Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 83/100

Avoid the 2018 model year. Its engines are the problem: cracked cylinder heads leak oil onto the exhaust, often between about 31,000 and 64,770 miles, with repair bills near $6,000. The 2022 model year is the one to buy, with no recalls and far fewer complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 71/100
Buy
2022 87/100
Model average
83/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mazda CX-5 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mazda CX-5 average of 83/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201871/100Good3310Engine (111)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Mazda CX-5

Engine trouble drives most of the 310 complaints. Cracked or porous cylinder heads let oil leak onto the exhaust, causing a burning smell, smoke, and fumes in the cabin, sometimes with no warning light until oil ran low. Repairs run near $6,000, and dealers often decline goodwill help. The year also carries 3 recalls.

3 recalls310 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (111), Unknown Or Other (41), Power Train (34), Electrical System (25), Fuel System, Gasoline (19), Service Brakes (16)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Mazda CX-5 Problems?

ENGINE

263 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Cracked or porous cylinder heads are the dominant failure.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

123 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: The touchscreen registers phantom inputs, the widely reported "ghost touch" fault.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

123 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Infotainment "ghost touch" accounts for most of these reports.

POWER TRAIN

98 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Cylinder head cracks repeat here, with oil spraying onto the exhaust or catalytic converter, white smoke, and a burnt oil smell at roughly 52,000 to 62,500 miles.

SERVICE BRAKES

54 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2020

2018: Smart City Brake Support false alarms lead these reports.

STRUCTURE

33 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2024, 2020

2018: Every report here involves Soul Red Crystal paint chipping far more than expected, mostly on the hood and doors, sometimes in chunks.

Best Mazda CX-5 Year to Buy Instead

87
ExcellentReliability score: 87 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 year has 50 owner complaints and no recalls, against 310 complaints and 3 recalls for 2018. Its top complaint is humming headlight cooling fans, not engine failure, though out-of-warranty headlight quotes run $2,500 or more per side. It has also been on the road long enough to show its real pattern.

Score: 87/100 (Excellent)0 recalls50 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Mazda CX-5 has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mazda CX-5 Years by Generation

Mazda CX-5 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Second generation (KF; 2016) (2017–2025)

87
ExcellentReliability score: 87 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Mazda CX-5

0 recalls · 50 complaints

86
ExcellentReliability score: 86 out of 100, rated Excellent

2020 Mazda CX-5

0 recalls · 94 complaints

84
ExcellentReliability score: 84 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Mazda CX-5

1 recalls · 53 complaints

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Mazda CX-5

0 recalls · 129 complaints

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2025 Mazda CX-5

3 recalls · 25 complaints

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Mazda CX-5

2 recalls · 96 complaints

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Mazda CX-5

2 recalls · 229 complaints

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Mazda CX-5

3 recalls · 310 complaints

Weakest Year

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018 model year. It has the most complaints of any year, led by cracked cylinder heads that leak oil onto the exhaust. Repairs run near $6,000, and failures often land just outside the powertrain warranty.
Is the 2019 Mazda CX-5 a bad year?
It is not flagged as a year to avoid, but it is one of the two lowest-rated years. It has 229 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and engine as the top category. Check service history and any engine repairs before buying.
Which Mazda CX-5 years have transmission problems?
The data does not show transmission-specific problems. Power train complaints in 2018 describe cylinder head cracks with oil spraying onto the exhaust, plus stalling at lights or in traffic. Treat those as engine and stalling concerns.
Is the 2022 Mazda CX-5 a good year?
Yes, it is the recommended year. It has no recalls and a low complaint rate. The main watch item is headlight cooling fans that hum or grind before the LED headlight fails, with out-of-warranty quotes of $2,500 or more per side.
Should I buy a 2026 Mazda CX-5 because it has no complaints?
Do not treat that as proof of reliability. The 2026 year has zero complaints mainly because it has had little time on the road. Complaints and recalls build up over the years, so it cannot yet be judged the same way.

How we score every Mazda CX-5 model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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