BestCarRank
Mazda

2019 Mazda CX-5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 has 349 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.9x the segment average of 188. The most common issue is engine problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: i was driving on the freeway about 65 miles per hour and the the car started to run rough and the dash lights went out. it felt like it wanted to stall so i kept my foot on the gas and brake and exited the freeway and drove the side streets home. the problem did not happen again so far.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 6 crash reports 5 injuries

349

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

127 complaints
36%
  • I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR AND THE THE CAR STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT FELT LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL SO I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND BRAKE AND EXITED THE FREEWAY AND DROVE THE SIDE STREETS HOME. THE PROBLEM DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN SO FAR.
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHOM ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT
  • VEHICLE HAVING SIGNIFICANT DROP IN POWER OUTPUT IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING. ISSUE RESOLVES WHEN FINALLY SHIFTING TO 3RD GEAR, BUT LACK OF PREDICTABLE RESPONSE WHEN MERGING IS UNSETTLING.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR AND THE THE CAR STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT FELT LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL SO I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND BRAKE AND EXITED THE FREEWAY AND DROVE THE SIDE STREETS HOME. THE PROBLEM DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN SO FAR.

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Mazda CX-5

Based on 55 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 17K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
41
30-60K
8
60-100K
5
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 15 reports
0-30K
8
30-60K
1
60-100K
5
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
6
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 16K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
6
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

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 (2)

ENGINE27/06/2019

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.

Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Mazda CX-5

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,778
Per month
$148
Per mile
14.8¢
MPG
27
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,087/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
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 2019 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.
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 2019 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
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 349 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ENGINE: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR AND THE THE CAR STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT. IT FELT LIKE IT WANTED TO STALL SO I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND BRAKE AND EXITED THE FREEWAY AND DROVE THE SIDE STREETS HOME. THE PROBLEM DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN SO FAR.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH VERY LIGHT SNOW FALLING AND LESS THAN AN INCH OF WET ON THE ROAD, THE "FRONT RADAR BLOCKED" MESSAGE APPEARED! UPON LATER RESEARCH INTO THE MAZDA OWNER'S MANUAL IT INDICATES THE FOLLOWING SYSTEMS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING: MAZDA RADAR CRUISE CONTROL (MRCC) MAZDA RADAR CR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: ALL LIGHTS AND GAUGES TURN OFF AND DISABLE, INCLUDING: APPLE CAR PLAY, NAVIGATION, AUDIO, AIR CONDITIONING, BLUETOOTH, SENSORS, AND ALL GAGES IN THE DASH--

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019, AS I WAS APPROACHING MY HOME, I ACTIVATED MY GARAGE DOOR OPENER AND THE GARAGE DOOR OPENED AS I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I STOPPED THE CAR, A 2019 MAZDA CX-5, IN THE DRIVEWAY, PLACED IT IN PARK, GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND ENTERED THE GARAGE. WHILE IN THE GARAGE FOR APP

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
349
Recalls
2
Fire reports
3
Crash reports
6
Injury reports
5
Segment avg
188

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2019 Mazda CX-5