injury and property damage.
When: Occurred on multiple occasions—one while parked on a driveway incline, another while parked in a garage.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward at speed on incline while parked and unoccupied, pushing person to ground and causing injury; Vehicle accelerates forward in garage while parked in Park, colliding with appliances
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I have a 2019 Mazda cx 5 with only 67,000 miles on it and the cylinder head is cracked and leaking oil everywhere. I have noticed TSBs released for this issue, but it seems to be a very common issue with most people not being covered for a very major repair. Mazda refuses to fix the issue created by the improper build of this component and may lock people's engines if not caught soon enough
On 12/10/25, my 2019 CX5 NA had major oil leak after smelling a burning smell for a few days. Took it into local mechanic and he couldn’t find the leak, did an engine wash and additional testing before identifying a crack in the cylinder head; the leak was coming from the exhaust manifold. There was oil all over the engine and the underbelly of the vehicle; according to the mechanic, I was lucky…
The 2019 CX-5 has approximately 31086 miles. It was discovered that the cylinder head is cracked and causing the car to leak oil.
The 2019 CX-5 AWD with the 2.5L NA engine (with Cylinder Deactivation) has an engine oil leak coming from the cylinder head area. The Mazda dealer confirmed the leak source and found burnt oil on the exhaust. The component is available for inspection. The leak location and symptoms are consistent with the known porous/cracked cylinder-head defect documented in this engine family. Full…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Mazda CX-5?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 29 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 9,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2019/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.