Mazda CX-5 knocking problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · NJ

My Mazda dealership in Lodi recommended service on a timing cover seal. They could see oil leaking but failed to check if the oil was coming from the timing cover or cylinder head, which is a known issue according to a service bulletin. I left the dealership with a “ticking time bomb” in which my car was still smoking and becoming unsafe to drive. The dealership is unjustly stating that I need to also pay for this service when the initial service never fixed the problem.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Lights · MA

My 2023 Mazda CX-5 (48,000 miles) is experiencing a loud mechanical whirring/grinding from the driver-side headlight assembly, a documented manufacturing defect involving foreign matter contamination of the internal LED cooling fan bearings (TSB 09-029/25). Despite the manufacturer acknowledging this factory-installed defect, Mazda has refused to proactively remedy the issue because the vehicle is nominally past its 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper period. I have been explicitly advised by service personnel to continue operating the vehicle until the headlight unit 'entirely fails' before further assistance may be considered. This 'fail-first' directive is a reckless disregard for public safety; the internal cooling fan exists specifically to prevent the high-intensity LED from overheating. A failure of this fan leads directly to the sudden burnout of the main headlamp while the vehicle is in motion. Mazda is essentially requiring me to drive a vehicle with a known, ticking-clock lighting defect and wait for a total loss of visibility at night before they will address a part that was contaminated during their own production process. This is a critical safety hazard that places myself and other drivers at risk of a collision due to sudden headlamp failure.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Steering · FL

The steering column in this car has a known defect in the steering column nut resulting in knocking/rattling/clunking. Mazda is aware of this issue and has redesigned the steering column and issued multiple TSBs for specific models, years, and even VINs. Mazda is not classifying this a a safety issue to avoid recall but if the part is to fail it can result in loss of vehicle control and a crash. The steering column is main component necessary to have control over the car and the direction it travels. I've called my dealership and Mazda corporate who both refuse to fix the issue even though my car is under an extended warranty. TSB 06-001/24 previous TSB 06-004/23.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine · MA

All of a sudden, my engine started making this ticking noise. I brought it to a mechanic, and he said the noise is coming from inside the engine. He checked for codes and everything, but nothing came up. The only way to look at it is to take the engine apart from what he told me. I started researching for solutions online before doing this and I came across other Mazda CX5 owners complaining of the same thing. I listened to a few of these videos of the sound it makes and sounds just like my car. Apparently, it is a common issue connected with the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters, and I am amazed that Mazda has not reached out to people affected by this. I am not sure what the long-term issue is with this noise, but it can't be good if it's in the engine. Who knows what kind of damage it could cause.

Filed Apr 27, 2025 · Engine · CA

Unknown. Ticking noise on engine.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Engine · MA

Started 2018 Mazda CX-5 and the engine was extremely loud and a ticking noise was heard. Brought it to my local garage (Charlies Garage) and it was determined that the lifters needed replacement. Garage told me that Mazda issued a Service Alert on November 22, 2019 (Alert # SA-012/19) and did not notify customers of the Valve Tapping or knocking noise from cylinder head. The Garage then told me that Mazda issued a Technical Service Bulletin on April 23, 2020 (Bulletin No. 01-006/20). Again, customers were not notified of the Tapping Noise from Engine Bulletin that was issued. There were no alerts on the dashboard of the car, no warning lights, or other indicators. If Mazda had notified customers, the car would have been fixed UNDER WARRANTY. I do have a video of the noise and if you let me know how to send that, I will.

Filed Apr 8, 2025 · Engine · AZ

No codes, dealer unable to duplicate. I have been hearing a lifter tick come and go for months (since February ) with my oil level up to par. The ticking gets louder and then quieter.

Filed Mar 4, 2025 · Engine · NY

I am submitting this report to document a persistent ticking noise in my 2022 Mazda CX-5, which appears to be the same issue outlined in Mazda Service Bulletin 01-002/21 for previous model years. This issue is commonly associated with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs), which maintain proper valve clearance. The noise occurs most prominently during cold starts and resembles the previously reported HLA ticking sound. Owners of earlier CX-5 models have attributed this issue to air bubbles or insufficient oil supply within the HLAs, with cold weather exacerbating the problem due to restricted oil circulation. Despite Mazda's claim that revisions to the engine components have resolved this issue in newer models, my experience suggests it remains unresolved in the 2022 model year. I am concerned about the long-term reliability of these engine components and the potential repair costs if the issue leads to premature wear or failure. While Mazda has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the 2022 CX-5, multiple owners have reported similar ticking noises online, indicating that the problem may persist. I have a video recording of the noise but am unable to attach it to this submission. If further investigation is warranted, I would be happy to provide the footage upon request. Additionally, similar reports and video evidence from other owners can be found on online forums, including the CX-5 subreddit, where searching for “clicking” will yield multiple examples. I urge the federal safety agency to review this issue, as it may indicate an unresolved mechanical defect affecting the reliability of the 2022 Mazda CX-5’s engine. Please advise on any potential investigations or next steps regarding this matter.

Filed Feb 14, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

Car has a ticking sound when in idle mode. My mechanic sent me a few videos to reference and a bulletin from Mazda that attributes the clicking to the Hydraulic Lash Adjuster

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Engine · SC

During cold starts there is a loud ticking sound coming from the top side of the engine. It appears to be one or more HLA.