Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have a transmission or powertrain recall?

Yes. Recall 19V497000 covers a PCM software error in certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles that may cause the engine to stall. Mazda dealers reprogram the PCM software free of charge.

How common are transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2018 CX-5?

NHTSA lists 41 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 CX-5, which is 12% of the 349 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do these transmission and powertrain problems tend to show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 2,172.5 miles, suggesting many issues surfaced early in ownership.

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

NHTSA data for this problem area shows 1 crash and no fires or injuries reported for the 2018 CX-5.

How does the 2018 CX-5 compare to other CX-5 years for this issue?

The 12% share for 2018 is similar to 2019 (12%) and lower than 2013 (20%), based on the share of complaints in this area by model year.

2018 Mazda CX-5 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 41 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, 12% of its 349 total complaints for the year. A related recall (19V497000) covers a PCM software error that can cause the engine to stall. Median mileage at failure was 2,172.5 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 41; 12% of 349
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 2,173 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle lurches or wants to lunge forward after coming to a complete stop, requiring firm brake pressure to hold it in place.
Some describe the vehicle failing to accelerate at low speeds, needing forceful pressure on the accelerator pedal before the car responds.
Several report sudden stalling while driving, sometimes at highway speed, followed by warning lights for the engine, power steering, or smart brake system.
One owner described the accelerator pedal dropping to the floorboard on its own when the vehicle was placed in park after warming up.
Another owner reported the vehicle revving up high, stalling, and restarting at low speeds, along with unrelated electrical issues like a non-working radio and air conditioner.

When 2018 Mazda CX-5 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 8, 2018, latest Jul 1, 2026.

41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2018 to Jul 2026; peak Jan 2019 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Mazda CX-5

NHTSA 19V497000Jun 27, 2019Transmission & Powertrain262,220 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Risk: An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by CX-5 model year

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

20120 (0%)
201338 (20%)
201450 (13%)
201519 (14%)
201651 (10%)
201711 (7%)
201841 (12%)
201932 (12%)
20208 (8%)
202117 (12%)
20225 (8%)
20233 (5%)
20243 (7%)
20253 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have a transmission or powertrain recall?: Yes. Recall 19V497000 covers a PCM software error in certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles that may cause the engine to stall. Mazda dealers reprogram the PCM software free of charge.
How common are transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2018 CX-5?: NHTSA lists 41 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 CX-5, which is 12% of the 349 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do these transmission and powertrain problems tend to show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 2,172.5 miles, suggesting many issues surfaced early in ownership.
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: NHTSA data for this problem area shows 1 crash and no fires or injuries reported for the 2018 CX-5.
How does the 2018 CX-5 compare to other CX-5 years for this issue?: The 12% share for 2018 is similar to 2019 (12%) and lower than 2013 (20%), based on the share of complaints in this area by model year.