2022 MAZDA CX-5 Engine Problems

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unexpected acceleration ___ While stopped on a slight downgrade, RPM suddenly increased and vehicle lurched forward. Applying more pressure to brake stopped movement. I forced transmission into park. Took foot off brake, RPM still high. Tapped accelerator, RPM dropped to normal idle. Fortunately, there were no vehicles in front of mine and cross traffic was not present. Vehicle did not enter intersection. I drive single footed and shoe did not overlap brake and accelerator. The day was clear 37F, dry. Vehicle had made 3 short trips prior so engine was up to temperature, 35 miles total over 2 hours. Cruise control was not engaged and had not been used in two days. This issue has not been reported to dealer. There were no warning lights or other indications of problems. The vehicle has driven normally since. I have not been able to reproduce the issue. ____ A similar issue happened two months prior. Circumstances were not the same. Intersection was flat, engine was not up to temperature, removing pressure from brake pedal was enough to stop high RPM. Attributed instance to the shoes I was wearing. The running shoes were thicker and wider than I normally wear while driving. I believed I may have pressed both brake and accelerator without realizing it since reducing pressure corrected the problem.

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved loudly while the RPM fluctuated above 5,000 RPM. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the control valve body assembly and control valve were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the transmission. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,963.

Mileage: 3,963

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that moments after the vehicle stalled, the vehicle independently accelerated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel and burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,314.

Mileage: 3,314