Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has 469 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

Top problems: ENGINE (176 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (62 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (40 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Mazda CX-5?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Mazda CX-5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is approximately $1,652/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Mazda CX-5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has 469 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.5x the segment average of 188. The most common issue is engine problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: engine makes loud noises after driving and acts like it's exhausted. this always happens when park the car and get out of it. there is a slight burning smell (which i was told would wear off after the first couple hundred miles), but it's still doing this. it's like the engine over heated (which no . There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 21 crash reports 3 injuries

469

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

176 complaints

38%

• ENGINE MAKES LOUD NOISES AFTER DRIVING AND ACTS LIKE IT'S EXHAUSTED. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN PARK THE CAR AND GET OUT OF IT. THERE IS A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL (WHICH I WAS TOLD WOULD WEAR OFF AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE HUNDRED MILES), BUT IT'S STILL DOING THIS. IT'S LIKE THE ENGINE OVER HEATED (WHICH NO
• CAR BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, UNKNOWN CAUSE, SUSPECT ELECTRICAL OR FUEL SYSTEM RELATED
• ATTEMPT TO STOP AT LIGHT. BRAKES WERE ENGAGED FULLY ENGINE KEPT REVVING UP. CAR KEPT GOING FORWARD. IN MOTION IN CITY STREET. STRAIGHT AND BRAKING. CAR HAS 496 MILES.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 4 crashes

“ENGINE MAKES LOUD NOISES AFTER DRIVING AND ACTS LIKE IT'S EXHAUSTED. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN PARK THE CAR AND GET OUT OF IT. THERE IS A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL (WHICH I WAS TOLD WOULD WEAR OFF AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE HUNDRED MILES), BUT IT'S STILL DOING THIS. IT'S LIKE THE ENGINE OVER HEATED (WHICH NO ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Based on 120 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 10K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 27 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 8K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW25/06/2018

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Risk: If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Mazda CX-5

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,549/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Mazda CX-5

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,652

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1652

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda CX-5 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2018 CX-5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 469 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: ENGINE MAKES LOUD NOISES AFTER DRIVING AND ACTS LIKE IT'S EXHAUSTED. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN PARK THE CAR AND GET OUT OF IT. THERE IS A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL (WHICH I WAS TOLD WOULD WEAR OFF AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE HUNDRED MILES), BUT IT'S STILL DOING THIS. IT'S LIKE THE ENGINE OVER HEATED (WHICH NO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: ON THE THIRD DAY AFTER LEASING THIS BRAND NEW CAR, I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, ON A NORMAL CITY STREET AND SLOWLY PRESSED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT ON A STANDARD CITY STREET. NO CARS WERE IN FRONT OF ME, THANKFULLY, BECAUSE AS I PRESSED THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: ATTEMPT TO STOP AT LIGHT. BRAKES WERE ENGAGED FULLY ENGINE KEPT REVVING UP. CAR KEPT GOING FORWARD. IN MOTION IN CITY STREET. STRAIGHT AND BRAKING. CAR HAS 496 MILES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: CAR BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, UNKNOWN CAUSE, SUSPECT ELECTRICAL OR FUEL SYSTEM RELATED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)