Skip to content
SteeringPart report

2018 Mazda CX-5 Steering Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
1%of 352 total for the year
Median mileage
22,100miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Mazda CX-5, 1% of the 352 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,100 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My car was bumped in the right rear bumper in a parking lot. The other vehicle was not traveling more than 3 MPH. It left a small line of white paint on the bumper but the bumper was undamaged. The blind spot sensor malfunction light came on. I took the car to the dealership for repair. The dealership quoted $670 for the sensor plus $300 for labor. I confirmed the price of the part with Mazda USA. This vehicle has a serious design defect if it can't withstand a 3 MPH impart without causing $1,000 in damange. Mazda USA is using its monopoly on supplying parts to gouge consumers. …”

NHTSA complaint #11210628, filed 2019-05, 9,200 miles

“We purchased this vehicle used from Mazda of Orange in July 2025 with 52,399 miles on it. After 6 months of ownership and approximately 3,000 miles there was a burning smell. We took it to our local mechanic and the following repairs were required: Replacement of cracked belts, Replacement of cracked axle boots, Replacement of an excessively loose front axle, Replacement of valve cover gasket. Cost was $3,000 and the dealer refused to reimburse us. Now the car is leaking oil and needs a new head gasket and cylinder head surface machined. Quote was approximately $3,500. …”

NHTSA complaint #11738202, filed 2026-05

“The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the power steering assist and brakes failed, causing the vehicle to crash into trees. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife attempted to turn off the vehicle, but it would not turn off. The fire department had to disconnect the battery to turn off the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact's wife was later taken to the hospital for injuries sustained to her knees. …”

NHTSA complaint #11442553, filed 2021-12, 35,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025310%
202437%
202323%
202212%
202121%
202011%
201931%
201831%
201671%
201522%
201472%
201342%

Other parts of the 2018 Mazda CX-5

Engine
180 complaints
Other or unknown
59 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
42 complaints
Fuel system
39 complaints
Brakes
33 complaints
Electrical system
29 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
13 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints
Body and structure
12 complaints
Air bags
9 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
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