2020 Mazda CX-5 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 16%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Mazda CX-5, 16% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Low oil light came on at 52,764 miles, 300 miles before the next oil change on the manufacturer-recommended 7500 mile schedule. I've switched to a 5000 mile oil change schedule and will be monitoring oil level going forward for excessive oil consumption. I have always done oil changes every 7500 miles and have followed all other maintenance prescribed in the manual.”
NHTSA complaint #11619876, filed 2024-10“I noticed an oil leak. I had it diagnosed and its a crack in the cylinder head, right above the exhaust manifold. This is known issue for Mazda's online. There is oil spilling everywhere. The oil burns off as it is driving. Smoke fills my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11677045, filed 2025-07“I have been warned by other drivers at night that my tail lights were out. My clock and radio both are malfunctioning. I just took the car for the yearly inspection and there is a major oil leak from a gasket. The car only has 16,000 miles on it!”
NHTSA complaint #11399640, filed 2021-03“The engine of this vehicle has been leaking from different areas consistently. The first leak was the timing cover gasket not properly sealing from manufacture. The dealership covered this under warranty without push back. I then identified a weep from the oil pan gasket during a normal oil change interval. This gasket leak was again from manufacture. I had watched this leak and it seemed to be getting worse over changes and evolved beyond a weep. I also found oil leaking onto one of the spark plugs when changed around 56K miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11509979, filed 2023-03“Forward Braking Safety Sensor Was on transmission after braking check engine light . Was driving car from work it lost all power . And those warning ⚠️ light indicators where on . Car wouldn't go over 15mph . Took vehicle to mazda and dropped it off as my husband requested information do so . Mazda called say diagnostic saying it needed plugs ,coil packs serpentine belt and adjuster pulleys replacement. I called my husband he's a mechanical engineer he said no way it needs a tune up that early. He requested information go get the car as he flew home from working outta town. …”
NHTSA complaint #11642604, filed 2025-02Related service bulletins
- 11036688Aug 10, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation…
- 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…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 11032101Apr 16, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is…
- 11030636Mar 11, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA(s) and TSB(s) listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-035/24 05/31/24 DESCRIPTION There is a concern that some water…
- 11030701Mar 5, 2026Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025…
- 11030700Mar 5, 2026Subject: TSB 01-001/26 Warranty and Parts Kit Update INCLUDES: Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0126:00, 2018-2025…
- 11030598Mar 4, 2026Some customers may experience a check engine light ON with DTC P0126:00 (Thermostat stuck open) and one or more of the following symptoms: Engine takes longer to warm up. Engine…
- 11029625Feb 26, 2026Some vehicles may display some (or all) of the following symptoms: • Check engine light on with DTC P061B • Light increase in engine rpms during acceleration • Transmission will…
- 11029534Feb 11, 2026The coolant control valve updated part is now available and supersedes PYFD-15-16ZA. As a result, PYFD-15-16ZA is no longer available. PW5S-15-16Z is supplied with a dummy plug…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 24% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 10 | 15% |
| 2022 | 13 | 20% |
| 2021 | 80 | 54% |
| 2020 | 17 | 16% |
| 2019 | 132 | 49% |
| 2018 | 180 | 51% |
| 2017 | 16 | 11% |
| 2016 | 39 | 8% |
| 2015 | 14 | 11% |
| 2014 | 39 | 10% |
| 2013 | 42 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2020 Mazda CX-5
31 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsLane departure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Mazda CX-5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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