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2016 Mazda CX-5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most CX-5 years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 133.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

335 reports with mileage · 175 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

31 crash reports10 fire reports13 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

71 reports
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4,000 miles · Apr 7, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or OtherCrash

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER 2016. I HIT THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VECHILE AND MY PASSENGER FRONT BY THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED.THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT WHICH IT SHOULD NOT HAVE DUE TO THE MINIMAL DAMAGE TO OF THE CAR. I WILL ATTACH THE ESTIMATE TO THIS COMPLAINT. SINCE THIS WAS AROUND THE HOLIDAYS I KNEW MY CAR WOUL…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN DECEMBER 2016. I HIT THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VECHILE AND MY PASSENGER FRONT BY THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED.THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CAME OUT WHICH IT SHOULD NOT HAVE DUE TO THE MINIMAL DAMAGE TO OF THE CAR. I WILL ATTACH THE ESTIMATE TO THIS COMPLAINT. SINCE THIS WAS AROUND THE HOLIDAYS I KNEW MY CAR WOULD BE DELAYED. THIS WAS BY FAR THE WORST EXPIERENCE I HAVE DEALT WITH FOR A MONTH AND HALF AND TODAY I REALIZED MAZDA'S NEGLIGENCE PLAYED A HUGE ROLE WITH EXPENSE AND STRESS OF MY CAR. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE ABOUT A RECALL ON THE SIDE PASSENGER AIR BAG. I THINK MADZA SHOULD BE RESPONIBLE FOR PAYING THE DAMAGES OF MY AIRBAG COMING OUT AND ALSO THE LABOR, TIME AND RENTAL EXPENSES FOR THE DELAY OF MY CAR. I CAN NOT BELIEVE I'M FINDING OUT 4 MONTHS LATER THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL. IF I KNEW THIS I WOULD OF HAD MAZDA FIX MY CAR TO BEGIN WITH INSTEAD OF GOING THROUGH SO MUCH STRESS. THE DELAY OF MY CAR BEING FIXED WAS DUE TO THE FACT THE AUTO SHOP COULD NOT FIX MY PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT AND HAD TO HAVE THE ADJUSTER COME BACK OUT TO LOOK AT IT. THEY ALSO NEEDED TO GET THE TECHNICIAN TO COME OUT TO HELP THE PROGRAM AND THEY JUST COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT. ONCE THEY FIGURED IT OUT MY AIR/HEAT WASN'T COMING ON, NONE OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD WORK. THIS CAUSED ME TO GO BACK TO THE AUTO BODY SHOP FOR ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT MY CAR WITH A RENTAL. I BLAMED GEICO AND THE AUTO BODY SHOP BUT MAZDA IS RESPONIBLE. I SPENT SO MUCH MONEY ON THIS PROCESS. I'M VERY DISSAPPOINTED.

NHTSA ODI #10971068

3,200 miles · Feb 15, 2017
Electrical SystemPower TrainStructureCrashInjury

PARKED MY CAR. OPEN UP DRIVERS DOOR , RADIO AND DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. STANDING ON DRIVEWAY NOW PUSH BUTTON TO TURN OFF RADIO AND DASH. EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON. DID IT THREE TIMES AND ON THE THIRD TIME VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. HAD TO CURLY ON THE FLOOR BARD AND DOOR WIDE OPEN. VEHICLE GAINING SPEED, ENGINE OFF, LOOK AT G…

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PARKED MY CAR. OPEN UP DRIVERS DOOR , RADIO AND DASH LIGHTS CAME ON. STANDING ON DRIVEWAY NOW PUSH BUTTON TO TURN OFF RADIO AND DASH. EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON. DID IT THREE TIMES AND ON THE THIRD TIME VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. HAD TO CURLY ON THE FLOOR BARD AND DOOR WIDE OPEN. VEHICLE GAINING SPEED, ENGINE OFF, LOOK AT GEAR SHIFT SAYING IT'S IN PARK STILL. I HAD TO JUMP OUT OF VEHICLE BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. NEIGHBOR CAME TO HELP ME OUT AND CALLED 911 WHO SENT AN AMBULANCE AND POLICE. PARAMEDICS ATTENDED TO MY NEEDS AND RUSHED ME TO THE HOSPITAL. POLICE ASK THE NEIGHBORS IF SOMEONE WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THEY SAID NO. POLICE REPORT SHOWS VEHICLE STILL IN PARK. VEHICLE HIT A TREE AND HIGH CENTER ON A PGE ELECTRICAL BOX. NOW VEHICLE IS AT A DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD MY FATHER UNDER THE TABLE THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE CONCERNS BUT WILL NOT NOTE IT ON THE REPAIR ORDER. THEY LOOKED AT SENSORS AND KNOW CODES APPEARED. ONCE MY FATHER MENTION HE WORKED AT A DEALERSHIP THEY MENTION THAT I MUST HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. IF I STAND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND FOR A GOOD MINUTE TO TWO MINUTES AND IT SHOWED IN PARK THE WHOLE TIME, THERE IS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL GOING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. IF YOU GOOGLE RADIO IS STAYING ON WHEN VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF REGARDING THESE MAKE AND MODEL THERE ARE SEVERAL CASES OF THIS HAPPENING. PEOPLE SAY THEY HAVE TO SLAM THE VEHICLE INTO PARK TO GET THE RADIO TO WORK. SOME PEOPLE HAD A BRAKE SENSOR REPLACE WHICH FINALLY FIXED THE CONCERN....UPDATED 03/29/17 *BF *CN

NHTSA ODI #10954940

7,900 miles · Jan 15, 2017
Electrical System

THE GPS INSTALLED IN THIS AUTO FREQUENTLY DOESN'T WORK. OFTEN WHEN IT BOOTS UP, BUT ALSO OFTEN IT LOSES LOCATION WHILE DRIVING. YOU CAN DETECT THIS IF IT PUTS YOU INTO AN ABSURD PLACE, LIKE THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN. BUT OFTEN IT PUTS YOU ON A ROAD WHERE YOU AREN'T. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY PROBLEM. DEALER CANNOT FIX. *…

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THE GPS INSTALLED IN THIS AUTO FREQUENTLY DOESN'T WORK. OFTEN WHEN IT BOOTS UP, BUT ALSO OFTEN IT LOSES LOCATION WHILE DRIVING. YOU CAN DETECT THIS IF IT PUTS YOU INTO AN ABSURD PLACE, LIKE THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN. BUT OFTEN IT PUTS YOU ON A ROAD WHERE YOU AREN'T. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY PROBLEM. DEALER CANNOT FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10945375

900 miles · Dec 11, 2016
Electrical SystemPower Train

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM ABRUPTLY TURNED OFF. SHORTLY THEREAFTER AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACTIVATING THE TURN SIGNAL THE CAR STALLED. THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF AND COASTED TO A STOP. THE CAR THEN RESTARTED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10934488

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2016
Electrical System

2016 MAZDA CX-5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING FAILURE, BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE AND OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC ELECTRICAL FAILURE TWICE WITHIN TWO MONTHS AND THE DEALER HAD NO IDEA HOW TO FIX IT. THE FAILURE CAUSED ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING, AND BR…

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2016 MAZDA CX-5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING FAILURE, BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE AND OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC ELECTRICAL FAILURE TWICE WITHIN TWO MONTHS AND THE DEALER HAD NO IDEA HOW TO FIX IT. THE FAILURE CAUSED ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES. ALSO, THE WARNING LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. *JB UPDATED 10/03/16.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10908994

6,300 miles · Jan 8, 2016
Electrical System

THE CAR HAS ABOUT 6300 MILES ON IT AND WE BOUGHT IT NEW. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, EARLY JANUARY 2016, THE CAR "INFOTAINMENT" SYSTEM SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED ITSELF. THIS INCLUDES NAVIGATION, BLUETOOTH (MUSIC, PHONE ETC) AND THE OVERALL CAR MONITORING SYSTEM. IT HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES DURING A 45 MINUTE COMMUTE. IT HAS HAP…

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THE CAR HAS ABOUT 6300 MILES ON IT AND WE BOUGHT IT NEW. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, EARLY JANUARY 2016, THE CAR "INFOTAINMENT" SYSTEM SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED ITSELF. THIS INCLUDES NAVIGATION, BLUETOOTH (MUSIC, PHONE ETC) AND THE OVERALL CAR MONITORING SYSTEM. IT HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES DURING A 45 MINUTE COMMUTE. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES PREVIOUSLY BUT ONLY ONCE PER TRIP, PERHAPS DUE TO SHORTER TRIPS. IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY DISCERNIBLE PATTERN. IT IS CONCERNING IF IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, AS THE WHOLE CAR IS BASICALLY ELECTRONIC, INCLUDING STEERING! (NO STEERING FLUID FOR EXAMPLE, ALL ELECTRIC) IT IS GOING TO THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED OUT THIS WEEK. I CAN SEE THE NAVIGATION SHUTTING DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A TRIP ALSO BEING A PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IF IT'S THE MAIN FORM OF GUIDANCE.

NHTSA ODI #10819060

1,797 miles · Dec 23, 2015
Electrical SystemService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,797.

NHTSA ODI #10811984

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2015
Electrical SystemPower Train

THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER 1,525 MILES. TODAY, AFTER 1,600 MILES THE DRIVER'S WINDOW AUTOMATIC UP/DOWN FUNCTION STOPPED WORKING.

NHTSA ODI #10811262

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2015
Electrical System

SEAT HEATER NOT WORKING PROPERLY FROM DATE OF PURCHASE 9/25/15. PART ARRIVED FROM JAPAN INSTALLED 11/9/15. 3 HRS LATER CONSOLE PANEL STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, COULD NOT LOAD RADIO STATIONS, BLUE TOOTH, MAINTENANCE SCREEN - JUST ERROR MESSAGE. NEXT MORNING IT WAS WORKING BUT SEAT HEATER STILL NOT WARM SO BACK TO GARAG…

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SEAT HEATER NOT WORKING PROPERLY FROM DATE OF PURCHASE 9/25/15. PART ARRIVED FROM JAPAN INSTALLED 11/9/15. 3 HRS LATER CONSOLE PANEL STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, COULD NOT LOAD RADIO STATIONS, BLUE TOOTH, MAINTENANCE SCREEN - JUST ERROR MESSAGE. NEXT MORNING IT WAS WORKING BUT SEAT HEATER STILL NOT WARM SO BACK TO GARAGE. AT GARAGE ELECTRICAL TESTED OK. GARAGE STATES SEATS AS WARM AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. BOUGHT 2 MAZDAS AT SAME TIME AND OTHER CAR CX-3 HEATER IS VERY WARM. AND HEATS QUICKLY. NOW WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE ELECTRICAL TO GO AGAIN THEN TAKE IT BACK IN. GOT IN CAR AND FOUND CAP TO THE SHIFTING LEVER WAS SITTING ON SEAT WITH OBVIOUS PRY MARKS , GARAGE SAYS IT WASN'T TAKEN OFF. THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ENTIRE SHIFT LEVER TO REPLACE IT.

NHTSA ODI #10795205

40 miles · Sep 14, 2015
Electrical System

ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM CAN NEVER BE TURNED OFF AND REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES. THE DEVICES LIKE THE CD PLAYER IF A CD IS INSERTED ALWAYS IS IN OPERATION AND MAY CAUSE UNNECESSARY WARE OF THE DEVICE AND RESULTS IN UNSAFE DISTRACTIONS WHICH THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION. MAZDA ONLY HAS OFFERED ONE SOLUTION, TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN OR P…

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ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM CAN NEVER BE TURNED OFF AND REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES. THE DEVICES LIKE THE CD PLAYER IF A CD IS INSERTED ALWAYS IS IN OPERATION AND MAY CAUSE UNNECESSARY WARE OF THE DEVICE AND RESULTS IN UNSAFE DISTRACTIONS WHICH THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION. MAZDA ONLY HAS OFFERED ONE SOLUTION, TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN OR PLACE THE SYSTEM IN MUTE; HOWEVER, THIS IS RESET WHEN A VEHICLE RESTART IS DONE AND THE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM IS AGAIN INITIATED. TURNING THE VOLUME OFF OR MUTING OF THE SYSTEM IS DISTRACTIVE TO THE DRIVER WHICH CAN BE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN SINCE THE SYSTEM IS ALWAYS ON. POSSIBLE ISSUES WITH NON-REQUIRED SYSTEMS THAT ARE ALWAYS IN OPERATION WHICH CAN NEVER BE TURNED OFF BY THE OPERATOR IS A CONSIDER A SAFETY CONCERN. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL STATUS SINCE THERE IS NO SOLUTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ODI #10763611

Official recalls

4

20V063000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Feb 6, 2020

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlights, and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4320A.

16V644000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Sep 6, 2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

16V203000 · Steering

Apr 11, 2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

16V064000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Feb 3, 2016

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 9216B.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Mazda CX-5 problems