YearToAvoid

2019 Mazda CX-5 Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 142 engine-related complaints for the 2019 Mazda CX-5, 53% of all 270 complaints filed for that year. There are no related recalls on file. The median mileage at failure was 26,000 miles.

Engine complaints
142
53% of 270
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
26,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the engine failing outright, with oil leaking onto the ground and dealers replacing the engine entirely.
  • Some describe smoke filling the cabin after an engine replacement, with the smoking issue returning even after repair.
  • Several report sudden loss of power or deceleration while driving at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by a grinding noise under the hood.
  • Owners describe hesitation or revving when shifting between gears, followed by a loss of motive power and an illuminated check engine light.
  • A few report reduced power output specifically in first and second gear during cold weather, with the issue resolving once shifted into third gear.
  • One owner reported an oil leak found on top of the engine that required engine replacement.

When 2019 Mazda CX-5 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 7, 2019, latest Sep 16, 2026.

2019 Mazda CX-5 engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter142019 Q32020 Q42021 Q42023 Q12024 Q12025 Q12026 Q1
142 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q1 (14).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Mazda CX-5

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by CX-5 model year

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

  1. 20121 (100%)
  2. 201356 (29%)
  3. 201446 (12%)
  4. 201526 (20%)
  5. 201649 (10%)
  6. 201720 (14%)
  7. 2018190 (54%)
  8. 2019142 (53%)
  9. 202022 (21%)
  10. 202188 (60%)
  11. 202214 (22%)
  12. 202315 (24%)
  13. 202411 (25%)
  14. 20259 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

Are engine problems common on the 2019 Mazda CX-5?
Yes. NHTSA lists 142 engine-related complaints for the 2019 CX-5, which is 53% of the 270 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2019 CX-5 engine problems?
No. NHTSA shows no related recalls for the 2019 CX-5 engine issues reported by owners.
At what mileage do 2019 CX-5 engine problems usually occur?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 26,000 miles.
Did the 2019 CX-5 engine problems cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data tied to these engine complaints shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.
How does 2019 compare to other CX-5 years for engine complaints?
The 53% share for 2019 is among the highest in the CX-5 lineup; only 2018 (54%) and 2021 (60%) have higher shares in NHTSA data.

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.