Photo: Alexander Migl / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2018 Mazda CX-5: common problems and reliability
An average CX-5 year.
The best Mazda CX-5 year. All CX-5 years
120 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 CX-5?The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has 120 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CX-5 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the CX-5?
Across the 15 CX-5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2012) to 510 (2016). With 120 complaints, the 2018 CX-5 sits about the same as the model's median of 120.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 CX-5
air bags:side/window
Campaign 18V426000Mazda 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."
engine
Campaign 19V497000Mazda 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V875000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is predominantly positive, with the CX-5 consistently praised for its reliability, premium interior feel, and engaging driving dynamics. It is frequently cited as a top recommendation for buyers seeking a dependable, well-built compact SUV.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-5. See the full CX-5 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used CX-5 listings typically run $17,362–$24,820.
Other CX-5 model years
Compare every CX-5 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CX-5 against its rivals
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