2016 Mazda CX-5
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Exterior lighting is the leading concern among 510 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 14 CX-5 model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 31 involved a crash and 10 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsFeb 6, 2020
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateSep 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.
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V644000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringApr 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.
If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V203000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and capFeb 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."
A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 16V064000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, windshieldJan 19, 2016
Pilkington North America, Inc. (Pilkington) is recalling certain replacement windshields, model FW04026 GTY, manufactured November 23, 2015, to December 16, 2015 for use in Mazda CX-5 vehicles that are equipped with the Smart City Brake Support system. The affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system. These brackets were improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen.
If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
Pilkington will contact the wholesalers and retailers that purchased the windshields to try to identify the affected customers. The affected windshields will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact Pilkington at 1-844-278-7230.
Campaign 16E002000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
19 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Mar 16, 2026
Airbag light is flashing. Independent shop found code B00C1:93-8B. OCS Sensor B. Shop sent owner to dealer for inspection & repair. Charged 57.24. Dealer found DTC B00C1 passenger seat occupant classification sensor b. Replacement cost for the part 1,110.13, plus shop fess and tax for a total repair cost of this critical safety item would be 1,197.29. I did not have this service performed due to the high price. This safety item should be covered by the manufacturer. I recently learned that a dealer may not sell a car with this safety issue so I want it fixed and covered by Mazda.
Air bags, Oct 16, 2025
The airbag warning light is on. I’m concerned the airbag may not deploy in an accident. There was a recall on the airbag, but the dealership only reset the light and did not replace the airbag. I have taken my car to two different Mazda dealerships: One told me I would have to pay for the airbag replacement. The other said the airbag is functioning properly. I’m not sure which one is correct, but the warning light continues to come on. Sometimes it stays on for a couple of days; other times, it flashes on and off intermittently. The airbag light is clearly visible on the dashboard and continues to behave abnormally.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Feb 21, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, another vehicle going 110 MPH crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to de[ploy. The contact hit his head against the front driver's side window and he became unconscious. The contact stated upon regaining consciousness, he noticed that he was laying flat on his back as the seat had fractured. The contact also noticed that the seat belt had fractured into two. The front of the other vehicle caught on fire and the fire expanded to the rear of the contact's vehicle. The emergency units and State police patrol assisted the contact out of the vehicle through the driver's side door. The emergency units transported the contact to the hospital, where he was informed that he had sustained head, neck, and back injuries. Additionally, the contact was informed that he had sustained a stroke on the left side of his body. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Air bags, Visibility/wiper, Aug 4, 2022
1. The airbag sensor is not working. The warning signal continually flashes. My shop had airbag system analyzed. Test results showed it is not calibrated correctly. My Mazda dealer, Luther Premier Mazda, said it is an electrical problem, and I will have to pay for analysis. I paid for this analysis when Sallas had it diagnosed. 2. Due to problems with the windshield, I paid for a replacement myself, not knowing there was a recall. I want Mazda to install a Mazda windshield and calibrate the safety systems.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 31, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS WORKING ON VEHICLE, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. INVALID VIN.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Oct 17, 2020
ACTIVE RECALL FOR DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS NOT ABLE TO BE FIXED DUE TO MAZDA CLAIMING THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH PARTS TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG WAS FAILING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER HAS THE VEHICLE IN GERMANY, BUT WAS INFORMED IT COULD ONLY BE REPAIRED IN THE UNITED STATES. *JS
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Oct 17, 2020
VEHICLE AIRBAG ECU INOPERABLE AND FLASHES FAULT CODE, BUT SOURCE OF ISSUE CAN NOT BE FOUND. MECHANIC SPECULATES IT IS EITHER OCCUPANT SEAT SENSOR ISSUE OR COMPUTER SOFTWARE ISSUE.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG HOUSING WAS VISIBLE FROM UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN ROGER BEASLEY MAZDA SOUTH (4506 S IH 35 FRONTAGE RD, AUSTIN, TX 78745) WHERE THEY STATED THAT WAS A COMMON ISSUE; HOWEVER, HER AIR BAG FAILURE WAS MORE VISIBLE AND PROMINENT THAN OTHERS THEY HAD SEEN. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND THAT THE REPAIR WOULD BE OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,589.
Air bags, Apr 6, 2020
AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING ON DASH. *TR
Air bags, Aug 12, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BRUISED SHOULDER AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD, AND WAS TAKEN OVER BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR AN EVALUATION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,129. *BF*JB
Air bags, Seat belts, May 24, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ADDITIONALLY THE SHOULDER HARNESS ALSO FAILED TO PREVENT FORWARD MOTION IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CHEST INJURY DUE HER CHEST STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT YET SOUGHT. A CARDIOLOGIST WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Air bags, Apr 10, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A YIELD SIGN. DURING THE CRASH, THE YIELD SIGN CAME THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE DAMAGE; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG DID NOT IMMEDIATELY DEPLOY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED MOMENTS AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A LEFT ARM LACERATION THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Air bags, Apr 8, 2019, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN THE CLASSIC TEE BONE SITUATION. I HIT THE CAR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT OF MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. I WAS ON A CITY STREET GOING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE CAR LENGTH BEFORE THE COLLISION HAPPENED. THEIR AIR BAGS INFLATED MINE DID NOT.
Electrical system, Air bags, Visibility/wiper, Feb 27, 2019
FIRST OCCURRED ON 9/29/2017 AND MORE OFTEN AFTER 2/3/18 BATTERY DRAINS, NO START HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE BATTERY JUMPED 5-6 TIMES, REPLACED BATTERY SAME OCCURRENCES, HAVE TAKEN BATTERY TO BE CHARGED TWICE. FURTHER INSPECTION A WEEK LATER ON BATTERY AND A DRAW TEST 1, CAME BACK GOOD. COUPLE OF WEEKS BATTERY HAD DRAINED AGAIN. NO START NOTICEABLE SIGNS OF DRAIN. AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND OFF, HAVE HAD IT SERVICED PREVIOUSLY. HEAT AND A/C NOT PROJECTING LIKE NORMAL. STAINS ON WINDSHIELD. DESIGN ERROR THERE IS NO KEY ENTRY ON TRUNK WHEN CAR MALFUNCTIONS. DASHBOARD AND/OR DISPLAY SCREEN WILL OCCASIONALLY STAY ON WHEN CAR TURNS OFF. DRIVER WINDOW RATTLES. COMMAND SWITCHES FOR DISPLAY SCREEN REPLACED STILL STICKING. SEAT BELT HAS SCARED STOMACH.
Suspension, Air bags, May 23, 2018, crash
"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.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Mar 6, 2018, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT NATURAL GROCERS. WHEN THE CAR WAS GOING 2-3 MPH INTO THE SPACE GETTING READY I THOUGHT TO STOP, THE ENGINE REVVED UP LIKE A JET ENGINE. THE CAR THEN JUMPED A CONCRETE SIDE WALK, HIT THE BRICK BUILDING, AND BROKE A GAS LINE. THE CAR THEN CAME TO REST BACK IN THE PARKING SPOT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, MY FIRST REACTION WAS "WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED". A MAN WALKING OUT OF A STORE HEARD THE HISS OF THE GAS LINE AND THEN CALLED 911. HE CAME TO THE CAR AND TOLD ME TO MOVE AWAY BECAUSE THE GAS LINE COULD BLOW UP. HE NOTICED THAT MY GLASSES WERE BACKWARDS ON THE BACK OF MY NECK AND ASKED IF I WAS HURT. SHORTLY A FIRETRUCK ARRIVED, TWO POLICE CARS, AND A STORE MANAGER. THE FIREMEN SHUT OFF THE GAS LINE. THE POLICEMAN INTERVIEWED ME AND OBSERVED THE SETTING. AFTER SOME TIME THE POLICEMAN SAID "THIS WAS NOT YOUR FAULT" AND "I AM NOT ISSUING A CITATION". SOMETHING CLEARLY WENT WRONG WITH THE CAR. HE ENCOURAGED ME TO TAKE PICTURES OF BOTH THE SIDEWALK AND THE CAR FOR MY RECORDS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHOM I HAD LEASED THE CAR.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jan 4, 2018, crash
2 INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO PARKING SPACES FIRST ON 5/18/17 AND SECOND ON 12/15/17. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED THE FIRST TIME BUT NOT THE SECOND TIME. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS ORDERING AN ENGINEER INVESTIGATE SINCE IT OCCURRED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2017
ON 07/28/2017, AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO FLASH WHILE DRIVING ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS OCCUPIED. LASTED UNTIL VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. MAZDA DEALER FOUND CODE B00A0 FOR PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM. THEY RESET THE CODE AND TESTED AIR BAG SYSTEM, THEY STATED THAT ALL SYSTEMS PASS TEST. ON 10/16/2017, AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE WARNING BEEPING START UP WHILE DRIVING ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS NOT OCCUPIED. I CONSIDERED THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND NEED TO BE REPORTED. I RECORDED VIDEOS.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2017, crash
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.