2019 MAZDA CX-5 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

The touchscreen digitizer on the Mazda Connect infotainment system has developed a known defect causing constant phantom/ghost touch inputs. The screen registers random touches without any physical contact, causing the system to navigate through menus, change vehicle settings (including safety-related settings such as blind spot monitoring and heads-up display), exit navigation mid-route, change radio stations, and initiate phone calls to contacts without driver input while connected to Apple CarPlay. This is a significant driver distraction and safety hazard. When the system begins making random inputs, the driver must divert attention from the road to attempt to regain control of the infotainment system or end unintended phone calls. The issue occurs most frequently when the vehicle is stopped or at low speeds but also affects the system while driving. This is a well-documented hardware defect affecting 2017-2020 CX-5 models, acknowledged by Mazda under TSB 09-003/22. The cause is a failing touchscreen digitizer, not a software issue. Mazda has not issued a formal recall despite widespread reports. The component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer for this specific issue. No warning lamps or messages preceded the failure — the phantom touch inputs developed gradually and have worsened to the point that the infotainment system is nearly unusable. Current mileage is approximately 60,000-80,000 miles.

The vehicle's cylinder head has developed a structural crack at on the casting, a known manufacturing defect identified by the manufacturer in Service Advisory SA-037/23. This failure is causing pressurized engine oil to leak directly onto the hot exhaust manifold while the vehicle is in operation. The leaking oil is pooling on high-temperature exhaust components, creating a significant risk of fire while driving. The leak generates heavy smoke and noxious burning oil fumes that are entering the passenger cabin through the HVAC system, causing respiratory issues

The vehicle's cylinder head has developed a structural crack at on the casting, a known manufacturing defect identified by the manufacturer in Service Advisory SA-037/23. This failure is causing pressurized engine oil to leak directly onto the hot exhaust manifold while the vehicle is in operation. The leaking oil is pooling on high-temperature exhaust components, creating a significant risk of fire while driving. The leak generates heavy smoke and noxious burning oil fumes that are entering the passenger cabin through the HVAC system, causing respiratory issues

Oil is leaking from the front timing chain cover and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue was caught early enough before it was an acute safety issue, however this issue can cause smoke while driving and cause the vehicle to lose function while driving, endangering those in and around the vehicle in motion. The vehicle only has 35,000 miles on it, has been confirmed and documented by an independent service center, and this is a widespread well-known issue - the service center has had three vehicles in this week with the same exact issue, and Mazda issued a technical service bulletin detailing the issue and stating the root cause is a lack of sufficient sealant applied during manufacturing. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives - only a service center. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to failure - I was lucky to have this caught during a routine inspection.

Oil is leaking from the front timing chain cover and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue was caught early enough before it was an acute safety issue, however this issue can cause smoke while driving and cause the vehicle to lose function while driving, endangering those in and around the vehicle in motion. The vehicle only has 35,000 miles on it, has been confirmed and documented by an independent service center, and this is a widespread well-known issue - the service center has had three vehicles in this week with the same exact issue, and Mazda issued a technical service bulletin detailing the issue and stating the root cause is a lack of sufficient sealant applied during manufacturing. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives - only a service center. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to failure - I was lucky to have this caught during a routine inspection.