NHTSA complaint #11632414

Owner complaint summary

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)