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2021 Mazda CX-5: engine failure

5 of the 150 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 describe engine failure.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
3%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 105 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    1
  • 2023
    2
  • 2021
    5
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    16
  • 2018
    18
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    9
  • 2015
    4
  • 2014
    3
  • 2013
    2

What owners say

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · 124,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who confirmed that there was a defect with cylinder#1. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Engine · AZ

The vehicle developed an engine oil leak from the timing cover due to what appears to be premature seal failure. Engine oil was leaking externally and could drip onto hot engine components, creating a potential fire hazard while the vehicle is in operation. The leak also increases the risk of low engine oil levels, which could lead to engine damage or sudden engine failure if not detected in time. This issue required an expensive repair despite the vehicle being properly maintained. I have since learned that many other Mazda owners have reported similar timing cover oil leaks on this engine, suggesting this may be a widespread defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether this represents a safety-related defect that warrants further investigation.

Filed Aug 11, 2022 · Engine · MA

Excess oil consumption. Manufacturer recommended oil change interval is 7,500 miles. At 3500 miles a low oil warning light came on and I had to add oil. I changed my oil as recommended at 7500 miles. At 11,000 miles the warning light came on and I had to add oil once again. I am currently just shy of 15,000 miles and I'm getting my oil changed tomorrow. I've read that there is a known valve stem seal issue with these 2021 turbo engines that is causing this. I'm worried that there may be a catastrophic engine failure that could cause me to crash.

Filed Jul 24, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · KS

While beginning to turn into an interstate exit lane, all dashboard lights lit up, the engine died, and the car stopped. Power brakes & steering were inactivated. My husband was able to coast the car to the shoulder. My Mazda app said nothing wrong with car. Waited 3 hours for tow as we were out of state. The Mazda dealership found the high pressure fuel pump to have a malfunction. Two different technicians at the dealership related that Mazda was aware of the issue & had not yet issued a recalled.

Filed Jan 31, 2021 · Brakes · 5 miles · NY

We bought the car new off the mazda dealership lot yesterday with 5 miles on the odo. As my husband pulled off the lot he smelled a burning smell and the brakes felt like they'd seized up a bit. He pulled over and thought about turning back onto the lot, but then thought it may be just because they're new brakes and continued on and drove home. This morning we remotely started the vehicle and the mazda app sent us an alert that there is a critical vehicle malfunction having to do with the antilock brake system. The dealers are closed, so I don't have any more info yet. I just signed back on to the app and there's a second malfunction alert now with the emergency land keeping. There are now currently 65 miles on the odo. We have only driven the vehicle from the dealership home and parked it outside over night.

Questions about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

5 of 150 owner complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 (3%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Mazda CX-5?

There are 0 recalls and 105 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Mazda CX-5

Oil consumption 51Check engine light 14Sudden acceleration 6Adaptive cruise 5Stalling 5

All model years of the Mazda CX-5

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