YearToAvoid

2018 Mazda CX-5 Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 39 fuel system complaints for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, 11% of its 349 total complaints for the year, with a related recall (21V875000) for a cracking low-pressure fuel pump impeller. Median mileage at failure was 34,000 miles, and one fire was reported.

Fuel System complaints
39
11% of 349
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
34,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Vehicles stall unexpectedly at low speeds, such as in parking lots, with the engine turning over but not restarting for a period of time.
  • Owners report stalling at moderate speeds around 20-30 mph, sometimes with accelerator or brake response affected, then the engine restarts on its own.
  • Multiple owners describe waiting long periods for the fuel pump recall (21V875000) repair because replacement parts were unavailable, some reporting no notification from Mazda or the dealer.
  • One owner reported the vehicle caught fire while driving on the highway at low mileage, suspecting an electrical or fuel system cause.
  • Owners report stalling recurring on separate occasions with dashboard warning lights illuminated, with dealers unable to diagnose the issue before the recall was issued.

When 2018 Mazda CX-5 fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 28, 2018, latest Jul 14, 2026.

2018 Mazda CX-5 fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month5Jul 2018Nov 2021Mar 2022Jun 2022Oct 2022Feb 2024Jun 2024Jul 2026
39 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2018 to Jul 2026; peak Jul 2022 (5).

Fuel System recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5

  1. NHTSA 21V875000Nov 12, 2021Fuel System121,038 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

    Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.

Fuel System complaints by CX-5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20120 (0%)
  2. 201310 (5%)
  3. 20147 (2%)
  4. 20157 (5%)
  5. 201620 (4%)
  6. 201714 (9%)
  7. 201839 (11%)
  8. 201921 (8%)
  9. 20204 (4%)
  10. 20218 (5%)
  11. 20224 (6%)
  12. 20232 (3%)
  13. 20241 (2%)
  14. 20253 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have a fuel system recall?
Yes. Recall 21V875000, reported November 12, 2021, covers a low-pressure fuel pump impeller that may crack and deform. Mazda replaces the fuel pump free of charge.
How common are fuel system complaints on the 2018 CX-5?
NHTSA lists 39 fuel system complaints for the 2018 CX-5, which is 11% of the 349 total complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among CX-5 model years.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up on the 2018 CX-5?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 34,000 miles.
Is the fuel pump recall a do-not-drive order?
No. NHTSA data shows the recall is not marked do-not-drive and does not require parking outside, though some owners reported the vehicle stalled before repairs were completed.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to the fuel system complaints?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 injuries among the 39 fuel system complaints, though 1 fire was reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.