NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
131 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 16, 2026
EnginePower Train
I purchased a used 2019 Mazda CX-5 in 2024, with 25,000 miles on it. In June of 2026 I started to have an oil leak. Took it to a mechanic's shop who diagnosed it as a valve cover gasket, ran the car for another 2 months, oil leak did not stop, got worse, to the point where my oil light came on where the oil was low enough, then …
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I purchased a used 2019 Mazda CX-5 in 2024, with 25,000 miles on it. In June of 2026 I started to have an oil leak. Took it to a mechanic's shop who diagnosed it as a valve cover gasket, ran the car for another 2 months, oil leak did not stop, got worse, to the point where my oil light came on where the oil was low enough, then I took it to another mechanic, they diagnosed it as some sort of pressure sensor that has to do with the oil, they replaced that, then that still wasn't the case, it was leaking, and they diagnosed it as a cracked cylinder head. This has been an issue with Mazdas in the 2018 to 2022 range for the CX-5s, and Mazda knowingly has put in faulty parts and is not willing to extend the warranty on this because it's not a turbo, this is a clever work around to avoid paying for something that should not be going out at this point. For this car being under 60,000 miles, been taking very good care of it, always had the oil changed, I feel that this is not fair for the customer to have to replace something on an engine that shouldn't be addressed for a very long time, if at all. I contacted Mazda corporate, they refused to do anything about it, I also contacted the Mazda dealership in my area, they contacted Mazda corporate and are not willing to cover this as well, my parents had a Mazda back in 2008 that had a similar problem. The only way this was resolved was going through Mazda corporate and writing a stern letter to their management team. At this point I've basically lost the trust of this manufacturer. I spent 25,000 dollars on this car, and now I'm going to have to spend 7 to 8 thousand dollars to get this part replaced, and that this point in the car’s life, that is outrageous. I will not be purchasing from Mazda ever again, there is plenty of documentation on the internet about this problem, and that Mazda refuses to do anything about it.
NHTSA ODI #11764827
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System
2019 Mazda CX-5 developed P0192-00 fuel-pressure-related fault and significant loss of acceleration/limp mode. Mazda dealership diagnosed fuel rail/injector-seal issue and performed approximately $2,836 in repairs. The condition was not corrected. Dealer now diagnoses a high-pressure fuel-pump failure and is requesting an additi…
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2019 Mazda CX-5 developed P0192-00 fuel-pressure-related fault and significant loss of acceleration/limp mode. Mazda dealership diagnosed fuel rail/injector-seal issue and performed approximately $2,836 in repairs. The condition was not corrected. Dealer now diagnoses a high-pressure fuel-pump failure and is requesting an additional $1,459. Vehicle has experienced loss of power while driving. There is an existing Mazda fuel-pump recall affecting some 2018–2019 CX-5 vehicles, but Mazda says my VIN is outside the recall population. I am concerned about a potential fuel-system safety defect.
NHTSA ODI #11760472
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2026
Engine
This is a follow-up to my complaint 11754947, filed 8/5/2026 on the same vehicle. The defect has now been confirmed in writing by an authorized Mazda dealer. On 8/6/2026, San Francisco Mazda (repair order 1085786) diagnosed the cylinder head as the source of the engine oil leak on my 2019 CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated …
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This is a follow-up to my complaint 11754947, filed 8/5/2026 on the same vehicle. The defect has now been confirmed in writing by an authorized Mazda dealer. On 8/6/2026, San Francisco Mazda (repair order 1085786) diagnosed the cylinder head as the source of the engine oil leak on my 2019 CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation, engine code PYUD. The dealer inspection report states: "CYLINDER HEAD LEAKING — FOUND THE CYLINDER TO BE THE SOURCE OF THE OIL LEAK." The repair estimate is $10,655.34, including a replacement cylinder head assembly, cylinder head bolts, and four gasket kits. Mileage at diagnosis was 51,483, approximately 7,000 miles per year, dealer-maintained since new. The technician inspection video shows engine oil actively dripping onto components below, and extensive burnt oil residue baked onto the metal surfaces above the engine. That residue is physical confirmation that leaking oil has been contacting hot surfaces repeatedly over an extended period. Still images from the dealer's own inspection video are attached. A burning oil odor is detectable both outside the vehicle and inside the cabin. Timeline. In April 2026 I found oil accumulating beneath the vehicle. On 5/18/2026 the same dealer (repair order 1079428) noted oil leaking from the cylinder head gasket area and from a plug near the firewall. The dealership replaced the valve cover, charged $1,218.26, and instructed me to drive 1,000 miles and return for reinspection. I drove 1,077 miles as instructed. During that period the leak persisted and progressed, developing the burning odor. On 8/6/2026 the same dealership confirmed the cylinder head as the source and confirmed the plug is not the source. I want to emphasize the safety implication of that sequence. An authorized Mazda dealer misidentified the source of an oil leak and instructed me to continue driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles. The oil was in fact reaching hot exhaust components duri
NHTSA ODI #11755382
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2026
Engine
My 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation has developed a significant engine oil leak at the front of the engine, accompanied by a strong burning oil odor detectable both outside and inside the cabin. Mileage is approximately 50,000, averaging about 7,000 miles per year wit…
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My 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine with cylinder deactivation has developed a significant engine oil leak at the front of the engine, accompanied by a strong burning oil odor detectable both outside and inside the cabin. Mileage is approximately 50,000, averaging about 7,000 miles per year with all maintenance performed on schedule. The burning odor indicates engine oil is contacting hot exhaust components, creating a fire hazard. I have stopped driving the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle to two authorized Mazda dealers for this identical issue. One was unable to locate the source of the leak. The other quoted approximately $10,000 without providing a written diagnosis identifying the failed component. The vehicle is scheduled for a third dealer diagnosis on August 6, 2026. More than two weeks of dealer possession across two visits produced no identified cause. Mazda has acknowledged cylinder head cracking in this engine family. CSP11 extends powertrain warranty coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles for cylinder head repairs on the 2.5T turbo engine, and TSB 01-002/23 addresses cylinder head leaks. Mazda also revised the cylinder head casting for the 2021 model year. However, owners of naturally aspirated 2.5L vehicles with the same casting failure have been denied coverage on the grounds that the leak involves oil rather than coolant, or that their VIN falls outside the covered range. I request that NHTSA investigate cylinder head cracking in naturally aspirated 2.5L SkyActiv-G engines in 2018–2020 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. Numerous complaints describe the same pattern: oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold, burning odor and smoke, fumes entering the cabin, and failures at low mileage. This presents a risk of engine compartment fire and of sudden stalling from loss of oil pressure. The affected population appears substantially larger than the vehicles currently covered.
NHTSA ODI #11754947
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2026
Engine
I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G engine with cylinder deactivation. At approximately 70,491 miles, the vehicle began leaking and burning engine oil, accompanied by a strong burning-oil odor and visible white smoke from the engine bay. This began on or around 7/15/2026 I took the …
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I own a 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G engine with cylinder deactivation. At approximately 70,491 miles, the vehicle began leaking and burning engine oil, accompanied by a strong burning-oil odor and visible white smoke from the engine bay. This began on or around 7/15/2026 I took the vehicle to an authorized Mazda dealer, which confirmed that the cylinder head is cracked and leaking engine oil. I was quoted approximately $10,000 to repair. The repair is not covered because the vehicle is just outside the factory warranty. I received regular Mazda dealership maintenance through 52,000 miles, then regular 3rd party shops after. The oil is leaking onto/near the exhaust manifold. Oil contacting the hot exhaust creates a serious fire hazard, which I can detect from the burning-oil odor and smoke. Separately, ongoing oil loss risks sudden engine failure or stalling while driving, which could cause a loss of motive power and a crash, especially at highway speed or in traffic. This appears to be a widespread manufacturing defect. Many owners of 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5, and related Mazda3 and Mazda6 vehicles equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation, have reported the identical failure — cylinder head cracking near the exhaust manifold causing an oil leak — frequently at low mileage. Mazda issued an internal service alert (SA-058/20) addressing cylinder head cracking on these engines, which shows the manufacturer is aware of the defect. Despite this, affected non-turbo owners are being denied repair assistance and are paying thousands of dollars out of pocket to fix a defect that presents a fire and crash risk. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. I am reporting this because the defect is safety-related, appears to affect a large number of identically built vehicles, and warrants investigation and a potential recall to protect owners — especially those outside the warranty period.
NHTSA ODI #11753878
Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2026
Engine
The cylinder head has cracked and is leaking externally. The engine oil that is leaking out is leaking directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. This can place us as risk due to the engine oil getting ignited by the hot exhaust manifold. There were no warning lamps that came on but there was a smell of burning oil that all of a su…
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The cylinder head has cracked and is leaking externally. The engine oil that is leaking out is leaking directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. This can place us as risk due to the engine oil getting ignited by the hot exhaust manifold. There were no warning lamps that came on but there was a smell of burning oil that all of a sudden came up through the vents. This vehicle is currently at Woodhouse Mazda in Bellevue, NE and they have confirmed that the leak is active and has damaged the engine beyond repair.
NHTSA ODI #11751895
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2026
Engine
I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 50,000 miles. I am experiencing an active engine oil leak accompanied by a burning smell and visible smoke from the engine compartment. This is consistent with a cracked cylinder head assembly — a known manufacturing defect in 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles documented in…
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I am the owner of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 50,000 miles. I am experiencing an active engine oil leak accompanied by a burning smell and visible smoke from the engine compartment. This is consistent with a cracked cylinder head assembly — a known manufacturing defect in 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 vehicles documented in Mazda's own Service Alert SA-031/21, which Mazda characterizes as a fire hazard. Despite this, Mazda has extended warranty coverage only to turbo-equipped models (Program CSP11), leaving non-turbo owners with the identical defect unprotected. At only 50,000 miles, this is a premature failure caused by a manufacturing defect — not normal wear and tear. Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust manifold constitutes a serious fire risk to vehicle occupants and the public. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this pattern of failure across 2018–2021 Mazda CX-5 non-turbo models and consider whether a formal recall is warranted. I have contacted Mazda North American Operations directly requesting goodwill warranty coverage and have a case number on file. I have yet to hear a response but was initially informed my car was out of warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11749139
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2026
Engine
The engine has an oil leak from the head. It is a common problem with this year and make. It is a manufacturer's defect called a porous head where oil leaks through the casting not a seal. I've already spent $2000 to repair but still leaks. Oil leaks onto the exhaust and smokes causing fumes in the inside of the car and can …
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The engine has an oil leak from the head. It is a common problem with this year and make. It is a manufacturer's defect called a porous head where oil leaks through the casting not a seal. I've already spent $2000 to repair but still leaks. Oil leaks onto the exhaust and smokes causing fumes in the inside of the car and can be a fire hazard. Mazda is well aware of the problem but has yet to address it.
NHTSA ODI #11744167
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2026
Engine
We began occasionally smelling an acrid smell, but didn't think much of it due to lack of visible leaks or warning lights. During a routine oil change at the mazda dealer, we asked about the smell, and the tech almost immediately found the issue, saying he had seen it a few times before. The oil is leaking from the head down ont…
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We began occasionally smelling an acrid smell, but didn't think much of it due to lack of visible leaks or warning lights. During a routine oil change at the mazda dealer, we asked about the smell, and the tech almost immediately found the issue, saying he had seen it a few times before. The oil is leaking from the head down onto the manifold due to what seems to be a recurring defective casting issue. quote from mazda dealer service department "During the vehicle's inspection, found oil leaking from the engine. A further inspection found the oil to be leaking from behind the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold. oil is leaking through the casting of the cylinder head it appears. will recommend replacing the cylinder head due to the oil leak."
NHTSA ODI #11743725
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2026
Engine
On May 11th I was driving my 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 35,000 miles when my cabin filled with the smell of gasoline. The smell became overwhelming within minutes, causing concern for my safety and the safety of other drivers. I immediately drove to the closest auto repair/body shop for an emergency inspection. Upon i…
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On May 11th I was driving my 2019 Mazda CX-5 with approximately 35,000 miles when my cabin filled with the smell of gasoline. The smell became overwhelming within minutes, causing concern for my safety and the safety of other drivers. I immediately drove to the closest auto repair/body shop for an emergency inspection. Upon inspection, the technicians discovered there was a "crack at rear cylinder head and leaking oil excessively. Oil is leaking on to hot exhaust manifold....car is not safe to drive since oil leak is excessive". I was advised that this must be a manufacturer defect as you should not see this issue at such low mileage. The vehicle was then towed to the nearest Mazda dealership/service center, where a cracked rear cylinder head was diagnosed and confirmed. I was informed that continued operation of the vehicle could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure, engine seizure, fire risk from leaking oil contacting hot engine components, or sudden loss of power while driving, creating an extremely dangerous driving situation. Prior to the failure, there were no major warning indicators other than the sudden strong fuel/oil smell. The issue occurred unexpectedly despite the vehicle being properly maintained and having low mileage for a major engine failure. I have been the sole owner. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA ODI #11743039