2021 Mazda CX-5 engine problems

ENGINE

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 NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a safety-related defect that warrants further investigation.

NHTSA complaint #11753162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2021 Mazda CX‑5 (VIN: [XXX] ). First low‑oil warning at 17,800 miles. ([XXX]) Mazda dealership in La Crosse, WI performed an oil change and fully refilled the oil. Second low‑oil warning at 18,700 miles — only 900 miles later. ([XXX]) This indicates rapid, abnormal oil loss consistent with the known valve‑stem‑seal defect for this model year. Sudden low‑oil conditions pose a safety risk due to potential engine damage or failure. Requesting NHTSA document this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11740997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11737194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11729087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Brakes activated unintendedly, and the vehicle jerked to the left and independently accelerated and moved back in the lane intended lane. The vehicle then jerked to the right, unintendedly accelerated, and then went back into the intended lane. Then the vehicle resumed normal operation. While driving approximately 60-65 MPH a week later, the vehicle started jerking. The “Smart City Brake Malfunction” message was displayed, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA complaint #11727507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11722089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11700495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11696729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11653373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car engine shut down and slowly came to a full stop on the highway on 1/4/25, putting myself and my daughter of being rear ended at full speed on a highway where the speed limit is 65mph. The steering wheel locked and I was unable to move the car to any shoulder. I put the car in park and pressed the start ignition button to start the car and was able to drive again. An appointment is scheduled for 1/17/25 for diagnostics at a Mazda dealership. There were no warning messages prior to this event.. My battery was replaced 2 weeks prior to this incident.

NHTSA complaint #11634704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Check engine oil light came on after only 2K miles from last oil change. Upon inspection there was practically no oil in my engine!!! I see there is an ongoing issue since 10/21 with 2021 Mazda CX-5 turbo engines. Despite Mazda’s awareness of the problem, they have yet to issue a recall to fix this issue!!!

NHTSA complaint #11628165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine developed a major oil leak at 70,000 miles, with multiple seals leaking. This appears to be a known defect with these vehicles and owners should not be bearing the cost for repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11627683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11624523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil has been leaking multiple times, with warranty repair for a faulty timing cover and gasket. This is now leaking again after being repaired twice already. This most recent time causing error messages regarding oil while driving. Significant burning smell coming from engine area.

NHTSA complaint #11610442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

For the third time in 3 years we have had to had the timing cover and gasket replaced due to major oil leakage. This appears to be a very common issue with this car, and even after getting it “fixed” the first time it is leaking again.

NHTSA complaint #11605820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Low engine oil light 3600 miles before next oil change

NHTSA complaint #11597650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Excessive combustible gasoline vapors in engine compartment and in passenger compartment. Engine, available for inspection. Risk of fire/explosion because of high concentration of combustible vapors/gasoline. Yes -- confirmed by dealer (Safford Brown Mazda of Fairfax (Virginia)). No -- Notwithstanding being apprised of the problem Manufacturer has not inspected No warning signs. Manufacturer has acknowledge gasoline leaking into engine oil. Vapors were exacerbated because of a failed oil enging filler cap (probably cracked), and replacement of the same.

NHTSA complaint #11592447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I got this suv in 2023 and I kept up with oil changes and I take it in for a oil change and not even 2 days later the oil light came on so I topped it off and I go in for another oil change not even 2 days later I'm running hot so I take it back to the dealer to find out I have either a cracked head or a blown gasket??!!! There is coolant visible and mazda told me they are aware of this problem but why aren't they doing something about it bc ppl are barely making ends meet and they continue to sell these cars with these engine problems without fixing the issue...

NHTSA complaint #11588667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

There is a ticking sound coming from the engine, it seems like there are many issues with faulty hydraulic lash adjusters after a search online.

NHTSA complaint #11587094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Oil light has come on indicating low oil. I have serviced this car through the dealership on schedule since I purchased it new. I don't believe modern cars should "lose oil" at less than 30,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11584015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Cylinder head crack. Oil leak.

NHTSA complaint #11583091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11581151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I thought this was for a mechanical issue (not a safety issue). Check engine light came on not blinking. Was code p0126 covered in bulletin 01-005/23 - Coolant Control Valve. I'm on the Facebook CX-5 page and I see that many people have had this issue. One person had the same problem twice on the same car. I would like very much to have the correct NHTSA link to report this problem so that others may report it as well. In my case check engine light came on far from home. A local dealer said it would be safe to drive home which I did (about 180 miles). But a problem that occurs many times on a given car model perhaps should be a recall. The only charge was about $75 from the garage who read the code and diagnosed the problem. It was covered under warranty so there was no further charge to me.

NHTSA complaint #11570883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I had driven about 10 miles when the Check Engine light came on when I was far from home. Not blinking. It was not on when I first turned the car on. No symptoms other than check engine light. Got to a garage who got a code p0126 that is covered under TSB 01-005/23 coolant control valve. Called dealer who said it would be safe to drive home 180 miles. I did that. Awaiting appointment tomorrow to get it fixed. I belong to a Mazda Facebook group where lots of others are reporting this same problem - some for a second time!

NHTSA complaint #11570461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Excessive oil leak after 11,000 miles/car purchased new from dealer. There is currently a class action suit regarding this issue. Dealer denies problem, offering to top off oil only.

NHTSA complaint #11555499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11555337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11547613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11545023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated he stopped at a local gas station and purchased a quart of oil and topped off the oil level. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The contact stated that after servicing the vehicle, the dealer informed him that the manufacturer had denied the repair because the check engine light was not illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA complaint #11539195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.