2018 Mazda Cx-5
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Mazda Cx-5 maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Mazda Cx-5.
For oil changes, the 2018 Mazda Cx-5 takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.8 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is FL22 Long Life Coolant (Green), and transmission fluid is Mazda ATF FZ. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Mazda Cx-5, torque the lug nuts to 80-108 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2018 Mazda Cx-5 have reported 5 common issues including "Excessive Oil Consumption and Low Oil Warnings", "Engine Valve Train Ticking Noise" and "Brake Complaints and Safety Concerns". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Mazda Cx-5. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Mazda Cx-5 uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.8 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 80-108 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Mazda Cx-5. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Mazda Cx-5.
Common problems reported by 2018 Mazda Cx-5 owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Excessive Oil Consumption and Low Oil Warnings
The 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine consumes oil at an abnormal rate due to defective valve stem seals that allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber. Owners see 'Low Engine Oil Level' warnings as early as 3,000 miles after an oil change.
Mazda issued multiple TSBs acknowledging the issue. Temporary fix is topping off the oil. Permanent repair involves replacing the exhaust-side valve stem seals. Mazda has not issued a formal recall, but may cover repairs under warranty on a case-by-case basis.
Est. Cost: $0 (warranty) / $1,500 - $3,000 if out of warrantyEngine Valve Train Ticking Noise
A distinct sharp, metallic ticking noise emanates from the engine, particularly noticeable at idle and low RPM. The noise is caused by faulty hydraulic valve lash adjusters that fail to maintain proper clearance.
Mazda issued a TSB for the hydraulic valve lash adjuster issue. The repair involves replacement of the affected lash adjusters. An engine oil change with the specified 0W-20 oil and OEM filter should be performed first.
Est. Cost: $300 - $1,200Brake Complaints and Safety Concerns
Multiple NHTSA complaints report brake-related issues including spongy pedal feel, unexpected loss of braking power, and brake fade. Half of all NHTSA complaints for the 2022 CX-5 relate to service brakes, with 3 reporting crashes.
Brake fluid flush and inspection of brake lines for air intrusion. Rotor and pad replacement if warped or worn. A TSB addresses brake noise, judder, and dragging conditions with updated brake components.
Est. Cost: $200 - $800Thermostat Failure (Stuck Open)
The fail-safe thermostat can fail in the stuck-open position, preventing the engine from reaching operating temperature. Symptoms include longer warm-up times, reduced heater output, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light.
Mazda issued a Warranty Extension Program extending the thermostat warranty to 15 years from the original warranty start date. Dealers will replace the thermostat assembly free of charge under the extended warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 (extended warranty) / $200 - $400 if out of coverageSteering Column Creaking and Clunking
A creaking, knocking, or clunking noise comes from the steering column while driving, particularly noticeable on irregular road surfaces. The steering column nut loosens due to excessive road vibration load, creating play in the column.
A TSB addresses this issue by retorquing the steering column nut and applying thread-locking compound. The steering column shaft may require replacement if the nut area is worn.
Est. Cost: $100 - $4003 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Mazda Cx-5. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
ENGINE
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.