2018 Mazda CX-5: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Engine · IL

On XXX, I was driving my 2018 Mazda CX-5 (SKYACTIV-G 2.5 non-turbo with cylinder deactivation, 67,000 miles) on [XXX] in [XXX], on the way to a work conference. Shortly after I got off the highway, smoke suddenly started filling the cabin. I could smell burning oil, and I honestly thought the vehicle was about to burst into flames with me inside it. I did not know what to do, and could barely breathe and see out the windows, i turned the fans on and lowered my windows to try and see out. I was still in traffic trying to find a safe place to stop, and I debated going through red lights just to get off the road. Sitting at a light in a car filling with smoke felt more dangerous than the intersection. No driver should ever have to make that choice. When I pulled over and opened the hood, smoke was pouring from the back of the engine near the firewall, and oil was seen seeping from the back of the engine onto the ground. There was no warning light or other warning before this happened. [XXX] Mazda diagnosed a cracked cylinder head a few hours after I had the vehicle towed from a parking lot next to the highway with leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. The vehicle has been maintained mostly at Mazda dealers, and this was not wear or neglect. The repair cost was estimated at $5,200. Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust is a fire hazard, and in my case it filled the passenger cabin with smoke while I was driving. Mazda has issued a service alert establishing a replacement cylinder head for this engine, with oil leaks listed as a symptom. Mazda also extended coverage to 10 years or 120,000 miles for cracked cylinder heads on the turbo version of this engine (CSP11). There is no recall or extension for the non-turbo engine, even though this failure creates a smoke and fire risk while driving. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate cylinder head cracking on 2018 and newer Mazda vehicles with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine with cylinder deactivation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · WA

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring (2.5L non-turbo engine with cylinder deactivation) developed a burning oil smell that steadily worsened over several days. On XXX, at about 61,300 miles, I saw smoke coming from the engine compartment after driving. The engine had not overheated, and the car was regularly maintained. On XXX, an independent repair shop (A&M Auto Repair, [XXX] a large active oil leak. After steam cleaning the engine and removing the exhaust manifold, they found engine oil leaking from a hairline crack in the cylinder head, directly onto the hot exhaust manifold. The engine was also about one quart low on oil. The shop recommended replacing the cylinder head assembly, at a cost of about $5,700 before tax. Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold is a fire hazard, and the smoke could reduce visibility for other drivers. Many other owners of 2018–2020 CX-5s with this engine have reported the same cracked cylinder head failure. I contacted Mazda Customer Experience (case number XXX) to request assistance. Mazda declined because the repair was diagnosed and performed by an independent shop rather than a Mazda dealer. I'm submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether this cylinder head failure is a safety defect that warrants a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Engine · MI

2.5L Skyactive engine - burning smell accompanied by blue smoke from engine compartment. Yes, available for review on request. Unknown source of smoke and burning smell may be a potential complete engine damage risk. Yes, Mazda dealer confirmed leaking engine oil. No watling lamps / lights / telltales on cluster.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · 183,540 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking engine oil, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that upon further inspection, there was a puddle of engine oil on the ground while the vehicle was idling. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,540.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife pulled over and discovered that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the #5 and #7 cylinder heads were cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed May 15, 2026 · Transmission · PA

My 2018 CX5 just hit 50,000 miles recently and I smelled something burning and saw smoke coming from the hood while I was stopped for a school bus. I immediately stopped driving due to fire concerns. The vehicle has a cracked cylinder which is a known issue for this vehicle. Mazda has no plans to correct this issue other than issuing a technical bulletin. I feel that Mazda should repair this at their cost because it is a defect and the vehicle only has 50,000 miles. Instead I have to pay nearly $5,000. This is hard to believe! Transcript from dealer: The technician reported an oil leak from the cylinder head, specifically indicating a crack in the number four lifter valley that is causing fluid to leak down the engine block. This issue is recognized as a known problem, and the technician will check if it is covered under warranty. Repairing the cylinder head will require significant labor, including dropping the engine, and will take some time to complete. Services being performed: - Oil change. - Inspection for oil leak issue. Recommendations: - Replacement of the cylinder head due to the identified oil leak. Multi Point Inspection $4870.22

Filed May 15, 2026 · Engine, Steering · CA

We purchased this vehicle used from Mazda of Orange in July 2025 with 52,399 miles on it. After 6 months of ownership and approximately 3,000 miles there was a burning smell. We took it to our local mechanic and the following repairs were required: Replacement of cracked belts, Replacement of cracked axle boots, Replacement of an excessively loose front axle, Replacement of valve cover gasket. Cost was $3,000 and the dealer refused to reimburse us. Now the car is leaking oil and needs a new head gasket and cylinder head surface machined. Quote was approximately $3,500. We have requested Mazda perform this repair. Will you please look into these vehicles? These are significant defects on a car with such low miles. We also believe that some of these defects were know to the dealer but are unable to prove it. We believe our vehicle is part of a batch that has signficant mechanical defects. Current mileage of the vehicle is 56,865.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Engine · CA

2018 CX-5, VIN [XXX] , 60,182 miles. Skyactiv-G 2.5L with cylinder deactivation (VIN 8th digit M). Head gasket leak diagnosed by independent mechanic and confirmed by Mazda dealer, who referenced Service Action SA-073/24. Oil actively leaking onto garage floor and contacting exhaust manifold, causing burning smell and potential fire risk. Defect was first documented by dealer at 52,966 miles within powertrain warranty. This is a known manufacturing defect affecting the cylinder head casting on 2018+ CX-5 models with cylinder deactivation INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Engine · VA

The head gasket on the engine is cracked and is leaking oil and causing the oil to burn when car is driven. The problem was identified by a local mazda dealership and it is a well documented and known issue among SkyActive non-turbo engines. There were no warning lights or messages on the car, other than the smell of burning oil and smoke coming from the engine after driving. I have a toddler and the smoke and burning smell coming into my car every time I drive is concerning to our health. Mazda is well aware that the cracked head gasket issue extends beyond their turbo engines but did not include the non turbo engines in their extended warranty.

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Engine · IN

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 with 81,000 miles and an up to date maintenance record started leaking oil after an oil change. It started to notice smoke coming from under the hood and a puddle of oil in my garage floor. I took it to the shop where they determined it was a cracked cylinder head. I purchased this vehicle new from the dealership, and I have taken really good care of it. They need to issue a recall because it is a very expensive repair. Shame on you Mazda!!

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine · CT

Vehicle Information Year/Make/Model: 2018 Mazda CX-5 Engine: 2.5L Mileage at Failure: Approximately 115,000 miles Component: Engine Complaint Summary: I am reporting a sudden and unsafe engine failure involving a cracked cylinder head in my 2018 Mazda CX-5. This failure occurred without warning at approximately 115,000 miles and resulted in significant oil leakage from the engine. Description of the Failure and Safety Risk: While operating the vehicle, I detected a strong burning oil odor followed by visible smoke coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspection, it was determined that the cylinder head had cracked, allowing engine oil to leak onto hot engine and exhaust components. This condition presents a serious safety hazard, including the risk of fire due to oil contacting high-temperature surfaces. Notably, there were no warning lights, messages, or prior indicators of any issue before the failure occurred. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not experienced overheating or misuse that would reasonably lead to this type of failure. Repair Information: The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Mazda dealership, which confirmed a cracked cylinder head. The estimated cost of repair is approximately $5,130. Additional Information / Defect Pattern: Through independent research, I have identified multiple reports of similar failures involving Mazda 2.5L engines in comparable vehicles. These reports describe nearly identical symptoms, including sudden oil leakage, smoke, and cracked cylinder heads at relatively low mileage. This pattern suggests a potential manufacturing or material defect rather than normal wear and tear. Manufacturer Response: I have contacted Mazda Customer Experience and escalated the matter. Mazda has declined to provide any assistance, citing the vehicle being out of warranty, despite the nature of the failure and associated safety concerns. Summary: This issue involves a critical engine component failure that can le

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Engine · IL

Noticed the smell of burning oil and smoke from the engine while driving on the interstate with my husband and young children in the vehicle. Pulled over at a gas station to inspect and discovered large amounts of oil leaking. While at the gas station the low oil indicator came on. There were no warning or check engine lights prior to the incident. The dealership diagnosed cracked cylinder head. This was an extensive and costly repair. I have now learned that Mazda is aware of how common this issue is with this year/make/model. This should be a covered repair or recalled part.