Mazda CX-5 hesitation problems

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Transmission · WA

I am filing a defect complaint regarding a severe drivetrain safety hazard on my 2020 Mazda CX-5 (currently at 62,800 miles). The automatic transmission has begun slipping and hesitating during acceleration, specifically producing a high-pitched chirping/squeaking noise during the 3rd-to-4th gear upshift. This issue is fully documented by the manufacturer under Technical Service Bulletin TSB 05-005/23. Mazda's internal bulletin admits that the root cause is an inherent manufacturing defect where the torque converter lockup clutch friction material degrades prematurely, contaminating the transmission fluid with fine iron powder and causing internal clutches to slip. This transmission slippage causes unpredictable power delivery and hesitation when merging into active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard. Mazda Corporate (Case File: 00504052) has acknowledged the defect but refuses to cover the repair in full because the vehicle is 2,800 miles past its powertrain warranty, attempting to pass thousands of dollars in repair costs for a known factory defect onto the consumer. The car has already been diagnosed by Mazda Dealership at Walkers Renton Mazda, WA. the federal safety agency needs to investigate this widespread Skyactiv transmission defect and force a mandatory safety recall. Please check TSB 05-005/23.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine stall while idling immediately after fueling the gas tank to capacity on a day with high ambient temperatures (over 100°F). Leading up to the stall, the vehicle was subjected to temporary auxiliary loads (Max AC running and active steering input). Immediately following the stall, the vehicle exhibited a hard-start condition and would not catch fire. After sitting turned off for several minutes, the vehicle restarted normally. The incident left no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) or Check Engine Lights. Independent of this event, the vehicle intermittently exhibits a raw gasoline vapor smell inside the cabin at idle, alongside slight hesitations during low-speed steering maneuvers. This presents a safety hazard due to unexpected loss of motive power immediately after refueling in high-traffic gas station environments.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IA

The car has signs of current recall in other Cx-5 Models. Hesitation with acceleration or driving at high speed, reduced power, not responding appropriately when accelerating or would accelerate on its own, strong smell of gas after the car has been driven and is parked. I know there is currently a recall for a gas pump failure. There is no engine light on.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

The Smart Brake Support system malfunctioned while driving. The vehicle began shaking and lost power, requiring excessive throttle to move. The car hesitates and may not accelerate normally, creating a dangerous situation in traffic. Warning lights appeared on the dashboard and the vehicle became unsafe to operate. The issue occurred shortly after purchase and was reproduced multiple times. The dealer inspected the vehicle but refused to provide a written diagnosis or repair timeline. The vehicle is unreliable and poses a risk of sudden loss of control or rear-end collision.

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 81,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the Front Brake System Malfunction, Forward Brake Malfunction, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating as if the wheels would lock up. The steering wheel vibrated while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to retrieve a diagnostic code; however, the DTC number was unknown. The dealer was unable to identify the exact cause of the code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · ME

Car “died” while idling at a traffic light. It started but would not start several hours later and car was towed to mechanic. Diagnostics “determined “after several days that car needed an ECM. ECM was ordered and replaced, along with the battery. This took several weeks, in the meantime, I had to rent a vehicle. Vehicle picked up on May 29th and driven 250 miles and car sputtered, hesitated, slowing down in heavy traffic at high speeds on highway, putting other drivers and myself in a very unsafe situation. Several days later this happened again while traveling back home, again, at highway speed putting other drivers and myself in high risk situation. (This happened several times during both trips.) As I was focused on the road, I did not see if any messages were displayed. After returning home, the mechanic was informed via voice mail and again via telephone. The following morning (June 2), the car sputtered, hesitated to accelerate at low speeds and died while driving to repair shop (battery indicator illuminated as I was pulling over). Car has been towed again to repair shop.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 4,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the temperature was 45 degrees or lower, the vehicle failed to start properly, and the engine failed to warm up properly. The coolant light was illuminated, and the engine temperature gauge failed to rise above COLD. The vehicle occasionally failed to start or while started and driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled while and engine temperature failed to reach the normal operating temperature. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact would shift to SPORT Mode to prevent the cylinder activation from occurring and causing the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was hesitating while driving in temperatures of 50 degrees or less. Additionally, the key fob intermittently failed to unlock the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and had to be towed. The contact stated that during the recent failure, the battery was disconnected, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the key fob battery had been replaced 6 times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired for the engine failure. The contact called another dealer, J. Allen Mazda (15150 Airport Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503); however, only an appointment to inspect the vehicle was made but the vehicle was not yet inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

The issue started happening [XXX]. I was driving home and the car went into limp mode. Several errors came on the heads up display and on the dashboard. At first I could not go faster than 31mph, then it dropped down to 17mph, then to 7mph by the time I got home. 1.When accelerating from a stop light, car goes into limp mode and won’t accelerate almost stalling in the road. You must pull over, turn off the car and wait 5 minutes so error clears so you can drive again. 2.Car goes into Limp mode when going up a hill 3.Between 46-48 mph, car hesitates when accelerating 4.Between 56-60 mph, car hesitates when accelerating 5.Error Codes received per Lake Car Care: P2299, C1001, B1303 I brought the car to Lake Car Care and they replaced the spark plugs and coils as the codes said it was a misfire on Cylinder 1 & 2. This cost me $ 947.57. This did not fix the problem. The mechanic Todd took the car for a ride and it went into limp mode for him also. He could not figure the issue out after having the car for a couple weeks so suggested I take it to Mazda in Clermont. Mazda has had the car twice for over 2 months now and cannot figure it out. They replaced the ABS Module for $ 1284 which did not fix the problem. Replaced the injectors for $ 1426 which didn't fix the problem. They did a fuel compression test which came back fine and cleaned the catalytic converter which they said was clogged and this didn't fix the issue either. It is unsafe to drive this vehicle on the road as it does not accelerate so it is putting myself and others at risk. Mazda corporate has been called and case manager has been assigned but has been NO HELP to me at all. Photos are attached of all error messages, text messages with Mazda, repair receipts, etc. August 9th, Mazda told me they are at a loss and don't know what else to do, I haven't heard from them since. Please help. I am at a loss and don't know what my options are. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 3, 2024 · Fuel system · 52,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that after cold starts, the vehicle hesitated and jerked upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on numerous occasions. The contact was repeatedly informed that no fault was found with the vehicle. The dealer later performed a software update on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified about the recall, but the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · HI

This vehicle has stalled out while driving at least 4-5 times since purchasing it in 2018, although issues started about 2020 or 2021. It usually starts with the radio console either malfunctioning or going dead completely while I’m driving and several minutes later (usually after stopping at a red light but sometimes while actively driving) the car stalls out in the middle of traffic. It starts up after few minutes but it’s a very dangerous situation. It also sometimes hesitates when putting my foot on the gas, as if there’s a fuel injection problem. I already got all the recalls fixed but there’s obviously other significant problems with this vehicle. If it causes me to get injured I will be taking legal action.