2018 Mazda CX-5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 8%of 352 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Mazda CX-5, 8% of the 352 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“First noticed in a shopping center parking lot. I was distracted by something and did not put car transmission shift control in park. I touched engine start/ stop switch and engine turns off as it should. I proceeded to exit the car and noticed it rolling away. Since I was still in car, I realized what happened an corrected the oversight. Most people are used to key ignition and can not pull key unless tranny is in park. This is a safety issue and should be corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #11175874, filed 2019-02, 3,000 miles“On two separate occasions in the last month, during key on/startup/initialization, I will get an adaptive cruise control/aeb/lane keeping system failure. This is due to a fault in the camera module. Adaptive cruise control still works above 20 MPH indicating that the failure is in the camera module. Failure is latched for the key cycle and but will recover after a long key cycle. 1st time the failure set, it was very warm out so I believed this was due to an overheat. The second time the failure set the temperature was in a normal range so my hypothesis is wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #11122060, filed 2018-08, 6,000 miles“Approximately 9:15am 5/16/21 I was driving on the road when my engine stalled and went out. Was stuck in the middle of the road for a couple of minutes while I tried to restart the car. My vehicle was recalled for this very purpose but 13 days prior I went into the dealership to fix the issue and get a software update. After said update I experienced the recall issue on my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11417610, filed 2021-05“Driving on highway going 70-75 mph, all of a sudden car starts to stall, check engine light lights up informing me keyless, power steering, vehicle system, smart brake malfunction. I almost crashed as I was on I-55 heading to downtown Chicago. My girlfriend and I could have died.”
NHTSA complaint #11478806, filed 2022-08“While driving through town the braking system malfunctioned and the car came to a stop in the middle of the road with messages on dash saying the smart city braking support was malfunctioning as well as brake assist. Engine light came on as well as traction control light right after the car coming to a sudden hard braking stop. Drove straight to shop to check engine code which was p0882. I am so afraid of this happening on the highway with my daughter in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11612167, filed 2024-09Related service bulletins
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g…
- 11032100Apr 4, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11024999Oct 2, 2025For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
- 11022725Aug 22, 2025Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle…
- 11020035Jun 3, 2025The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 11016214Mar 13, 2025Some CX-5 and CX-30 customers may find that the liftgate does not close when pressing the power liftgate (PLG) rear switch (A) located on the interior liftgate trim. This may be…
- 11015004Feb 4, 2025The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use…
- 11007029Aug 26, 2024For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 29% |
| 2025 | 6 | 21% |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 9 | 13% |
| 2022 | 6 | 9% |
| 2021 | 12 | 8% |
| 2020 | 31 | 29% |
| 2019 | 46 | 17% |
| 2018 | 29 | 8% |
| 2017 | 44 | 29% |
| 2016 | 71 | 14% |
| 2015 | 8 | 6% |
| 2014 | 132 | 35% |
| 2013 | 58 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2018 Mazda CX-5
180 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsForward collision avoidance
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsLane departure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Mazda CX-5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology