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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

Suspension complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2026
Suspension

Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues caused multiple…

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Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues caused multiple failures of virtually every component of the rear suspension - control arms, rear springs, etc. The repair cost for JUST the subframe was $3813. Not repairing it was not an option - the vehicle had failed mandatory State of Maine inspection (a safety thing, if I'm not mistaken). This should be a Mazda problem, not a me problem. I contacted Mazda USA about this issue and got no response.

NHTSA ODI #11754892

Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2026
Suspension

Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues caused multiple…

Read full complaint

Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues caused multiple failures of virtually every component of the rear suspension - control arms, rear springs, etc. The repair cost for JUST the subframe was $3813. Not repairing it was not an option - the vehicle had failed mandatory State of Maine inspection (a safety thing, if I'm not mistaken). This should be a Mazda problem, not a me problem. I contacted Mazda USA about this issue and got no response.

NHTSA ODI #11754891

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2026
SteeringSuspension

I was slowly turning left into an alley when I heard a loud noise, the front of my car dropped, and the car immediately stopped and was immovable. Upon getting out of the car, it appears some joint separated from the wheel.

NHTSA ODI #11736286

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2026
Suspension

With no prior warning, just after turning into driveway, my car got stuck and would not move. It gave clicking sounds and would not move no matter which gear it was in. The towing service person needed a dolly in order to safely lift the vehicle onto the towing bed because the front, driver’s side tire would not move and was pus…

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With no prior warning, just after turning into driveway, my car got stuck and would not move. It gave clicking sounds and would not move no matter which gear it was in. The towing service person needed a dolly in order to safely lift the vehicle onto the towing bed because the front, driver’s side tire would not move and was pushing into the fender. So far, the control arm and axel are completely separated from the car. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the spontaneous injury. This all happened without warning.

NHTSA ODI #11708612

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2025
Suspension

Rear Shock mount deteriorated in 8 years, far quicker than industry standard. Mazda redesigned the part for 17' MY. Widely reported on Reddit. NHSTA service bulletin notice.

NHTSA ODI #11689342

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2022
SteeringSuspension

TSB issue with suspension steering gear assembly needs to be removed and have spacer kit installed. Issue caused the front lower ball joint to wear more than usual and crack. Due to TSB a joint kit needs to be installed and control arms replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11497047

45,000 miles · Dec 1, 2021
Suspension

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormally loud chirping and squeaking noise coming from the driver’s side front wheel. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected however, the dealer could not duplicate or diagnose the cause for the failure. The contac…

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The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormally loud chirping and squeaking noise coming from the driver’s side front wheel. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected however, the dealer could not duplicate or diagnose the cause for the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the suspension. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #11442296

44,185 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Suspension

THERE WAS A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, AT SLOW SPEEDS ON A DIRT ROAD. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP I WAS TOLD THAT THE BUSHINGS, LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON SOME OF THE CARS LIKE MINE, BUT APPARENTLY MINE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HOWEVER, I …

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THERE WAS A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, AT SLOW SPEEDS ON A DIRT ROAD. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP I WAS TOLD THAT THE BUSHINGS, LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I KNOW THERE IS A RECALL ON SOME OF THE CARS LIKE MINE, BUT APPARENTLY MINE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HOWEVER, I DO NOT THINK IT IS A COINCIDENCE TO HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI #11281249

23,000 miles · Jul 6, 2019
Suspension

I BROUGHT 2016 PRE OWNED CERTIFIED RUN 28K ONLY. I DROVE THIS CAR ONLY 7 K BUT CAR ALWAYS HAS ISSUE WITH SUSPENSION. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE WITH MY DEALER BUT ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED.

NHTSA ODI #11229807

45,000 miles · May 23, 2018
Air BagsSuspensionCrashInjury

"TAKATA RECALL" ? IN MARCH 2018, I WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND IN A MAZDA CX-5 ON AN EXPRESSWAY IN LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 9;45 PM AND THE EXPRESSWAY WAS FAIRLY EMPTY, ROADS WERE COMPLETELY CLEAR, NO RAIN, NO SNOW. OUT OF NOWHERE, A SPEEDING DRIVER SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF MY MAZDA AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED.…

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"TAKATA RECALL" ? IN MARCH 2018, I WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND IN A MAZDA CX-5 ON AN EXPRESSWAY IN LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 9;45 PM AND THE EXPRESSWAY WAS FAIRLY EMPTY, ROADS WERE COMPLETELY CLEAR, NO RAIN, NO SNOW. OUT OF NOWHERE, A SPEEDING DRIVER SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF MY MAZDA AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. (SHE ADMITTED TO FOLLOWING ME TOO CLOSELY AND NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP IN TIME, SO MY CAR WAS HIT PRETTY HARD. ON POLICE REPORT, SHE WAS CITED FOR UNSAFE SPEED AMONG OTHER THINGS. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THE A POLICE OFFICER THAT SHE DID NOT HAVE A DRIVER'S LICENSE). MY CAR WAS THEN THRUST INTO THE DIVIDER (WHERE THE LEFT SIDE APPROXIMATE CORNER OF THE FRONT OF THE CAR HIT THE MEDIAN) IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EXPRESSWAY AND SPUN QUITE A FEW TIMES. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOYED. I HIT MY HEAD AT LEAST TWO TIMES AND I STARTING HAVING NECK AND BACK PAINS AMONG OTHER INJURIES. THOUGH THE CAR HAD EXTENSIVE EXTENSIVE DAMAGES (13K WAS THE LAST TIME I HEARD AND THE CAR IS STILL NOT WORKING FULLY PROPERLY) MY INSURANCE PROGRESSIVE FORCED ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK WHILE THE OTHER INSURANCE COMPANY DOESN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE CAR WAS NOT TOTALED. I WAS GIVEN BACK THE CAR A LITTLE OVER TWO WHOLE MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF GOD FORBID SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS (THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS BLINKING ALL THE TIME), THE HORN DOES NOT WORK, AND NOTHING ON THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WORK ANYMORE. I WAS TOLD I HAVE TO BRING THIS TO MAZDA'S DEALERSHIP DIRECTLY FOR DIAGNOSTICS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MANY PEOPLE THAT THEY BELIEVE MY AIRBAGS MALFUNCTIONED INCLUDING MAXIMUM AUTO BODY IN BOHEMIA WHO FIXED THE CAR AND I AGREE CONSIDERING THE HARD HITS THE CAR TOOK AND MY INJURIES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT MY RIGHTS ARE IN THIS SITUATION BUT I FEEL THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE. I NOW HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL JUNE 4TH TO GET IT TO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI #11097343

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