Mazda CX-5 Engine problems by year

exhaust manifold and cylinder head and recommended replacement of the cylinder-head assembly. This failure presents a potential fire hazard because engine oil leaking near hot exhaust components may ignite. Significant oil loss could also cause engine seizure or unexpected loss of propulsion during operation, placing occupants and other motorists at risk. In August 2025, more than a year before this incident, I reported an abnormal clicking noise while the engine was idling to the same authorized Mazda dealership. I was advised that the noise was normal. Whether this earlier symptom was related to the subsequent failure remains undetermined. Mazda has published technical service guidance, including SA-058/20 and SA-031/21, concerning cylinder-head replacement assemblies for certain vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter engines and cylinder deactivation. I am concerned that my vehicle may have experienced a similar premature failure. The precise cause has not yet been independently established. The manufacturer authorized diagnostic inspection and teardown but declined financial assistance for the recommended repair. I have requested preservation of the failed components, photographs, and diagnostic records. Their availability for independent inspection remains unconfirmed. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this failure represents a broader safety-related defect affecting similar Mazda vehicles.

still in traffic trying to find a safe place to stop, and I debated going through red lights just to get off the road. Sitting at a light in a car filling with smoke felt more dangerous than the intersection. No driver should ever have to make that choice. When I pulled over and opened the hood, smoke was pouring from the back of the engine near the firewall, and oil was seen seeping from the back of the engine onto the ground. There was no warning light or other warning before this happened. [[redacted]] Mazda diagnosed a cracked cylinder head a few hours after I had the vehicle towed from a parking lot next to the highway with leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. The vehicle has been maintained mostly at Mazda dealers, and this was not wear or neglect. The repair cost was estimated at $5,200. Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust is a fire hazard, and in my case it filled the passenger cabin with smoke while I was driving. Mazda has issued a service alert establishing a replacement cylinder head for this engine, with oil leaks listed as a symptom. Mazda also extended coverage to 10 years or 120,000 miles for cracked cylinder heads on the turbo version of this engine (CSP11). There is no recall or extension for the non-turbo engine, even though this failure creates a smoke and fire risk while driving. I am asking NHTSA to investigate cylinder head cracking on 2018 and newer Mazda vehicles with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine with cylinder deactivation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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)

a hairline crack in the cylinder head, directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. The engine was also about one quart low on oil. The shop recommended replacing the cylinder head assembly, at a cost of about $5,700 before tax. Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold is a fire hazard, and the smoke could reduce visibility for other drivers. Many other owners of 2018-2020 CX-5s with this engine have reported the same cracked cylinder head failure. I contacted Mazda Customer Experience (case number [redacted]) to request assistance. Mazda declined because the repair was diagnosed and performed by an independent shop rather than a Mazda dealer. I'm submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this cylinder head failure is a safety defect that warrants a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

nearly struck my vehicle. I was able to reach the shoulder just before the engine shut down. The vehicle would not restart and required towing. There was little or no meaningful warning before the loss of power. The vehicle was inspected by a Mazda dealer. I specifically reported the recurring highway jerking, deceleration, loss of throttle response, and shutdown concern. An aftermarket OBD-II device was removed after the dealer identified parasitic battery draw. The dealer subsequently stated in writing that the battery and alternator were healthy and that the vehicle was "operating as intended." On 10/09/2026, with that device no longer installed, the same symptoms occurred again during highway travel and the vehicle again became disabled and required towing. The Mazda dealer has now verified the drivability concern and reported a Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor "A" Circuit Low fault and low fuel pressure. The dealer is recommending replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump as an initial repair, followed by further testing of the in-tank fuel pump. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at the Mazda dealer. NHTSA's VIN lookup currently shows 0 unrepaired recalls. I am reporting this because sudden loss of acceleration and power at highway speed creates a serious collision and roadside safety risk.

New-Vehicle Limited Warranty) •Modifications: None (100% Factory Standard; No aftermarket accessories) On the evening of [[redacted]], while preparing to leave on a cross-country trip, the car would not start. It was originally believed it was because while loading the car we left one of the key fobs in the car and tried to lock the doors. We reset the fob and tried the manual override to get the car to start with no luck. There were several warning lights coming up on dash to include an istop warning. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the original incident. We contacted AAA and they came and jump started the car. We left on our trip the morning of [[redacted]]. The car started with no issue. That afternoon as we were driving through a small town, we stopped at a traffic light and received the "Battery Malfunction" warring light. We headed to Auto Zone, they checked the battery and said it had low charge, even though we had just driven the car over 400 miles. We parked the car at the hotel fulling expect to have to call AAA again but the next morning the car started without a problem. On [[redacted]], we continued our trip. When we stopped for gas that afternoon the car would not start. We again had to jump it. When we left the gas station the check engine light came on (amber). We were close to Wichita Falls, TX so we stopped for the day and made an appointment with the dealership there for the nINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.