What 62 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Mazda Cx-50

The timing chain cover gasket failed and is leaking oil at 66,000 miles. It is currently being addressed at Borgman Mazda in Grand Rapids. No crash or safety risk. There were no warning lamps, it was found by an separate inspection not from the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11670109

While driving down highway the car suddenly will stop accelerating. Once this occurs the check engine light will turn on and shortly after the battery light will turn on. The car will not move and the AC will then stop working. The first time the car was brought to dealership (under warranty). They had to replace battery, fuel pump and fuel level indicator. They stated the fuel pump was broken as was the fuel level indicator. They were able to reproduce the problem prior to fixing it the first time. Less than a month after the car was repaired the exact same issue happened. This is a significant safety concern as I was driving on the highway with a [XXX] child in the back seat when the car stopped driving the second time. I was barely able to get over a lane and off the road before the car stopped driving. The AC then stopped working on a day where the feels like temperature was over 100. I had to lay wet cloths over my infant to prevent her from overheating while we waited for AAA and a family member to reach us. The inability to accelerate/sudden stopping of the car while driving on a highway with a speed limit of 70mph posed a significant safety risk to my life, my child’s life and potentially other cars if they weren’t able to stop. I had to wave frantically at the car in the lane next to me so that they wouldn’t hit me. No warning lights came on until after the issue (stopped accelerating) occurred. The dealership (Mazda) now has the car again and will be inspecting it. I have files from the first incident however they are in the car. Once I get my car back I can send over the reports of what they replaced/work completed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11669063

I own a 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition and have recently noticed a persistent noise coming from the left headlight. The noise resembles a fan or vibrating sound. The issue appears to be caused by a malfunctioning auto-leveling or adaptive headlight motor. The component is still installed in the vehicle and can be inspected upon request by a dealer or manufacturer. Safety Risks: While this issue has not yet caused immediate driving hazards, a malfunctioning headlight system could pose a safety risk if the auto-leveling function fails, leading to improper headlight beam alignment. This could impact nighttime visibility or cause glare for other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.

NHTSA ODI 11665116

I own a 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition and have recently noticed a persistent noise coming from the left headlight. The noise resembles a fan or vibrating sound. Coincidentally, this issue started only a month after I bought out the vehicle following the lease expiration. Component/System Failure and Inspection: The issue appears to be caused by a malfunctioning auto-leveling or adaptive headlight motor. The component is still installed in the vehicle and can be inspected upon request by a dealer or manufacturer. Safety Risks: While this issue has not yet caused immediate driving hazards, a malfunctioning headlight system could pose a safety risk if the auto-leveling function fails, leading to improper headlight beam alignment. This could impact nighttime visibility or cause glare for other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. Reproduction and Confirmation: The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center in my case, but many other customers have reported similar issues, some of whom have had the component replaced under warranty. Inspection Status: As of now, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties. Warning Signs or Symptoms Prior to Failure: No warning lamps, messages, or dashboard alerts appeared before the noise started. The issue began suddenly and has been persistent ever since. I have a video, but it cannot be uploaded in this report.

NHTSA ODI 11646201

I am submitting this report to document a persistent ticking noise in my 2022 Mazda CX-5, which appears to be the same issue outlined in Mazda Service Bulletin 01-002/21 for previous model years. This issue is commonly associated with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs), which maintain proper valve clearance. The noise occurs most prominently during cold starts and resembles the previously reported HLA ticking sound. Owners of earlier CX-5 models have attributed this issue to air bubbles or insufficient oil supply within the HLAs, with cold weather exacerbating the problem due to restricted oil circulation. Despite Mazda's claim that revisions to the engine components have resolved this issue in newer models, my experience suggests it remains unresolved in the 2022 model year. I am concerned about the long-term reliability of these engine components and the potential repair costs if the issue leads to premature wear or failure. While Mazda has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the 2022 CX-5, multiple owners have reported similar ticking noises online, indicating that the problem may persist. I have a video recording of the noise but am unable to attach it to this submission. If further investigation is warranted, I would be happy to provide the footage upon request. Additionally, similar reports and video evidence from other owners can be found on online forums, including the CX-5 subreddit, where searching for “clicking” will yield multiple examples. I urge the NHTSA to review this issue, as it may indicate an unresolved mechanical defect affecting the reliability of the 2022 Mazda CX-5’s engine. Please advise on any potential investigations or next steps regarding this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11646392

Headlights on these vehicles go out around 40,000 miles due to issues during their manufacturing. The repair costs $2,500+. The issue is known by Mazda and is widespread but they refuse to recall.

NHTSA ODI 11636916

Sunroof glass shattered while driving, after being hit by a small rock.

NHTSA ODI 11634713

Mazda’s CX-5 engines, particularly in earlier models, have been known to experience issues with Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs), which are responsible for maintaining proper valve clearance. Many owners have reported a persistent tapping or ticking noise, especially during cold starts. This issue is often caused by air bubbles or insufficient oil supply to the HLAs, and cold weather exacerbates the problem as thicker oil struggles to circulate until the engine warms up. The HLAs have also faced criticism for their sensitivity to oil pressure and quality, making them prone to failure in less-than-ideal conditions. Mazda claims that replacements and redesigns have resolved these issues in newer engine models and has not issued any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for models after 2021. However, I experienced the HLA “ticking” noise in my 2022 CX-5, suggesting the issue has not been fully addressed. I am concerned about the longevity of these parts and potential repair costs in the future, as Mazda seems to be dismissing the problem. I have a video capturing the noise but cannot attach it to this form. If interested, please contact me, and I can provide the video. Additionally, there are countless videos of similar issues shared on the CX-5 subreddit, which can be found by searching “clicking” at the following link: [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11632414

The engine on my 2022 naturally aspirated Mazda CX5, is making a loud ticking noise when cold started. The vehicle is in pristine condition and is services regularly at the dealer with only 33,000 miles. The ticking noise is a known issue for this make and model, where Mazda has issued a TSB for faulty hydraulic valve lash. This is a distinct noise that is sharp and metallic and distracting when driving the vehicle, even after a period of time. I can hear it through my radio and it does not sound good. Evidently 2022 is not part of the TSB, yet my vehicle is still affected by this noise. Filing a complaint with NHTSA to formalize this record.

NHTSA ODI 11632225

Just received a Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) D8 notice from Mazda. It states that on my vehicle the fail-safe thermostat could fail in the stuck open position and they are extending the warranty for that part to 15 years. Meaning, if it fails, they'll fix it. My issue is that if that part COULD fail, they should go ahead and do a voluntary recall, and replace the part, and be done with it. I'm thinking maybe you could require Mazda to do that.

NHTSA ODI 11631940

I was driving to Home Depot after work around 6PM PST on [XXX] and must have fallen asleep at the wheel about a.1/4 of a mile from my house and left the road way after a turn. I hit my head so hard I had to be treated for a head injury and the car dialed 911 for me to report a crash. The airbags nor any other safety system triggered besides detecting a crash and dialing 911. My car was deemed totalled by insurance and had to go to the hospital. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11630840

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, and the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of a busy intersection. The contact stated that there were no other vehicles or object nearby. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ODI 11627600

Left Headlight fails to adequately illuminate left side, produced light appears shaded/obstructed, less than right side. night visibility is reduced. Dealer examined headlight, found uneven light distribution, shadows, referred to Manufacturer , Mazda stated this is Normal. Right Headlight was previously replaced under warranty, after excess headlight. noise detected . is available for examination.

NHTSA ODI 11625608

Driving at highway speed on interstate, no traffic near the vehicle, no overpasses within miles, and the sunroof exploded without any impact to it or vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11622246

Cylinder head cracked resulting in engine overheating with code P111A. Gasket bolts expelled due to excessive heat and pressure. Evidence of coolant spray along hose connections, lower cover and transfer case. Smoke came out of the engine compartment first followed by warnings titled 'Critical vehicle malfunction alert' 'pull over immediately' Check engine light came up shortly thereafter. Vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda service center, confirming the engine overheat code. This is the statement from the service representative: 'Mazda wants to start with a cylinder head prior to doing an engine'. The technician's analysis indicates they received warranty approval for Entire cylinder head and head gasket replacement and all associated parts. No warning lights prior to the failure. They started just as the engine started smoking. Potentially related information: The vehicle displayed error code for a coolant valve issue 3 weeks before this issue for which a TSB already existed and Mazda replaced the part. TSB related to cylinder head defect exists for model year 2019, but not for model year 2022.

NHTSA ODI 11583290

Was driving down a road at around 40 MPH and a vehicle ran the light and took a turn in front of me. I applied brakes but car didn't try to apply them harder from the start and no warnings ever came up. Wasn't able to avoid collision and airbags deployed (only steering wheel airbag)

NHTSA ODI 11581390

It looks like a safety concern in Mazda car cx5. My car sun roof explode without any reason while in a static position in the traffic signal. The broken glass can injured the driver and copassanger .

NHTSA ODI 11570622

Humming from cooling fans in headlights. Very distracting sound that only shuts off when headlights eventually go off.

NHTSA ODI 11568648

Cracked cylinder head, August 2023. I'm not sure if it's a safety hazard, but it seems that oil being sprayed around a hot engine could be a fire hazard. Also, since the oil light comes on with no warning, it could cause people to have to pull over on a busy interstate because you shouldn't drive with the oil light on. I had almost 14,000 miles on my 2022 Mazda CX-5 when the low engine oil light came on. I had recently had an oil change done, so the oil should not have been low. I put oil in it and drove it to the dealership. They discovered oil sprayed everywhere in the engine compartment, and discovered the cracked cylinder head. It is a known problem. The car was still under warranty so they replaced the cylinder head. There have been no changes or improvements to the cylinder head, so theoretically the replacement cylinder head could also eventually crack.

NHTSA ODI 11565525

The vehicle unexpectedly caught fire and the results could have been catastrophic. Almost new car under warranty. All details are in the uploaded PDF letter and photos. I have contacted Mazda and they claim they do not investigate, only insurance company will investigate. My insurance company will pay me for the total loss but does not plan to investigate. I think this is dangerous and unconscionable. Thank you for any help or guidance.

NHTSA ODI 11560007

Heating element on front windscreen burning and smoking causing windscreen to crack and is very obviously defective.

NHTSA ODI 11552935

When driving in the wind at speeds greater than 50mph , there is an extremely loud high pitched reedy noise. I have many videos of this and Mazda won’t address it/says it’s not an issue. I travel for work in SD, a very windy state, and often listen to this sound 2+ hours straight and can’t hear any music/phone calls/audiobooks over the noise. It is dangerous because I can’t hear anything but this, and it causes a lot of stress/anxiety/overstimulation. I wish I never bought this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11511443

My 2022 CX5 sunroof exploded while driving on highway, glass fragments were caught by the shade so no one was injured thankfully. But this could have easily caused bodily injuries if the shade was open. The loud explosion and glass fragments could have distracted/impair the driver, leading to a serious incident. I do not suspect it is caused by impacts from debris since there was no large vehicles around me at the time of explosion and no other impact noise was heard at the same time. There are other similar incidents regarding sunroof explosion that were posted online.

NHTSA ODI 11508492

I was driving down the highway and heard a loud bang, sounded like a gun had gone off. I looked at my windshield thinking maybe something hit, but nothing shot back at me and there was nothing on my windshield. I took a look at my back windshield and it was completely fine so I was under the impression maybe I ran something over, but about 45 seconds later i heard the airflow coming from the top of my car. I uncovered my sunroof shade and it is completely shattered. I took it up to my dealership and they are declining to cover the damages according to my car manufacturer. This has happened to multiple people who have the same make and model vehicle as me as there is a forum website for my exact vehicle, and others who have had this happen to them have reported it to their manufacturers as well.

NHTSA ODI 11508447

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with the heater activated, the contact heard an abnormal explosion. The contact stated that the sunroof had exploded without impact. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507629