2021 Mazda CX-5: excessive oil consumption

51 of the 150 complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-5 describe excessive oil consumption.

owner complaints: 51
of this car's complaints: 34%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 102 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Excessive oil consumption by model year

2023
2
2022
1
2021
51
2020
4
2019
23
2018
38
2017
1
2016
2

What owners say

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 May 11, 2026 · Engine · WI

My 2021 Mazda CX‑5 is experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle is burning oil between regular oil changes, and the oil level drops noticeably before the recommended service interval. I have noticed a burning smell and/or signs of oil loss without visible leaks. This raises concerns about potential engine damage, stalling, or fire risk while driving. The issue has occurred repeatedly and does not seem normal for a vehicle of this age and mileage. I am filing this complaint because this may indicate a defect affecting engine safety and reliability.

Filed Apr 3, 2026 · Engine · GA

Due to oil consumption issues & oil leak on 2021 Mazda cx 5 AWD I was told the timing cover and gasket needs replacement due to oil leakage. This appears to be a very common issue with this vehicle. The engine is at risk of catastrophic failure due to low oil levels

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Engine · 46,465 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer to continue adding oil to the engine as needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,465.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Engine · MN

LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on about 1000 miles from last oil changed. Dealer fixed the Mazda recall code: P250F on July 30, 2025. Now is same issue of LOW ENGINE OIL LEVEL light on again on November 19, 2025.

Filed Nov 11, 2024 · Engine · PA

The vehicle is low mileage (11,500 miles) and is burning an excessive amount of oil (up to a quart every 1,000 miles) The dealership is aware of this and just keeps saying to add oil.

Filed Jun 29, 2024 · Engine · VA

Low engine oil light 3600 miles before next oil change

Filed Apr 4, 2024 · Engine · FL

Ever since the vehicle was bought brand new. It had oil consumption issues. I always had to top off engine oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles or so.

Filed Nov 15, 2023 · Engine · 57,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure had recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic tests. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2023 · Engine · WI

I have an oil consumption on my cx-5 turbo. Have to add 1/2-3/4 quart 4k after service interval oil change.

Filed Sep 17, 2023 · Engine · MD

On 8/7/2023 I noticed that there had been intermittent engine oil level alarms on my phone's Mazda app over the previous several weeks starting on 7/14/2023. In none of the instances did the low oil level light on the instrument cluster light up. I checked the oil level and it was at the bottom of the indicating range on the dipstick. I added 1 quart of oil to bring the level to the top of the indicating range. The oil had last been changed by a Mazda dealer on 10/31/2022 at a vehicle mileage of 13,699. On 8/18/2023 when I took the vehicle in to the Mazda dealer to check this issue the mileage was 20,432, a difference of 6,733 miles. That mileage was well within the owner's manual prescribed service interval mileage. There is no oil on the floor of the garage under where the car is parked leading me to believe the oil has been leaking into the combustion chamber. My vehicle is covered under Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 01-012/21 which offers a possible explanation. I suggest my VIN should be added to TSB 01-003/23 which covers the repair. Without fixing this oil leak, my engine is at risk of catastrophic failure due to low oil level.

Filed Jul 22, 2023 · Engine · FL

The car is burning oil and has been since brand new, to the extent that I must drive around with spare oil in the back. First time it came on I didn’t believe it to be real.. A new modern vehicles shouldn’t be losing or burning oil. Mazda has released a TSB (01-11/22) regarding this issue but has yet to issue a repair or recall. It infuriates me as I love everything the else about the car but this will affect my Mazdas longevity, including emissions equipment, and Mazda is not standing by the reliability of its product. Makes me lose trust in the manufacturer, and I can’t see myself ever buying a Mazda again so long as Mazda refuses to to Stan by it’s product and disregard their own reliability reputation.