Mazda CX-5 harsh shifting problems

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Body, Suspension · FL

After vehicle has been parked for awhile, for example over night, there is a Popping sound or Clunking from front of vehicle after moving vehicle and applying brakes at first stop. Noise has been there since 2024. Popping, Clunking sound only when when vehicle parked again. There is also a loud Clunking sound sometimes, sounds like it is from the right front suspension, when driving on irregular, or bumpy road surface where i live. Sounds like something is not secured properly , tightened enough, or dampened enough. Like the Coil Spring flopping around in its holder. Have complained to the dealer numerous times. Was told that they could not duplicate the problem, even when vehicle was left there for about a week. Right front lower control arm was replaced on last visit, but noise is still there.

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

The vehicle exhibits a repeatable low-speed driveline-related problem consisting of pronounced clicking or clunking from the driver-front area, fore-and-aft jerking, and harsh engagement during deceleration and light on/off-throttle transitions, particularly around 15–17 mph; the behavior can become significantly worse over rough or uneven terrain. The exact failed component or system has not yet been identified. The vehicle is still essentially new, with fewer than 5,000 miles, and has not yet reached its first scheduled service interval, so it has not yet been formally inspected for this condition. No warning lamp or diagnostic message has appeared. Other owners online have described a similar low-speed clunking and jerking phenomenon, and Mazda has issued at least one prior transmission-related TSB addressing somewhat similar harsh shift behavior, although that bulletin does not appear to apply to this vehicle or this exact symptom. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The concern presents a potential safety risk because the vehicle can unexpectedly jerk, lurch, or abruptly change driveline load during ordinary low-speed driving, which can make accelerator response and vehicle speed less predictable in traffic, parking lots, intersections, or on uneven surfaces. The symptoms began within the first few thousand miles and remain repeatable.

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 Jan 14, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · PA

Car was inspected in April of 2021. The front of car started making knocking or clunking sounds on the right side. 2 weeks later, while making a U-turn instead of getting on the interstate, there was a loud crunch/crash sound. It sounded like a garbage can went under the vehicle. Upon further investigation, realized that the right ball joint somehow dropped out of the knuckle. This forced the axle to pop out and further damaged the rest of the suspension components. Thank god this didn’t happen on the highway with my wife and 2 toddlers in the car- that would have been horrific.

Filed Sep 20, 2021 · Suspension · MA

While driving on an urban road and going over a slight bump, heard a clunk in the left rear wheel well. Pulled over and off road to investigate the situation. Was unable to see any particular cause in the rear suspension. However a small piece of corroded aluminum fell onto the ground from up inside the wheel well. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the diagnosis was that both aluminum rear shock mounting plates were corroded. The left rear shock had separated from the mounting plate. The service station was unable to locate-acquire new mounting plates, hence had to have both shocks completely replaced on Aug. 19, 2021. I believe this problem represents a risk to the public, a potentially serious safety issue. I have a photo of the repair invoice and imagine the repair shop can confirm the basic problem. I located a Mazda email contact address and emailed them regarding the issue this evening.

Filed Sep 16, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 1,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed and shifting from second to third gear, the engine revved up, hesitated, and lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the low-beam headlights were inoperable. There was a clunking noise detected while making a three-point turn. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic diagnosed that there was an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign number 19V497000 (Engine, Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Filed Jan 13, 2020 · Transmission · 79,000 miles · NY

Awd powertrain failure after 5yrs, 79,000 miles. Power to rear wheels disengaged. Heavy intermittent metallic clunking sound emitted from rear axle when in motion under power, especially in slow tight turns, or backing up. Mechanic identifies failure point at the viscous coupling of drive shaft to rear differential. No recalls from mazda; repair is replacement of this coupling and the entire rear differential, ~ $2000 parts and labor. Thank you mazda, for a poorly engineered awd drivetrain.

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · PA

The engine was in drive and the brake pedal was fully depressed. The car was stopped for at least 5 seconds- at which point the engine starts to rev, loud clunk from behind and the car jumps forward at least 5 feet. Feels as though was hit from behind. In addition, the car suddenly starts to rev up to 4000-5000 RPM while at stop and while driving locally (not highway driving)

Filed Oct 9, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 27,000 miles · IL

I bought the car certified pre-owned with 20k miles. After a few months I was at an intersection, once the cross traffic cleared I took my foot off the brake and pressed the accelerator. The car just glided, it had no power for 5 seconds. I repeatedly pressed the the gas pedal but nothing happened until after 5 seconds when the revolutions instantly increased to around 5000 RPM. This was the first time this happened at around 27,000 miles. I figured it was a small glitch. Through my 3 years of ownership (putting on 57,000 miles) this has been occurring more and more frequently. I am very hesitant when crossing intersections and attempting lane changes. This now occurs at least twice a month while in traffic. The other issue occurs when I shift from park/reverse to drive, while on level ground, the car suddenly jerks forward and revolutions increase suddenly, with my food either on the brake or as soon as I remove it but before I press the gas pedal. Another issue is while I'm accelerating, at 20-25 MPH as the automatic transmission is shifting from either 2 to 3rd or 3rd to 4th (I haven't been able to determine yet). When transmission misses the gear change it causes the revolutions to suddenly increase for a fraction of a second. When the gear is engaged it is accompanied by a clunky slamming sound. This happens pretty quickly and has not yet made the car lose speed or handling. After 3 years of ownership with recorded routine scheduled maintenance completed and standard commuter use of 60% highway and 40% city style driving I don't feel the transmission and/or engine are safe or reliable. I have taken it to the dealer since it is still under limited power-train warranty but they just tell me that is normal for economy style cars. I can not let my parents borrow the car because I feel these issues might surprise them while in traffic and lead to a collision.

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Transmission · 8,500 miles · PA

Vehicle would not engage in drive when shifted into drive. There was a 3-5 second delay and the engine would rev, but the vehicle would not move. When the vehicle did engage in drive it would pull forward hard and clunk into gear.