Mazda’s SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T turbocharged 4‑cylinder is at the center of major reliability concerns and active class action litigation. A coolant leak defect in the cylinder head area can lead to overheating, loss of power, internal engine damage, and complete engine failure requiring full replacement. Multiple lawsuits allege Mazda knowingly sold vehicles with dangerous engine defects tied to this design.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 2019 2020 2021 | Mazda | Mazda6 (2.5T) | Caution |
Engine: 2.5L turbo – SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T Issues: coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power, internal damage requiring full engine replacement Notes: class action and legal coverage identify 2018–2021 Mazda6 with 2.5T as affected; leaks often occur near cylinder head/exhaust manifold area, leading to rapid overheating and engine failure. |
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| 2021 2022 2023 2024 | Mazda | Mazda3 (2.5T) | Caution |
Engine: 2.5L turbo – SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T Issues: coolant leaks, overheating, engine damage, loss of power Notes: lawsuit alleges 2021–2024 Mazda3 models with 2.5T share the same coolant‑leak defect and risk of catastrophic engine failure. |
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| 2021 2022 2023 2024 | Mazda | CX‑30 (2.5T) | Caution |
Engine: 2.5L turbo – SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T Issues: coolant leakage, overheating, internal engine damage, potential engine failure Notes: specifically listed in class action as affected by the SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T coolant defect for 2021–2024 model years. |
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| 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 | Mazda | CX‑9 (2.5T) | Caution |
Engine: 2.5L turbo – SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T Issues: coolant leaks at cylinder head, overheating, loss of power, engine failure requiring replacement Notes: one of the earliest and most heavily affected applications; class action and legal analyses highlight 2016–2020 CX‑9, with defect concerns continuing in later years. |
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| 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 | Mazda | CX‑5 (2.5T) | Caution |
Engine: 2.5L turbo – SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T Issues: coolant leaks, overheating, engine damage, loss of power Notes: 2019–2020 CX‑5 with 2.5T are explicitly identified in early filings; later years remain under the same SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T defect umbrella in broader class action descriptions. |
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| 2022 2023 2024 | Mazda | CX‑50 (2.5T) | Caution |
Engine: 2.5L turbo – SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T Issues: coolant leaks, overheating, potential for internal engine damage and failure Notes: newer model built on same 2.5T architecture; class action explicitly includes 2022–2024 CX‑50 among affected vehicles. |
A major class action lawsuit alleges Mazda knowingly sold vehicles equipped with SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T engines that have a dangerous coolant‑leak defect, exposing drivers to sudden overheating, stalling, and catastrophic engine failure. The complaint points to internal Mazda documents, technical service bulletins, and repeated owner complaints as evidence that Mazda was aware of the problem yet continued to market the vehicles as safe and reliable.
The litigation seeks repairs, extended warranties, reimbursement for out‑of‑pocket engine replacements, and damages for diminished vehicle value. Owners of Mazda6, Mazda3, CX‑30, CX‑5, CX‑9, and CX‑50 models equipped with SKYACTIV‑G 2.5T engines are encouraged to check whether their VIN is included in the coolant‑defect class action and related recall or service campaigns.