The Lemon Index2018 Mazda CX-5.
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is better than average by owner complaints: 84 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 55, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 26 to 29 mpg combined. The best Mazda CX-5 year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 351 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Mazda CX-5 year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 40K miles on the car (83 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 2K–65K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 0K–13K miles
Recalls 3
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- engine 2019
A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
- airbags 2018
In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Mazda told dealers about
Mazda sent dealers 634 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights ON when they start the vehicle…
- Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0171 (Fuel Trim too Lean) and possibly DTCs
- Check engine light on and/or failsafe with DTC P061B:00 stored in the PCM
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–3350 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When taking vehicle in for recommended 45k mile service, dealer discovered warped head cylinder and leaking oil. No check engine light warning ever came on! No warning. Mazda is replacing engine parts under vehicle warranty
2018 Mazda CX-5 owner · NHTSA complaint 11402855
More owner reports
Car burst into flames while driving on highway, unknown cause, suspect electrical or fuel system related
NHTSA complaint 11114293
Issue was a frozen caliper bracket on the rear drivers side which resulted in creating excessive heat and premature wear of the pads and rotors
NHTSA complaint 11337844
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 55; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Mazda CX-5 year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2018 Mazda CX-5 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), brakes (25%) and body structure (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
3 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Mazda CX-5 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 40,000 miles. The middle report was at 14,700 miles, from 83 complaints.
Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $3350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
2.2L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Mazda CX-5 year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2020 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works