Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 Mazda CX-5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on five separate occasions, intermittently there was an abnormal grinding noise detected underneath the hood. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 mph. Additionally, while accelerating the vehicle slowed down without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where no codes had been detected. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Additionally, the vehicle was towed to Sport Mazda North (400 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750, [phone]) where they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH and turning into a driveway, smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and inspected. Upon opening the hood, smoke was observed near the rear firewall of the engine compartment, and oil was leaking under the engine compartment. The source of the leak could not be identified initially, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where a leaking cylinder head was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the cylinder head was leaking oil and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message that the engine oil level was low was displayed. The contact stated that oil was added to the engine; however, the next day the message reoccurred. The contact stated that later while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic who confirmed oil leaking from the engine, but the cause of the oil leak was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 96,600.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated became aware of engine oil on his driveway. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal oil burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated the check engine warning was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an oil leak coming from the cylinder head and determined that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic researched online and related the oil leak failure to Mazda Service Alert Number: SA-031/21 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
My 2019 Mazda CX-5 has 61,500 miles on it and has a cracked cylinder head and has a massive oil leak. I took it to the dealer and they are aware of this issue but told me Mazda hasn't so far made a recall. No warning lights went off and i lost 1 quart of oil over a 30 mile drive. Upon Acceleration the engine could seize and could cause a crash. A fire is also not out of the question as the parts in the engine area are hot and oil can catch fire. Mazda declined to pay for the total cost of the repair but did partially pay for some of it. They should be held accountable for the lousy design and it's only a matter of time someone will have an accident because of it.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was oil leaking from the main gasket and referred the contact to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a cracked cylinder head and that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Engine complaints in other CX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2019 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA has 134 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2019 Mazda CX-5, 49% of the model year's 271 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2019 Mazda CX-5 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2019 Mazda CX-5, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2019 Mazda CX-5 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.