The Mazda CX-5 is oftentimes considered one of the best in the “affordable compact SUVs” segment of the car market for 2018 MY. With a quiet and refined ride quality, luxurious interior, excellent safety scores, and a great ownership cost projection, it is no wonder the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is considered one of the best out there. Though there is tough competition from the likes of the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Hyundai Tucson all well-known brands and models, the Mazda SUV manages to stand out. Like any other vehicle out there, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 has its fair share of troubles; with 3 recalls and 104 complaints registered officially against the vehicle. The main complaints seem to revolve around oil leaks in various areas, engine troubles, and the dealership delays on recalls. This article aims to provide all the details as briefly as possible and provide you with guidance on your next potential purchase.
User Complaints and Problems for the 2018 Mazda CX-5
Mechanical Problems
- Engine jack of all troubles -. The most common complaint seems to revolve around the engine. The engine has failed for multiple users due to an oil leak due to a defective head gasket and or a cylinder. Subsequently, the oil leaks have also caused the vehicle to release “white smoke” from the engine bay, causing great distress to the occupants. Various users have also stated that the engine has stalled on them, many dealerships and owners stated that this was due to the “fuel pump defective”. Mazda is aware of this situation and has already made recalls to the affected models, you can refer to NHTSA ID: 21V875000 & 19V497000 for more details.
- Brakes failure -. Multiple users have stated that the vehicle’s brake tends to fail on them or act on time to stop the vehicle on time. So far no major injuries have been reported. One dealership provided a reason that the brake calipers had prematurely worn out.
- Fuel system recalls - This seems to be a persistent problem, hence the multiple complaints registered solely on this matter. On the matter of “fuel pump failure” recalls made by Mazda, the dealership seems to take an unreasonable amount of time to fix it, due to a delay in getting the necessary parts from the manufacturer. This is in relation to the Mazda recall referring to the NHTSA ID: 21V875000.
- Powertrain being unreliable mid-operation - Users have stated over and over again that the vehicle’s powertrain would tend to stop abruptly mid-operation without any warning and come back momentarily. Even more bizarre, multiple users have stated that the vehicle would accelerate on its own, without the user depressing the accelerator. Mazda is already aware of this situation, as this is happening due to a software malfunction in their powertrain control moduleand has made recalls. You can refer to the NHTSA ID: 19V497000 for more details.
- Suspension is leaking oil as well - Multiple users have stated that the rear shocks were leaking oil and had to be replaced.
Electrical Problems
- Accelerator not responding to the user’s instruction- Various complaints have been registered against the accelerator for failing to comply with the user’s instructions when they depress the accelerator and subsequently stalling.
Safety problem
- Airbags failure- Failure of the airbags either through warning lights or prematurely being deployed on the slightest contact has caused some distress to the users.
Exterior Problems
- Paint chipping off on the vehicle with Soul Crystal Red paint- Users with that particular paint have registered complaints that the paint was chipping off from their vehicle, especially from the sides and the hood. A professional opinion is that the method and material of paint used is the reason behind this happening.
Recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional remarks. |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
November 12, 2021, |
21V875000 |
Fuel pump might fail. |
The impeller within the low-pressurized fuel pump might crack and deform, leading to the fuel pump failing. |
The dealership will replace the fuel pump free of charge. |
|
2 |
June 27, 2019 |
19V497000 |
Engine stalling due to a software error. |
A software error in the powertrain control module(PCM) may cause the engine to stall. |
Mazda dealership will reprogram the software free of charge. |
|
3 |
June 25, 2018, |
18V426000 |
Improper deployment of the curtain airbags. |
In the event of a crash as needed the side curtain airbags might fail to deploy properly. Therefore, failing to comply with the FMVSS regulations. |
The dealership will replace the curtain airbags if found defective, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2018 Mazda CX-5
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has problems, there is no question about it, but so do most vehicles. Considering the Mazda SUV has a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, and only 3 recalls made, the vehicle is relatively safe. Just as a precaution, ensure that your 2018 Mazda CX-5 has been checked for the recalls made for this model year, and ensure that your engine cylinders are solid. and the powertrain is working smoothly. We highly recommend you to stay away from “ Soul Crystal Red” painted vehicles, so as to make your life easier. Also, make sure your 2018 Mazda CX-5 oil problems are resolved within the dealership before the full purchase since it is a hassle to do so afterward. The 2018 Hyundai Tucson would be the second-best choice, with fewer complaints and recalls made against the Hyundai SUV.
