At the shop, Mazda engine issues have a recognizable signature. 1,333 documented complaints across 67 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. 2007 Mazda CX-7 tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 2 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Mazda vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 558 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 63,135 miles. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin MAZDA / ENGINE
67 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Mazda engine problems
1,333 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Mazda vehicles for engine issues. 5 active recall campaigns. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
1,333
Recalls
5
Year-models
67
Avg fix
$3,100
7crashes
42fires
9injuries
2fatalities
Worst-affected Mazda model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2007 Mazda CX-7
276 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2019 Mazda CX-5
93 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2018 Mazda CX-5
80 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Mazda CX-7
68 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2021 Mazda CX-5
61 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2018 Mazda CX-9
60 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2016 Mazda CX-9
49 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 Mazda CX-30
36 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2017 Mazda CX-9
33 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2005 Mazda RX-8
31 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Mazda Mazda3
22 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2005 Mazda Mazda3
22 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2018 Mazda Mazda6
21 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Mazda CX-9
21 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2016 Mazda CX-5
20 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2006 Mazda Mazda6
20 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 Mazda Mazda3
16 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2009 Mazda CX-7
16 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 Mazda CX-9
15 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Mazda Mazda3
15 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2007 Mazda Mazda3
15 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2019 Mazda CX-9
14 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 Mazda CX-9
14 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Mazda CX-7
14 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 Mazda CX-9
13 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Active recalls — Mazda engine 5 on file
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3 vehicles, equipped with an incorrect exhaust valve spring
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace any incorrect exhaust valve springs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1717K.
On certain sport utility vehicles, a heat buildup in the exhaust system can occur
This condition could result in a fire.
Fix: Mazda instructed owners (september 16, 2005) to bring in their vehicles and will be given a rental or loaner vehicle at no cost while Mazda repairs these vehicles. The recall began on october 26, 2005. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
If certain passenger vehicles are parked and the engine is operated at high RPM's for an excessive length of time, some of the parts around the exhaust system can melt and produce a variety of malfunctions
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace parts. The recall began on august 30, 2005. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Common questions
How many Mazda engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,333 complaints across 67 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 5 active recall campaigns cover engine issues across the Mazda lineup.
Which Mazda model has the most engine complaints?
The 2007 Mazda CX-7 leads with 276 complaints in this category. Next: 2019 CX-5 (93) and 2018 CX-5 (80).
What does it cost to fix Mazda engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Mazda lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mazda engine recalls?
Yes — 5 active recall campaigns cover engine on Mazda vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Mazda.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.