Mazda CX-5 problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Mazda CX-5 problems on record are mostly recall campaigns. 2013–2016 first-generation models have fuel filler pipe (16V064), liftgate strut (16V644) and daytime running light recalls. 2017–2025 models have a 2018–2019 engine-stall software fix (19V497) and a fuel pump recall (21V875). The all-new 2026 CX-5 has no campaign in this data yet.

CarWhere lists 7 documented CX-5 issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

CX-5 generations at a glance

Mazda CX-5 generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
3rd gen2026–presentNo widespread issue documented here
2nd gen2017–2025Engine control software can stall the engine (recall 19V497) · Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875) · Side curtain air bags may not unfold properly (recall 18V426)
1st gen2013–2016Fuel filler pipe can rupture in a crash (recall 16V064) · Liftgate support struts can corrode and let the gate drop (recall 16V644) · Front strut-to-knuckle bolts can loosen (recall 16V203) · LED daytime running lights can fail (recall 20V063)

2nd gen CX-5 problems (2017–2025)

Engine control software can stall the engine (recall 19V497) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2017–2025)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
Engine not specified in the recall summary; check by VIN

A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) can make the engine stall on certain 2018–2019 CX-5 and Mazda6 models and 2019 Mazda3 models. Dealers reprogram the PCM free (Mazda campaign 3719F); the recall began August 20, 2019. The 262,220 total covers all three models.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls while driving or at idle
  • Warning lights after a stall

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 19V497 (2019-06) · 262,220 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Low-pressure fuel pump impeller can crack (recall 21V875) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2017–2025)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump can crack and deform, which can make the pump fail. Recall 21V875 covers 2018–2019 CX-5 models along with several other Mazda models (121,038 vehicles in total). Dealers replace the fuel pump free (campaign 5321K); owner letters went out July 18, 2022.

Symptoms

  • Rough running or hesitation
  • Engine stall or no-start

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 21V875 (2021-11) · 121,038 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Side curtain air bags may not unfold properly (recall 18V426) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2017–2025)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All

On 682 2018 CX-5 models the side curtain air bags may not unfold correctly in a side impact or rollover, failing federal ejection-mitigation standard FMVSS 226. Dealers replace the curtain air bags free (campaign 2718F).

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 18V426 (2018-06) · 682 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

1st gen CX-5 problems (2013–2016)

Fuel filler pipe can rupture in a crash (recall 16V064) (2014–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2013–2016)
Years:
2014–2016
Powertrain:
All

The fuel filler pipe on 268,799 2014–2016 CX-5 models built June 27, 2013 to February 2, 2016 can rupture in a crash, failing fuel-system standard FMVSS 301. Dealers change how the filler pipe attaches to its bracket at the left rear, free of charge; the recall began February 25, 2016.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign in normal driving

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 16V064 (2016-02) · 268,799 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Liftgate support struts can corrode and let the gate drop (recall 16V644) (2013–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2013–2016)
Years:
2013–2016
Powertrain:
All

The liftgate support struts on 2013–2016 CX-5 models can corrode and break, so the liftgate may fall unexpectedly. The same recall covers 2010–2013 Mazda3/Mazdaspeed3, 2012–2015 Mazda5 and 2016 CX-3 models (580,455 vehicles in total). Dealers replace both struts free (campaign 9916H).

Symptoms

  • Liftgate will not stay open
  • Rust on the strut shafts

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 16V644 (2016-09) · 580,455 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5]

Front strut-to-knuckle bolts can loosen (recall 16V203) (2014–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2013–2016)
Years:
2014–2016
Powertrain:
All

The lower nuts and bolts that attach the front strut to the steering knuckle can loosen and let the knuckle separate. Recall 16V203 covers a small number of 2014–2016 CX-5 models along with certain Mazda2, CX-3 and CX-9 vehicles (578 in total). Dealers inspect and retighten or replace the bolts.

Symptoms

  • Clunk from the front suspension
  • Steering pulls or wanders

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 16V203 (2016-04) · 578 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6]

LED daytime running lights can fail (recall 20V063) (2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2013–2016)
Years:
2016
Powertrain:
All

The LED daytime running lights on 36,761 2016 CX-5 models can fail while driving. Dealers inspect the headlights and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assemblies as needed (campaign 4320A).

Symptoms

  • One or both daytime running lights out
  • Moisture inside the headlight

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check mazdausa.com/recalls by VIN

NHTSA recall: 20V063 (2020-02) · 36,761 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

Related CX-5 research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a CX-5 was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Mazda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mazda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the known Mazda CX-5 problems?

The documented CX-5 issues are recalls: a 2014–2016 fuel filler pipe that can rupture in a crash, corroding liftgate struts on 2013–2016 models, a 2018–2019 engine control software stall fix and a 2018–2019 fuel pump replacement.

Which CX-5 years have the fuel pump recall?

Recall 21V875 covers certain 2018–2019 CX-5 models. A cracked impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump can cause the pump to fail, and dealers replace the pump free.

Does the CX-5 have a stalling recall?

Yes. Recall 19V497 reprograms the powertrain control module on certain 2018–2019 CX-5 models because a software error can stall the engine.

Are there recalls on the new 2026 CX-5?

Mazda introduced the third-generation CX-5 for 2026. No campaign naming it appears in the DOT recall data used for this page, so check the VIN for the latest status.

How do I check a CX-5 for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and on Mazda’s recall page. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 19V497000: Software Error May Cause Engine Stall — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recall 21V875000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recall 18V426000: Curtain Air Bags may not Deploy Properly/FMVSS 226 — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recall 16V064000: Fuel Filler Pipe may Rupture in a Crash/FMVSS 301 — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recall 16V644000: Rear Lift Gate may Fall if Lift Gate Stays Corrode — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recall 16V203000: Insufficient Bolt Torque may Cause Steering Loss — NHTSA
  7. NHTSA recall 20V063000: Daytime Running Lights May Fail — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mazda North American Operations or Mazda Motor Corporation. Mazda and the model names are trademarks of their owners.