COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Mazda CX-5 electrical problems

458 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

14 crash reports10 fire reports10 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

217 reports with mileage · 241 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 owners actually said

458 reports
2022 model year · Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2022
Electrical SystemService BrakesStructureCrash

On July 22, my sister and I were traveling on I-95 going south. We stopped at the Maryland House near Aberdeen, MD. I was looking for a parking place and was driving very slowly. I slowed further to turn into a place on the right, near the south end of the parking lot and was attempting to put the car in park when the car acce…

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On July 22, my sister and I were traveling on I-95 going south. We stopped at the Maryland House near Aberdeen, MD. I was looking for a parking place and was driving very slowly. I slowed further to turn into a place on the right, near the south end of the parking lot and was attempting to put the car in park when the car accelerated abruptly, lurched forward, crossed over the concrete curb at the end of the parking space, and was heading right for I-95 which was straight ahead. I had never taken my foot off the brake. I tried to brake harder but that did not stop the car. I therefore turned right onto a service road to avoid crashing onto I-95. I then noticed a car coming toward me and swerved to the right back toward the parking lot, crossing over the curb at that parking spot, and slamming into a parked car and side swiping a truck. I only took my foot off the brake when the car stopped. The airbags did not deploy. After the car stopped, I was unable to turn the engine off. When I returned home, I looked on line to see if anyone else had reported a similar experience. Apparently there have been a number of similar occurrences with Mazda CX-5s (see https://www.carproblemzoo.com/mazda/cx-5/car-accelerates-on-its-own-problems.php) including a description of almost the same event with a car that also had low mileage. In several of the cases listed, the airbags likewise did not deploy. Note also that the police report may not include the origin of the incident but only the crash into the other car. I was in shock and was not able to give full information. I have asked for the complete information to be added to the report. Also of note, and possibly related: Earlier in July, an alert ‘brake, brake, brake’ sounded and there was a flashing on the dashboard that said ’’brake’. I took the car to Mazda, who could not find a problem and told me to return if it happened again.

NHTSA ODI #11475980

2018 model year · Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The parking break is getting stuck and we are unable to release it. We have gone to various mazda showrooms and service centers but no one have been able to find the issue. We are scared that on the highways the car can malfunction. The parking break warning sign comes on on its own even when the vehicle is moving which is a big…

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The parking break is getting stuck and we are unable to release it. We have gone to various mazda showrooms and service centers but no one have been able to find the issue. We are scared that on the highways the car can malfunction. The parking break warning sign comes on on its own even when the vehicle is moving which is a big concern for us while driving. When I searched for this issue online, I can see few articles where different models of Mazda has same issue and they recalled those vehicles. Mazda service center people after charging me for the issue, suggested not to use parking brake, even I don’t use that it gets on by itself. There is a warning symbol. It is available for inspection when requested. Electronic Parking Brake Component is not working. Multiple mazda showroom people confirmed this and none of them can fix this.

NHTSA ODI #11475563

2021 model year · Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

While beginning to turn into an interstate exit lane, all dashboard lights lit up, the engine died, and the car stopped. Power brakes & steering were inactivated. My husband was able to coast the car to the shoulder. My Mazda app said nothing wrong with car. Waited 3 hours for tow as we were out of state. The Mazda dealership f…

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While beginning to turn into an interstate exit lane, all dashboard lights lit up, the engine died, and the car stopped. Power brakes & steering were inactivated. My husband was able to coast the car to the shoulder. My Mazda app said nothing wrong with car. Waited 3 hours for tow as we were out of state. The Mazda dealership found the high pressure fuel pump to have a malfunction. Two different technicians at the dealership related that Mazda was aware of the issue & had not yet issued a recalled.

NHTSA ODI #11475541

2018 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

Module in the the car Sofi and radio stop working at times Car slow acceleration from stop to move

NHTSA ODI #11470223

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2022
Electrical System

My 2014 Mazda CX-5 will not shut off completely. I put it in park and turn off the vehicle and the radio and electrical stays on, this has drained my battery on more than one occasion and was actually stuck in the middle of nowhere for one of the incidents. This needs to be recalled after researching this there are HUNDREDS of p…

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My 2014 Mazda CX-5 will not shut off completely. I put it in park and turn off the vehicle and the radio and electrical stays on, this has drained my battery on more than one occasion and was actually stuck in the middle of nowhere for one of the incidents. This needs to be recalled after researching this there are HUNDREDS of people with the same year, same vehicle and same issue. This has been reported, but nothing has been done for over 4 years. Please see forum below where this issue is clearly documented. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t49115_ds799849

NHTSA ODI #11469479

2017 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2022
Electrical System

The main screen in the middle of the vehicle experiences “ghost touches” or acts like it’s being controlled sporadically without any buttons or the screen being touched. It does it so aggressively that it causes major distraction while driving and will even change navigation routes while driving and make calls while trying to n…

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The main screen in the middle of the vehicle experiences “ghost touches” or acts like it’s being controlled sporadically without any buttons or the screen being touched. It does it so aggressively that it causes major distraction while driving and will even change navigation routes while driving and make calls while trying to navigate. This is a huge safety issue especially for younger drivers that can’t handle this well. It makes beeping sounds and changes the screens very quickly and many times I’m unable to stop it. I’ve researched ways to fix it online with no success without spending a large amount of money at a dealership. I’ve seen many many people online with the same issue. I bought the vehicle new, and it began doing this within the first year.

NHTSA ODI #11469303

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Over the past 2 weeks, it's be hard to turn the engine off. I put the car in park like normal, hit the engine off button. But then the car stays on and an alert on the dashboard says to put the car in park (even though it is already in park). Sometimes, taking the car out of park and then putting it back in park fixes the proble…

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Over the past 2 weeks, it's be hard to turn the engine off. I put the car in park like normal, hit the engine off button. But then the car stays on and an alert on the dashboard says to put the car in park (even though it is already in park). Sometimes, taking the car out of park and then putting it back in park fixes the problem. Other times I have to do it several times or drive the car a little bit and then try again. It's been getting more frequent lately and happens several times a day.

NHTSA ODI #11468570

2018 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2022
Electrical System

Infotainment system/radio: Radio stations start changing by itself while loudly beeping constantly while I drive. I lose total control of the infotainment system. It becomes possessed. The infotainment system automatically starts moving to different screens and tries to delete stations. Very unsafe. I've seen reports of this hap…

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Infotainment system/radio: Radio stations start changing by itself while loudly beeping constantly while I drive. I lose total control of the infotainment system. It becomes possessed. The infotainment system automatically starts moving to different screens and tries to delete stations. Very unsafe. I've seen reports of this happening on other Mazda vehicles and other models were recalled for it. Considered a "ghost touch." This was an actual recall on another Mazda model. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10164268-0001.pdf The problem is wider than that: Complaints from other Mazda owners: https://www.reddit.com/r/CX5/comments/mu0682/advice_on_2018_cx5_touring_multimedia_display/ https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60333765

NHTSA ODI #11468512

2014 model year · 60,000 miles · May 27, 2022
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2014 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while turning off the vehicle, she noticed the radio and the instrument cluster remained operational. The contact stated she was also unable to lock the doors. The contact stated she restarted the vehicle and manipulated the gear shifter several times to turn off the vehicle…

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The contact owns a 2014 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while turning off the vehicle, she noticed the radio and the instrument cluster remained operational. The contact stated she was also unable to lock the doors. The contact stated she restarted the vehicle and manipulated the gear shifter several times to turn off the vehicle completely. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11466438

2013 model year · 123,000 miles · May 26, 2022
Electrical System

My car does not turn off when you push the ignition button. I spoke to Mazda's parts manager about this, and his wife had the same issue and the same model and year as my car. He told me that it is the Parking Lever switch. I feel that not being able to turn your car off is a safety issue. I filed a safety issue with my 2013 …

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My car does not turn off when you push the ignition button. I spoke to Mazda's parts manager about this, and his wife had the same issue and the same model and year as my car. He told me that it is the Parking Lever switch. I feel that not being able to turn your car off is a safety issue. I filed a safety issue with my 2013 Mazda CX-5 on May 26, 2022.

NHTSA ODI #11466253

Related Official recalls

1

17V744000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 21, 2017

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1617K.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.

Consequence: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1617K.

Electrical System:wiring

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.

Consequence: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1617K.

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

Related NHTSA investigations

0

No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.