2019 Mazda Cx-5 Safety Report

2019 Mazda CX-5: Excellent Crash Safety, but Significant Engine Reliability and Recall Concerns

242Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
45/100Reliability Score
7Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (82)Unknown Or Other (25)Electrical System (22)Power Train,Engine (14)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (10)Visibility/Wiper (7)Power Train (6)Fuel/Propulsion System (5)Fuel System, Gasoline (5)Air Bags (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Mazda Cx-5

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 demonstrates a strong performance in official crash tests, achieving a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars in rollover. This indicates excellent occupant protection in various collision scenarios. However, the vehicle's safety profile is significantly impacted by a concerning pattern of engine-related complaints and two recalls. With 242 total complaints, 82 (33.9%) are related to the ENGINE, and an additional 14 (5.8%) to POWER TRAIN,ENGINE. These complaints frequently describe severe issues such as cracked cylinder heads leading to significant oil leaks, burning smells, smoke, and potential fire hazards, with several owners reporting these failures well under 100,000 miles. There are 7 reported crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries associated with these issues, highlighting the serious safety implications. Two recalls further underscore these concerns. Recall 20V513000 addresses a software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) that could cause an engine stall, increasing crash risk. More critically, Recall 20V082000 pertains to a defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller that could lead to engine stall, also elevating crash risk. While these recalls address specific failure modes, the high volume of cylinder head complaints suggests a broader manufacturing defect not fully covered by existing recalls or customer service programs, leaving many owners with expensive repairs and potential safety risks. Beyond the engine, other notable complaint areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22 complaints) and UNKNOWN OR OTHER (25 complaints), with some specific complaints detailing 'ghost touch' issues in the infotainment system, which can be a significant distraction. The overall picture is one of excellent passive safety in a crash, but with notable active safety and reliability concerns stemming from widespread engine defects and fuel system issues that could lead to unexpected stalls or fires.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Mazda Cx-5 receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Mazda Cx-5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Mazda Cx-5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cracked Cylinder Head
Numerous complaints detail cylinder head cracking, leading to severe engine oil leaks, burning smells, smoke, and potential fire hazards. Mazda has acknowledged this issue with a Customer Service Program (CSP 11) for some models, but many non-turbo owners report being excluded.
High Common 50000-90000 miles
Engine Stall (Pcm Software)
A recall (20V513000) addresses a powertrain control module (PCM) software error that can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
High Occasional N/A miles
Fuel Pump Failure
A recall (20V082000) covers a defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller that can fail, leading to an engine stall and increased crash risk. Some owners report experiencing this issue outside the recall scope.
High Occasional N/A miles
Infotainment 'Ghost Touch'
The touchscreen infotainment system can register phantom touches, causing random menu navigation, setting changes, and distractions while driving.
Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Mazda Cx-5:

Engine 33% of complaints

The most prevalent issue, with 82 complaints, is related to engine failures, specifically cracked cylinder heads causing oil leaks, burning smells, and potential fire hazards.

Unknown Or Other 10% of complaints

A significant number of complaints (25) fall into this category, often encompassing various electrical or sensor-related malfunctions not fitting other specific categories.

Electrical System 9% of complaints

22 complaints are linked to the electrical system, including issues like the 'ghost touch' infotainment malfunction.

Power Train,Engine 5% of complaints

14 complaints specifically mention issues combining powertrain and engine components, often related to stalling or loss of power.

Fuel/Propulsion System 2% of complaints

5 complaints are related to the fuel system, including fuel pump failures, which are also covered by a recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Mazda Cx-5

Is the 2019 Mazda CX-5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover), indicating strong occupant protection. However, it has significant reliability concerns, particularly with engine defects like cracked cylinder heads and fuel pump issues, which have led to 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries, and are subject to two recalls. These issues can lead to unexpected stalls or fire risks, impacting active safety.

What are common problems with the 2019 Mazda CX-5?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 are related to the ENGINE, accounting for 82 out of 242 complaints. A common pattern involves cracked cylinder heads leading to oil leaks, burning smells, and potential fire hazards. Other significant problems include electrical system malfunctions, such as 'ghost touch' infotainment screens, and issues related to the fuel system and powertrain, some of which are covered by recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Mazda CX-5?

Yes, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 has two recalls. Recall 20V513000 addresses a powertrain control module (PCM) software error that can cause an engine stall. Recall 20V082000 concerns a defective low-pressure fuel pump impeller that may also lead to an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Does the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have engine problems?

Yes, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 has significant and frequently reported engine problems. The ENGINE component accounts for 82 of the 242 total complaints, with many detailing cracked cylinder heads causing oil leaks, burning oil smells, and potential fire risks. There is also a recall (20V513000) for a PCM software error that can cause engine stalls.

What is the 'ghost touch' issue in the 2019 Mazda CX-5?

The 'ghost touch' issue refers to a malfunction in the infotainment system's touchscreen where it registers unintended inputs without physical contact. This can cause the system to randomly navigate menus, change settings, or initiate phone calls, creating a significant distraction for the driver.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While offering excellent crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of the significant and costly engine reliability issues, particularly cracked cylinder heads, and ensure all recalls have been addressed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Mazda Cx-5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Mazda Cx-5. The data includes 242 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Mazda Cx-5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.