WhichCarParts

2017–2025 KF (2nd generation)

2017–2025 Mazda CX-5 Common Problems and Years to Avoid

8 documented problems with the 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 4 of them are serious. 4 carry a recall or TSB number.

Last verified

Quick answer

We have 8 documented problems on record for the 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5, of which 4 are serious and 4 carry a recall or service bulletin. Every one below lists symptoms, the years most affected, and what the repair typically costs.

2017–2025 Mazda CX-5 recalls and service bulletins

Recall / TSBIssueSeverity
NHTSA 18V-426 (Mazda campaign 2718F)Side curtain air bags may not deploy properly (recall)major
NHTSA 19V-497 (Mazda campaign 3719F)PCM software error can cause engine stall (recall)major
NHTSA 21V-875 (Mazda campaign 5321K)Low-pressure fuel pump impeller failure (recall)major
Mazda Service Alert SA-041/18 / SA-022-19 (NHTSA TSB doc MC-10159203-0001)Rocker arm failure in cylinder-deactivation cylindersmajor

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.

Side curtain air bags may not deploy properly (recall)

major

On certain 2018 CX-5s, the side curtain air bags may not fully unfold during deployment in a side-impact or rollover crash, failing FMVSS 226 ejection-mitigation requirements. Mazda recalled the affected vehicles and dealers replace the curtain air bags free of charge.

Most affected: 2018Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 18V-426 (Mazda campaign 2718F)

PCM software error can cause engine stall (recall)

major

A software error in the powertrain control module on certain 2018–2019 CX-5s (shared with Mazda6 and Mazda3) can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving. Mazda dealers reprogram the PCM free of charge.

Most affected: 2018–2019Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 19V-497 (Mazda campaign 3719F)

Low-pressure fuel pump impeller failure (recall)

major

The impeller inside the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump can crack and deform on certain 2018–2019 CX-5s (part of a wider Mazda recall covering Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-9, MX-5 and Mazda2), potentially causing the fuel pump to fail and the engine to stall. Dealers replace the fuel pump free of charge.

Most affected: 2018–2019Typical cost: Free under recallRecall/TSB: NHTSA 21V-875 (Mazda campaign 5321K)

Rocker arm failure in cylinder-deactivation cylinders

major

Mazda issued Service Alert SA-041/18 (superseded by SA-022-19) instructing dealers to remove the valve cover and inspect for a fallen or broken rocker arm, specifically in the cylinder-deactivation cylinders (1 and 4), on early 2.5L engines with cylinder deactivation. A broken rocker arm can cause a loud tick/knock, rough running, or in the worst case valvetrain damage. A revised cylinder head assembly was introduced for service replacements.

Most affected: 2018–2019Typical cost: Free under warranty when caught early; $1,500–$3,000+ for cylinder head work out of warrantyRecall/TSB: Mazda Service Alert SA-041/18 / SA-022-19 (NHTSA TSB doc MC-10159203-0001)

Cylinder deactivation vibration/shudder

minor

Many 2.5L owners (non-turbo, with cylinder deactivation) report a noticeable vibration or shudder in the 30–45 mph range or under light throttle, felt when the engine transitions in and out of 2-cylinder mode. Owner and forum reports tie some cases to automatic transmission fluid contaminated with iron powder from torque-converter lock-up wear; Mazda has issued various software recalibrations over the years, but there is no single universal fix and the behavior is not considered a safety defect. Disabling cylinder deactivation is not officially supported.

Most affected: 2018–2024 (most commonly reported on early-CD 2018–2021 cars)Typical cost: $0 (ECM recalibration under warranty) to several hundred dollars for a transmission fluid/filter service if ATF contamination is suspected

Exhaust valve stem seal oil consumption

moderate

A subset of 2021 model-year 2.5L engines (both naturally aspirated and turbo variants were reported) burn oil noticeably faster than normal, commonly a quart every 1,000–5,000 miles, traced to defective exhaust valve stem seals. Mazda has replaced the seals under the powertrain warranty for documented cases; a related proposed class action covering several 2021 Mazda models cites the same defect.

Most affected: 2021 (isolated reports in adjacent years)Typical cost: Free under powertrain warranty for qualifying cars; $1,200–$2,500 for valve stem seal replacement out of warranty

Water pump weep / slow coolant loss

moderate

The engine-driven water pump on the 2.5L can develop a slow seal leak that shows up as gradually dropping coolant level with no visible puddle, often only found as dried pink/green crust near the pump weep hole or a coolant smell. It's a wear item rather than a manufacturing defect, and most owners catch it well before it causes overheating.

Most affected: 2017–2021 (reported across the model range as mileage accumulates)Typical cost: $300–$650 parts and labor

Mazda Connect infotainment freezes and reboots (class-action settlement)

minor

2016–2020 CX-5s are part of a certified settlement class (Duffy et al. v. Mazda Motor of America) covering Mazda Connect infotainment units that reboot, freeze, get stuck in a boot loop, or lose audio/backup-camera function. The settlement provides reimbursement for prior CMU/head-unit repairs and an extended warranty window for affected vehicles.

Most affected: 2017–2020Typical cost: Free repair/reimbursement under the settlement; $600–$1,000+ for a CMU replacement out of pocket

Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.

Which Mazda CX-5 model years does this cover?

These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Mazda CX-5 built from 2017 through 2025 — the KF (2nd generation), compact suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.

2017 CX-52018 CX-52019 CX-52020 CX-52021 CX-52022 CX-52023 CX-52024 CX-52025 CX-5

What changed during the 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5

  • 2017All-new KF generation on a stiffer platform; 2.0L dropped from the US lineup, 2.5L becomes the sole gas engine
  • 2018Cylinder deactivation added to the 2.5L; g-Vectoring Control standard
  • 20192.5L Turbo and 2.2L SkyActiv-D diesel both introduced (diesel on Signature trim only)
  • 2020Diesel discontinued after this model year due to low take rate
  • 2022Mid-cycle refresh: revised front/rear styling, wheel designs, and more standard driver-assist tech; mechanical specs carry over
  • 2024Trim names simplified (2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 Turbo, etc.); final CX-5 model year before the 2026 all-new third generation

2017–2025 Mazda CX-5 problems and recalls: common questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5?

The recurring ones are: side curtain air bags may not deploy properly (recall); pcm software error can cause engine stall (recall); low-pressure fuel pump impeller failure (recall); rocker arm failure in cylinder-deactivation cylinders; cylinder deactivation vibration/shudder. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.

Which 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5 years should you avoid?

The years to be most careful with are those affected by side curtain air bags may not deploy properly (recall) (2018) and pcm software error can cause engine stall (recall) (2018–2019) and low-pressure fuel pump impeller failure (recall) (2018–2019) and rocker arm failure in cylinder-deactivation cylinders (2018–2019). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.

Are there recalls on the 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5?

4 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 18V-426 (Mazda campaign 2718F) (side curtain air bags may not deploy properly (recall)), NHTSA 19V-497 (Mazda campaign 3719F) (pcm software error can cause engine stall (recall)), NHTSA 21V-875 (Mazda campaign 5321K) (low-pressure fuel pump impeller failure (recall)), Mazda Service Alert SA-041/18 / SA-022-19 (NHTSA TSB doc MC-10159203-0001) (rocker arm failure in cylinder-deactivation cylinders). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.

How much do 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5 repairs typically cost?

Typical figures for the issues above: side curtain air bags may not deploy properly (recall), Free under recall; pcm software error can cause engine stall (recall), Free under recall; low-pressure fuel pump impeller failure (recall), Free under recall; rocker arm failure in cylinder-deactivation cylinders, Free under warranty when caught early; $1,500–$3,000+ for cylinder head work out of warranty.

Sources

Other Mazda CX-5 generations

2013–2016 problems and recallsCompare all generations

More for the 2017–2025 Mazda CX-5

Oil & filterBatteryTires & wheelsWiper bladesAir & cabin filtersBulbsBrakesFluidsService scheduleOil light resetKey fob batterySpecs