2018 Mazda CX-5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Mazda CX-5: 3 recalls, 351 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V426000 · 2018 · 682 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018.
Engine, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #19V497000 · 2019 · 262,220 vehicles
What's wrong: A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) May cause the engine to stall.
Why it matters: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #21V875000 · 2021 · 121,038 vehicles
What's wrong: The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump May crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Why it matters: Fuel pump failure May cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (179): the most common themes are leaks (93), fire / smoke (69), warning light on (41).
- Other / unknown (58): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (42): the most common themes are leaks (16), stalls / loses power (8).
- Brakes (32): the most common themes are warning light on (7), noise or vibration (5).
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has 351 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 15 CX-5 model years for complaints (2.1× the average CX-5 year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (73 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 14,700 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (149 complaints, 1 recalls), 2019 (270 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 31 | 29 | Diesel |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 27 | 30 | 28 | Diesel |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Mazda CX-5 problems?
Owners have filed 351 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (179), other / unknown (58), transmission & drivetrain (42).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.2 L, Automatic (S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Mazda CX-5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.