# Mazda CX-5 check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 91 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (22) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 91 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Mazda CX-5 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (22). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Mazda CX-5 check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 7 | 133 | 5% | | 2016 | 19 | 512 | 4% | | 2017 | 9 | 150 | 6% | | 2018 | 6 | 122 | 5% | | 2019 | 22 | 273 | 8% | | 2020 | 5 | 110 | 5% | | 2021 | 14 | 149 | 9% | | 2022 | 2 | 65 | 3% | | 2023 | 4 | 67 | 6% | | 2024 | 2 | 47 | 4% | | 2025 | 1 | 29 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Mazda CX-5 recalls related to the check engine light **[21V875000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V875000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2021-11-12): Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. **[16V064000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V064000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2016-02-03): A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Mazda CX-5 owners report - "When we left the gas station the check engine light came on (amber). We were close to Wichita Falls, TX so we stopped for the day and made an appointment with the dealership there for the nINFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" -- owner of a 2025 Mazda CX-5, complaint filed 2026 - "The engine light came on, and I received a notification on the Mazda app stating there was an "engine malfunction." I took it to Mazda, and they told me nothing was wrong. Flash forward a month and the same exact situation occurred. I took it to Mazda, and they told me the same thing. This is incredibly dangerous,..." -- owner of a 2024 Mazda CX-5, complaint filed 2026 - "Check Engine Light Code P0524 - Low Oil Pressure. Everything check out fine. Checked all the suggested TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) possibilities from a respected and qualified service center. Cleared the code and it keeps coming back on." -- owner of a 2023 Mazda CX-5, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Mazda CX-5 check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (21V875000, 16V064000) covering 2015-2019 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Mazda CX-5 years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2019 and 2021 CX-5 model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 22 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Mazda CX-5 with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Mazda CX-5 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Mazda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Mazda CX-5 warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/mazda-cx-5): 19 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/mazda-cx-5): 55 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/mazda-cx-5): 51 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/mazda-cx-5): 55 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/mazda-cx-5): 11 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/mazda-cx-5): 11 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/mazda-cx-5): 13 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Mazda CX-5 - [Mazda CX-5 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-5) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/mazda-cx-5 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.