2018 Mazda CX-5: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Refined KF CX-5 with a premium feel, but the 2.5L cracked-cylinder-head defect (oil leak) begins this year and repairs are costly. A strong drive and reliable otherwise; buy only after an engine oil-leak inspection. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mazda CX-5. 108 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 ranged from $24,150 to $29,645 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Refined KF CX-5 with a premium feel, but the 2.5L cracked-cylinder-head defect (oil leak) begins this year and repairs are costly. A strong drive and reliable otherwise; buy only after an engine oil-leak inspection.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/cx-5
- motorbiscuit.comhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/mazda-cx-5-years-avoid/
Known issues
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The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep.
commonly reported · 95 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–90k miles · engine
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Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates.
commonly reported · 42 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–70k miles · electrical
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The low-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing a strong gasoline odor and possible stalling, covered by a Mazda recall on affected 2018-2019 vehicles.
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–60k miles · fuel
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=mazda&model=cx-5&mo…
- mazdaforum.comhttps://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/mazda-cx-5-54/cx-5-cracked-cylinder-head-35k…
Recalls & safety
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mazda CX-5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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ENGINE #19V497000 · 27/06/2019
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Remedy: 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.
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AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW #18V426000 · 25/06/2018
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP #21V875000 · 12/11/2021
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
NHTSA crash test (NCAP)
| Overall | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Frontal crash | 5/5 |
| Side crash | 5/5 |
| Rollover | 4/5 |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Near-luxury cabin with premium materials, a quiet ride and available Nappa leather, punches well above its price class.
- Class-leading driving dynamics: precise steering, agile handling and a refined, planted feel.
- Available i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and, from 2019, a 227-256 hp 2.5T turbo for strong acceleration.
- Excellent reliability and low repair costs, RepairPal ranks it first among midsize SUVs, plus consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards.
Cons
- The base naturally aspirated engine is merely adequate; the quick turbo wants premium fuel to make full power.
- Cargo and rear-seat space trail the CR-V, RAV4 and Tucson; there is no third-row or hybrid option.
- 2018-2021 2.5L cars carry a cracked-cylinder-head risk, inspect for oil or coolant leaks before buying.
- Pre-2026 infotainment uses a rotary console knob with no touchscreen while driving, slower than rivals' touch systems.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | $24,150 | discontinued | — | — |
| Touring | $26,215 | discontinued | — | — |
| Grand Touring | $29,645 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-mazda-cx__5-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($24,150). Higher trims started higher (up to $29,645), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/mazda-cx-5/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Insurance (low tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~225k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/cx-5
- insure.comhttps://www.insure.com/car-insurance/mazda-cx-5-insurance-cost/
- bountifulmazda.comhttps://www.bountifulmazda.com/blog/gasoline-octane-ratings-and-your-mazda
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
Documented issue patterns include: The 2.5L SkyActiv-G engine can develop a cracked cylinder head: naturally aspirated cars leak oil onto the exhaust (burning smell, smoke into the cabin) while 2.5T turbos leak coolant. Repairs run several thousand dollars; Mazda extended the powertrain warranty on 2019-2020 turbos and redesigned the head for 2021. Inspect for oil/coolant weep; Infotainment touchscreen / Connectivity Master Unit suffers 'ghost touching': un-commanded inputs change the volume, stations and settings on their own, a distraction at speed, and it is more frequent in cold weather and not fully cured by software updates; The low-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing a strong gasoline odor and possible stalling, covered by a Mazda recall on affected 2018-2019 vehicles. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns, affecting: ENGINE; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Refined KF CX-5 with a premium feel, but the 2.5L cracked-cylinder-head defect (oil leak) begins this year and repairs are costly. A strong drive and reliable otherwise; buy only after an engine oil-leak inspection.
How much did the 2018 Mazda CX-5 cost new?
Between $24,150 and $29,645 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.