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Engine & cooling

2021 Mazda CX-5 Engine problems

Owners have filed 83 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-5's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 55% of all its complaints, most recently on November 4, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Electrical systemLightsEngine & cooling

[FIELD: DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED] Severe ongoing safety defects uncorrected after 2 dealer repair attempts ([[redacted]] & [[redacted]]). LIGHTS: High beams failed [[redacted]], requiring continuous manual hold to function. ADAS/HUD: HUD failed to project Nov 3. Cameras cut out with false "sensor blocked" error (Oct [[redacted]] & [[redacted]]. Infotainment screen turns off while driving (multiple dates). ENGINE: Stalls in traffic/drive-thrus and fails to restart. MIRROR: Power side mirror glass/folding...

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intermittently does not fold out and glass does not move/adjust. Dealership reportedly ordered part during Sept [[redacted]] repair window, has not been repaired yet with no update from dealership. [FIELD: HOW WAS SAFETY AFFECTED?] High-beam failure forces single-handed steering at night. Sudden ADAS/screen shutdowns cause driver distraction and lose safety monitoring. Engine stalling creates severe collision risks at intersections and on active roads.Mirror issue prevents ability to safely monitor changing road conditions/other drivers. [FIELD: WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES] Cluster displayed "System Disabled: Poor Outward Camera Visibility" in clear weather with clean windshield (Oct [[redacted]] & [[redacted]]). No warnings for engine stalling, HUD loss, or headlight failure. [FIELD: REPRODUCTION & INSPECTIONS] Dealer failed to reproduce due to brief test drives. Inspected only by Jim Shorkey Kia and 1 independent mechanic (who diagnosed earlier resolved oil leak/solenoid timing belt issue). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11775766
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who confirmed that there was a defect with...

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cylinder#1. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11766753
SuspensionTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. Car is undrivable. This. Defect has a TSB

Filed Incident Suspension · Power train · EngineNHTSA 11766438
Engine & cooling

2021 Mazda CX-5 2.5L non-turbo. While driving at approximately 8 mph, I removed my foot from the accelerator, but the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. I did not press the accelerator pedal. I had to apply the brake to slow the vehicle down. This issue has occurred three separate times, on August 25, September 4, and September 18, 2026, at approximately 70,060 miles. The same unintended acceleration behavior occurred during all three incidents.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765445
Engine & cooling

The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. The leak also increases the risk of low engine oil levels, which could lead to engine damage or sudden engine failure if not detected in time. This issue required an expensive repair despite the vehicle being properly maintained. I have since learned that many...

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other Mazda owners have reported similar timing cover oil leaks on this engine, suggesting this may be a widespread defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a safety-related defect that warrants further investigation.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11753162
Engine & coolingFuel system

2021 Mazda CX-5 (VIN: [[redacted]] ). First low-oil warning at 17,800 miles. ([[redacted]]) Mazda dealership in La Crosse, WI performed an oil change and fully refilled the oil. Second low-oil warning at 18,700 miles - only 900 miles later. ([[redacted]]) This indicates rapid, abnormal oil loss consistent with the known valve-stem-seal defect for this model year. Sudden low-oil conditions pose a safety risk due to potential engine damage or failure. Requesting NHTSA document this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11740997
Engine & cooling

My 2021 Mazda CX-5 is experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning oil between regular oil changes, and the oil level drops noticeably before the recommended service interval. I have noticed a burning smell and/or signs of oil loss without visible leaks. This raises concerns about potential engine damage, stalling, or fire risk while driving. The issue has occurred repeatedly and does not seem normal for a vehicle of this age and mileage. I am filing this complaint because this may indicate a defect affecting engine safety and reliability.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11737194
Engine & cooling

Due to oil consumption issues & oil leak on 2021 Mazda cx 5 AWD I was told the timing cover and gasket needs replacement due to oil leakage. This appears to be a very common issue with this vehicle. The engine is at risk of catastrophic failure due to low oil levels

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11729087
Engine & coolingDriver assistance

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Brakes activated unintendedly, and the vehicle jerked to the left and independently accelerated and moved back in the lane intended lane. The vehicle then jerked to the right, unintendedly accelerated, and then went back into the intended lane. Then the vehicle resumed normal operation. While driving approximately 60-65 MPH a week later, the vehicle started jerking....

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The "Smart City Brake Malfunction" message was displayed, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Filed Incident Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11727507
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer to continue adding oil to the engine as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,465.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11722089
Engine & cooling

LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on about 1000 miles from last oil changed. Dealer fixed the Mazda recall code: P250F on July 30, 2025. Now is same issue of LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on again on November 19, 2025.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11700495
SteeringBrakesEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the Front Brake System Malfunction, Forward Brake Malfunction, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating as if the wheels would lock up. The steering wheel vibrated while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to retrieve a diagnostic code; however, the DTC number was unknown. The dealer was unable to identify the exact cause of the code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11696729
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & coolingCrash1 injury

..... On at least 5 seperate occasions our 2021 mazda cx5 suv accelerated to a high rate of speed (on it's own). It has done it to my wife and I both. I contacted two different mazda service centers and was advised they have no knowledge of this and that there are no open recalls or tsb's and as intermittent as it is it would be almost impossible to duplicate. On july 18th the car accelerated (on its own) again but this time it drove my wife into a tree at aprox. 35/40 Mph breaking her ribs. The body shop informed...

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me this morning that the car is a total loss. Mazda needs to get to the bottom of this and resolve this issue asap. This time it was a tree, the next time it may be at a crosswalk or at an intersection. It's just a mater of time until someone is killed or at the very least badly hurt. I don't know how mazda can be unaware of this problem, it's all over the internet. Our body shop pulled it up on line and was shocked at the amount of complaints/ concerns that existed related to this problem. Please investigate this because the next person may not be as fortunate. Thank you in advance.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 11676813
Engine & cooling

No codes, dealer unable to duplicate. I have been hearing a lifter tick come and go for months (since February ) with my oil level up to par. The ticking gets louder and then quieter.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11653373
SteeringEngine & cooling

Car engine shut down and slowly came to a full stop on the highway on 1/4/25, putting myself and my daughter of being rear ended at full speed on a highway where the speed limit is 65mph. The steering wheel locked and I was unable to move the car to any shoulder. I put the car in park and pressed the start ignition button to start the car and was able to drive again. An appointment is scheduled for 1/17/25 for diagnostics at a Mazda dealership. There were no warning messages prior to this event.. My battery was replaced 2 weeks prior to this incident.

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 11634704
Engine & cooling

Check engine oil light came on after only 2K miles from last oil change. Upon inspection there was practically no oil in my engine!!! I see there is an ongoing issue since 10/21 with 2021 Mazda CX-5 turbo engines. Despite Mazda's awareness of the problem, they have yet to issue a recall to fix this issue!!!

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11628165
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Engine developed a major oil leak at 70,000 miles, with multiple seals leaking. This appears to be a known defect with these vehicles and owners should not be bearing the cost for repairs.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11627683
Engine & cooling

The vehicle is low mileage (11,500 miles) and is burning an excessive amount of oil (up to a quart every 1,000 miles) The dealership is aware of this and just keeps saying to add oil.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11624523
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Oil has been leaking multiple times, with warranty repair for a faulty timing cover and gasket. This is now leaking again after being repaired twice already. This most recent time causing error messages regarding oil while driving. Significant burning smell coming from engine area.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11610442
Engine & cooling

For the third time in 3 years we have had to had the timing cover and gasket replaced due to major oil leakage. This appears to be a very common issue with this car, and even after getting it "fixed" the first time it is leaking again.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11605820
Engine & cooling

Low engine oil light 3600 miles before next oil change

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11597650
Engine & coolingFuel system

Excessive combustible gasoline vapors in engine compartment and in passenger compartment. Engine, available for inspection. Risk of fire/explosion because of high concentration of combustible vapors/gasoline. Yes -- confirmed by dealer (Safford Brown Mazda of Fairfax (Virginia)). No -- Notwithstanding being apprised of the problem Manufacturer has not inspected No warning signs. Manufacturer has acknowledge gasoline leaking into engine oil. Vapors were exacerbated because of a failed oil enging filler cap (probably cracked), and replacement of the same.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11592447
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

I got this suv in 2023 and I kept up with oil changes and I take it in for a oil change and not even 2 days later the oil light came on so I topped it off and I go in for another oil change not even 2 days later I'm running hot so I take it back to the dealer to find out I have either a cracked head or a blown gasket??!!! There is coolant visible and mazda told me they are aware of this problem but why aren't they doing something about it bc ppl are barely making ends meet and they continue to sell these cars with these engine problems without fixing the issue...

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11588667
Engine & cooling

There is a ticking sound coming from the engine, it seems like there are many issues with faulty hydraulic lash adjusters after a search online.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11587094
Engine & cooling

Oil light has come on indicating low oil. I have serviced this car through the dealership on schedule since I purchased it new. I don't believe modern cars should "lose oil" at less than 30,000 miles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11584015

Mazda CX-5 engine complaints by year

CX-5 engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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