This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-003/26 01/30/26 Some vehicles may exhibit a check engine light ON with DTC P20F8:00 stored. P20F8:00 - Swirl control circuit range/performance problem. In these cases, increasing temperature levels of the Swirl Control Valve (SCV) motor due to excessive actuation leads to duty limitation, causing poor openingangle response and resulting in a stuck judgment. To eliminate this concern, the PCM logic has been modified. REPAIR PROCEDURE Reprogram the PCM with the Mazda Modular Diagnostic System (M-MDS), using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software (MDARS). Refer to MDARS ECU Reprogrammi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Mazda CX-5 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 CX-5 | 15 |
| 2022 CX-5 | 4 |
| 2023 CX-5 | 3 |
| 2024 CX-5 | 3 |
| 2025 CX-5 (this page) | 3 |
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 ↗A New Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF-A7) is being used for some 2023-2026 models. ATF-A7 is an extremely low viscosity formulation with low friction to achieve best-in-class fuel economy and driving performance. For easy identification, ATF-A7 is colored Red and ATF-FZ is colored Blue. ATF-A7 includes UV-reactive dye (see "Fluorescence Example" below). There is NO interchangeability between ATF-A7 and ATF-FZ. For CX-30, Mazda3, and CX-5, some 2.5L and all 2.5T engines still use ATF-FZ. Verify the type of ATF according to what is in MGSS (TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE TECHNICAL DATA) or what is marked on the dipstick (see "ATF-A7 Identification" below).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I pulled the car into garage, and realized it's not inside enough. So I moved the car forward, but forgot to place the shift to P position. With the shift in D position, I shut off the engine, opened the door, ready to get out. I did not notice the car was moving backward, until the open door hit the garage frame. I file a claim with my insurance, had the front door replaced in a local body shop.…
The vehicle exhibits a repeatable low-speed driveline-related problem consisting of pronounced clicking or clunking from the driver-front area, fore-and-aft jerking, and harsh engagement during deceleration and light on/off-throttle transitions, particularly around 15–17 mph; the behavior can become significantly worse over rough or uneven terrain. The exact failed component or system has not yet…
Life-threatening, unoccupied rollaway vehicle with personal injury. Possible and/or suspected issues: "Not-P" switch circuit malfunction; "false park"; lack of cross-module redundancy; lack of BCM and PCM redundancy; Diagnostic Blind Spot; lack of Occupancy-Brake interlock; systematic safety failure culminating in unintended, driverless, runaway Zombie vehicle with personal injury. Background…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 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?
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.
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.