2019 Mazda CX-5 Problems & Complaints

Average1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the CX-5 at the same age

Owners have filed 271 complaints about the 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the CX-5 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (134 complaints, typically around 31,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

271complaints
2recalls
7crashes
2fires
5injuries
0deaths

Most common 2019 Mazda CX-5 problems

  • Engine & cooling~31,000 miles
    13449%
  • Other / not specified~3,000 miles
    5018%
  • Electrical system~5,000 miles
    4617%
  • 3212%
  • 218%
  • Driver assistance
    187%
  • Speed control & acceleration~2,000 miles
    124%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~48,000 miles
    104%
  • Body & structure~5,000 miles
    73%
  • Air bags~38,000 miles
    73%
  • Brakes~5,000 miles
    62%
  • Wheels & tires~5,000 miles
    31%
  • Lights~40,000 miles
    31%
  • Seats
    31%
  • Steering
    31%
  • Equipment & accessories~45,000 miles
    21%
  • Stability & traction control~4,000 miles
    10%

Share of the 271 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mazda CX-5 complaints by model year

201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520261943771335101503512711071486566452816
Owner complaints per model year, Mazda CX-5. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best CX-5 years: 2015, 2020, 2017. Years to avoid: 2016, 2014, 2018. Compare all years →

2019 Mazda CX-5 recalls (2)

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 21V-875 · Nov 12, 2021 · 121,038 vehicles

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA recall 19V-497 · Jun 27, 2019 · 262,220 vehicles

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4.

What 2019 Mazda CX-5 owners say

Engine & cooling all 134 →

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving up on incline at 45 MPH, the engine shut off with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to pull the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coil. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer with an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. While at the dealer, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for repairs unrelated to the failure. …

129,000 miles · Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with a toddler occupying the rear seat, the contact noticed smoke and an abnormal burning rubber odor coming through the vents. The contact pulled into a gas station and then pulled into a nail salon parking lot. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence, where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and found an oil leak, and the mechanic diagnosed that the cylinder head had cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under an unknown Extended Warranty because of the type of engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under Goodwill assistance because the oil changes had not been mainly performed by the dealer. …

83,000 miles · Sep 2025

Electrical system all 46 →

Infotainment Issue (Ghost Touch Issue). Mazda has been experiencing problems with the Infotainment Issue (all around the globe.. I am located in Mexico. Not sure if this channel is the right way to ask for help outside the USA); in different models such as Mazda 3, CX5, etc. My Mazda CX5 is a 2019 year model with only 10,000 miles. The "Ghost Touch Issue" started just after the 3 year warranty expired. I have the extended warranty but Mazda just confirmed this issue is not covered anymore and I need to pay approximately $1,000 US Dlls to fix the issue (and only 3 months warranty... recommendation not to park the car under the sun which for me is ridiculous). This "Ghost Touch Issue is more than an annoyance. IT IS DANGEROUS. The vehicle itself says not to play with the system while driving. …

Jan 2023 · crash

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed and shifting from second to third gear, the engine revved up, hesitated, and lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the low-beam headlights were inoperable. There was a clunking noise detected while making a three-point turn. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic diagnosed that there was an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign number 19V497000 (Engine, Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

1,000 miles · Aug 2019

Transmission & drivetrain all 32 →

On [redacted], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [redacted] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries.

Sep 2024 · crash · 1 injury

The 2019 CX-5 AWD with the 2.5L NA engine (with Cylinder Deactivation) has an engine oil leak coming from the cylinder head area. The Mazda dealer confirmed the leak source and found burnt oil on the exhaust. The component is available for inspection. The leak location and symptoms are consistent with the known porous/cracked cylinder-head defect documented in this engine family. Full confirmation requires teardown. In early Dec 2025, a burning oil smell began, then thick white smoke came from under the hood while driving and after stopping. This created an immediate fire risk, and rapid oil loss could cause sudden engine failure or stall in traffic. The issue was inspected and confirmed by an independent mechanic, who noted the leak could only be traced after removing the exhaust manifold. …

Dec 2025

2019 Mazda CX-5 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel6-speed automaticFWD28 / 31 / 29
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automaticFWD25 / 31 / 28
2.2L 4-cyl turbo diesel6-speed automatic4WD27 / 30 / 28
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automatic4WD24 / 30 / 26
2.5L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD23 / 28 / 25
2.5L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automatic4WD22 / 27 / 24

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

Based on 271 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 CX-5 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the CX-5 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Mazda CX-5?

The engine & cooling — 134 complaints, 49% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (46) and transmission & drivetrain (32).

How many recalls does the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2019 Mazda CX-5, the most recent from November 12, 2021 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mazda CX-5?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2020 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2014 and 2018. See the full Mazda CX-5 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2019 Mazda CX-5 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 17,000 miles; 84% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.