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: exterior lighting
161 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Aug 20, 2025
Mazda issued a safety recall (Mazda safety recall 4320A, NHTSA campaign number 20V-063) to address daytime running light flickering/failure. At the time, only the passenger side daytime running light was replaced under the recall by Mazda, with a gasket/gas absorption sheet being installed on the driver's side. The driver's side daytime running light is now flickering/dim. Mazda did not repair the safety defect properly on the driver's side for the daytime running lights under Mazda safety recall 4320A, NHTSA campaign number 20V-063, because Mazda only installed the gasket/gas absorption sheets that have since failed, causing the daytime running lights to flicker, increasing the risk of crash. Mazda has refused to cover the cost for replacement of the daytime running lights per safety recall notice 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063, even though replacement of these lights is covered by the recall. Both a Mazda dealer and Mazda corporate customer service have been contacted regarding this issue and both have refused to provide the remedy as outlined in the safety recall. Mazda has provided an estimate of $1,466 to replace the daytime running lights. Attached Documents: -Correspondence with Mazda where Mazda's refuses to cover work -Estimate from Mazda to perform work -Original invoice from recall work performed (gasket kit on driver side only, not full light replacement)
Exterior lighting, Jul 29, 2025
Only one headlight was addressed by dealer in repair for 4320A | NHTSA #20V-063 and they're refusing to cover the other side. The other DRL led light is now out from seemingly the same cause. They stated they did not fully follow the procedure in the documents I found regarding this recall when they repaired the first one because they "pre authorized" the swap of one side on "good faith" so there is not a record I can cite around the serial or lot numbers of the new or old lights on my own.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Oct 9, 2024
The controls on the Windshield Wiper/Headlight Control Stalk are not visible when driving at night. The setting markings on the Control Stalk are completely dark at night. This creates a safety hazard when driving at night in the rain and turning on your windshield wipers or changing your headlight settings is needed.
Exterior lighting, Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the daytime running lights were significantly dimmed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V063000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Exterior lighting, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that when the headlights were turned on, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with front passenger's headlight failure. The contact was informed that the passenger's side front headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V063000 (Exterior Lighting) in 2020; however, only the front driver's side headlight was replaced at that time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V063000 (Exterior Lighting) had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Exterior lighting, May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the contact noticed through a store’s glass window that the daytime running lights were not functioning. The contact checked the lights and noticed that the lights would not display or activate properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with an unknown recall due to the date the vehicle was manufactured. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2024
Headlights are exceptionally dim, especially low beams. Recall for other models within same year not considered valid for this particular car. Ongoing but has gotten worse.
Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2024
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20V-063 Manufacturer Name : Mazda North American Operations Submission Date : FEB 06, 2020 NHTSA Recall No. : 20V-063 Manufacturer Recall No. : 4320A [XXX] My vehicle was impacted by this yet I never received notice from Mazda and when asking the dealership and Mazda USA to honor the repair I was told it was not covered. Mazda has also issues two TSBs regarding the issue, I inquired while the vehicle was under warranty but they said the issue was not covered. TSB [XXX] and TSB [XXX]. Only now did I find out about the TSBs and the NHTSA recall and the vehicle is out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the driver’s side headlight became inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 16, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The daytime running light (DRL) failed and stopped working. It is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Other cars won't be able to see my car during the daytime. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There is a Mazda reference number for the recall is 4320A. There is also a NHTSA campaign number 20V063. NHTSA 20V063: [XXX] Mazda 4320A: [XXX] Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, we can see the daytime running lights not working Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. It happened a few weeks ago. I have called Mazda and they tell me it is not part of recall. My VIN number is in the range of the VIN numbers affected. Mazda refused to fix this recall issue because my VIN number is not associated with this recall. This is a safety issue and I want my VIN number to be added to this recall VIN list. Thank you, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Apr 8, 2023
We brought our vehicle into Mazda Dealer in 2021 for campaign 20V-063(2016 CX-5 – Daytime Running Lights May Fail - Safety Recall 4320A). Our vehicle had one of the lights completely inoperable and the other flickered intermittently. Upon inspection by the dealer, they only repaired the inoperable light-unit and was unable to replicate the issue with the other light. However, the previously intermittent light is now completely inoperable and the dealer will no longer honor the repair since the campaign is closed. Please advise next steps to facilitate a repair. Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter.
Exterior lighting, Aug 26, 2022
My vehicle does have an outstanding recall on the headlight. The dealership that was servicing my vehicle closed and said they had completed the recall but had not gotten to it before they closed up. Mazda says it's my problem they did the recall. My light does not work.
Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2022
Low beam/ high beam still work normal, but the daytime running light is stop working.
Exterior lighting, May 25, 2022
By late October 2021, my right light started to flick, then my lower (normal night light) light stopped working.
Exterior lighting, Apr 6, 2022
In 2020 I was sent a recall notice for my headlights. I took my car into Foothills Lincoln Mazda in Spokane, WA for the repair. They stated that my headlights were the wrong production dates so they did nothing for the recall yet marked the repair as "completed" according to Mazda. Now both my headlights are having issues with the daylight running lights with one light flickering and the other not working at all. I have checked the documentation that I could find for the recall and found that in the repair procedures for Mazda Recall Campaign 4320A NHTSA Recall #: 20V-063 , it states the VIN number range and production dates effected and my vehicle was in the range for both. I contacted the dealer about this and they told me to contact Mazda customer service. I contacted Mazda customer service and they stated that the repair was marked completed in their system. I sent them documentation showing that the dealer didn't do any repairs. They said that the production dates didn't fit. I showed them my VIN and production dates along with the repair procedure showing that my VIN and dates fit the recall. They then stated that the lights themselves didn't fit. I sent them more pictures illustrating that it did. This process has gone on for two months now and they are saying that it doesn't fit the recall but can provide no documentation to me as to what the effected VIN numbers are or the production dates are that my vehicle doesn't meet. Can someone please assist me with this issue as I have a one year old daughter and I am concerned with the safety of my vehicle?
Exterior lighting, Sep 30, 2021
I received a notice from NHTSA (Campaign No. 20V-063) in May 2020 regarding a recall on daytime running lights due a problem with flickering or not lighting at all. A local dealership changed the lights in September 2020 at no charge to me. Now in September 2021 I see that the passenger side DRL is flickering constantly.
Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2021
LED daytime running lights (DRLs) failing while driving. Recall don for similar vehicles (4320A recall). This could impact the ability for pedestrians or nearby vehicles to see the SUV, particularly in low-light conditions when the low- or high-beam headlights aren't in use.
Exterior lighting, Aug 25, 2021
LED daytime running lights. 1 is sporadic/ flickering, and the other one is now out/ inoperable, soon the flickering one will go also. Making the vehicle harder to see by other drivers. Mazda has a recall # 4320A but my vin# is excluded? I have the same parts/ model #s as the recall! An extension of the recall, out to include my vin# would be appropriate.
Exterior lighting, Jul 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V063000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer several times and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Exterior lighting, Jul 13, 2021
2016 Mazda CX-5 Daytime Running Light may fail THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHTS FAILED. THEY WERE REPLACED BUT, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED SAFETY RECALL 4320A NHTSA 20V-063.
Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2021
2016 MAZDA CX-5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILURE SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL BUT, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 4320A NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 20V-063. THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.
Exterior lighting, Apr 29, 2021
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING
Steering, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2021
THE FOLLOWING WARNING AND WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN AROUND 34,980 MILES ON MY 2016.5 MAZDA CX-5 GRAND TOURING 2.5L SKYACTIV-G WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE: MASTER WARNING LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, POWER STEERING, KEYLESS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, SMART CITY BRAKE SUPPORT MALFUNCTION, FORWARD SCBS DISABLED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TCS/DSC INDICATOR LIGHT, TCS OFF INDICATOR LIGHT, BLIND SPOT MONITORING (BSM) OFF INDICATION, BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, ABS WARNING LIGHT, ELECTRIC BRAKE WARNING LIGHT, AIR BAG/FRONT SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, LED HEADLIGHT WARNING LIGHT, AND THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF. USING THE LEFT BLINKER WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLES POWER TO RESTART AND YES, WHILE DRIVING! THIS STARTED NOVEMBER 14, 2020 AND WHEN I NOTIFIED MAZDA, THEY DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED AND A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE LIGHT WERE NO LONGER THERE. THIS OCCURRED AGAIN DECEMBER 15, 2020 AND MARCH 5, 2021 WHEN I DECIDED MAZDA NEEDS TO RUN A DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE CLEARLY SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT. MY DEALERSHIP INSISTED IT WAS MY BATTERY (BASICALLY THE ONLY WARNING LIGHT NOT ON) AND MY REAR BRAKE PADS. THEN WHEN THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE, THEY SAID CORROSION NEEDED TO BE CLEANED WHICH WAS NOT SHOWN IN THE VEHICLE INSPECTION VIDEO. ALSO, MY CAR WAS JUST SERVICED AT MY MAZDA DEALERSHIP JULY 2020 WITH 33,706 MILES. SEPTEMBER 2020 MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND I RETURNED TO A LARGE CRACK ON THE DRIVER SIDE. AROUND 25,000 THE TIRED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, NOW AT 36,666 MILES TIRE THREAD DEPTH IS IN THE YELLOW' MY VEHICLE ALIGNMENT HAS ZERO ISSUES AND MY MAZDA DEALERSHIP IS THE ONLY ONE WHO ROTATES THE TIRES (OR SUPPOSE TO).
Exterior lighting, Mar 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED WALSER MAZDA BURNSVILLE SERVICE (14720 BUCK HILL RD, BURNSVILLE, MN 55306; (952) 892-9850) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Exterior lighting, Mar 1, 2021
MAZDA IS NOT FIXING A KNOWN ISSUE FROM A RECALL ISSUED A YEAR AGO FOR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. FEB 06,2020 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER4320A NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V-063 ONE OF MY DRLS HAS BEEN BURNED OUT FOR OVER A YEAR. MAZDA SAYS THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR. FURTHERMORE, THE DEALER WILL NOT PROMISE TO PRIORITIZE FIXING ISSUES ON CARS WHERE THE LIGHTS ALREADY BROKEN, WHEN THE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE, WHICH MEANS OWNERS WITH WORKING LIGHTS MAY GET THEIR RECALL REPAIR BEFORE I DO, WHICH IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT CAN I DO??