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: service brakes
69 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric parking brake module warning light was illuminated and the "Brake failure. Vehicle unsafe to drive," message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact expressed concern that the brakes could engage while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “Smart Brake Malfunction” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic brake caliper failure. The contact was unsure if the vehicle needed to be repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger’s side inner CV joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be driven due to the severe failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,385.
Service brakes, May 12, 2025
my brake light and my emergency brake light stays on and they blink constantly while the engine is turned on. they have been like that for at least a year. both my brakes and the emergency brake both work but I cant get the lights to go out.
Service brakes, Apr 9, 2025
from my service mechanic... "Rear brakes at 8mm/8mm on the right side, but 4mm/6mm on the left. These brakes were replaced 1500 miles ago and should not be showing this kind of wear. Examined brake pads, found evidence of overheating. Scanned vehicle, confirmed no codes from Electronic Parking Brake. Actuated parking brake and confirmed it is engaging and releasing as commanded. Found a Technical Service Bulletin related to parking brake drag on this vehicle. The brake pad damage pattern is consistent with what we observed today. Mazda recommends replacing the affect caliper(s) with an updated version to address this issue. Confirmed by lot number that current calipers are older version. TSB attached. Recommend replacing calipers and rear brake materials."
Service brakes, Aug 27, 2024
After having brakes serviced brake lights continue to come on. After research from many other complaints they are saying it’s the emergency parking that needs replaced? We shouldn’t have to replace this every time the brakes are replaced.
Service brakes, Aug 9, 2024
Back brakes arent gripping, caliper isn’t working been changed quite a few times. Either the abs or electric brakes
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 28, 2024
This vehicle has rear Electric Parking Brakes. Some time it's works sometimes it doesn't release the rear passenger side breaks. The rear passenger side brakes make to much noise and brakes pads destroy rotor earlier then others. Mazda dealers doesn't says to much on that and ask for above $1000 repair to change faulty EPB clipper. But my research says many people have same complaints with this model by mazda built-in around 2016. This is safety issue, if I replace brake pads every 4 or 5 months it cost me money. If I don't I cost me my safety.
Service brakes, Sep 28, 2023
2nd time in 40k miles right rear caliper locked up mechanic suggest getting both left and right replaced figuring if one failed its only a matter of time, calipers should last 10 years and 2nd replacement in 4 years, this is a bad safety issue
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 1, 2023
I buy this car 2 years ago and 3 months later is starting having problem with rear passenger brakes I took the car to the mechanic and he change disc and brakes pads. A couple months later is starting having the same problem in the same area but this time is was smell burn coming through the wheel I'm stop the car to check was is going on when I check the brakes it was very very hot. I take the car to the mechanic and he told me the EPB is bad he changed everything disc, brakes pads,caliper and EPB motor. He said try to don't used the EPB too much or I'm going to see you again with same problem ... So I'm stop to use the EPB for long time. One day I put my car in the carwash one guy hit the EPB when he's done with the car Im get inside I turn on the car and the brake warning light is starting flashing I say fu** not again and yes EPB get stock. This is make me crazy the EPB need to be fix from the dealer please make this common problem a recalls to getting fix for those people got the same issue.
Service brakes, Mar 31, 2023
Brakes make a jerking sound decelerating from 40 miles an hour or from coming off a freeway ramp. After two trips to the dealership, the jerking sound still persists, the dealership had mentioned it was either the ball bearings or the brake pads were worn out, but somehow the noise is still there. The vehicle still makes stop safely, but we feel that if this is not resolved that this may become a greater safety issue down the road.
Service brakes, Feb 16, 2023
Left rear outer brake pad was worn down to the backing plate. After repairs were made, it started smoking while driving. We thought it was going to catch on file. I found a Mazda service bulletin - 04-005/16 - regarding a defective brake control module that controls the electronic parking brake. Why wasn't this a safety recall?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 13, 2022
Last month, my vehicle suddenly applied the electronic parking brake (EPB) while I was driving. The EPB & related warning lights illuminated & would not release until the vehicle was turned off. After turning off the vehicle, the EPB motor could be heard applying the brake to the rear wheels. When the car was restarted, the EPB would remain off for a period of time but would then suddenly reapply. I took my vehicle to a Mazda dealer & they determined the calipers & EPB motor had failed due to my vehicle not being placed in service mode by the brake servicer. This explanation makes no sense because the brakes were replaced over a year ago (& not since) with thousands of miles being driven since then without this issue arising. I also conducted my own research & found that Mazda has issued at least 3 separate technical service bulletins (TSB) on this issue. The first two recommended replacement of the EPB switch & the third determined that defective calipers were the cause and should be replaced. I asked the dealer to save my calipers & confirmed that they are part of the defective batch noted in this TSB. I have contacted Mazda (including their legal counsel) & they are unwilling to provide any explanation or engage in any sort of investigation. As former legal counsel for an automotive company, I believe this presents a serious safety issue for consumers based upon the fact that a parking brake could randomly engage while driving & cause sudden loss of speed/control. Thankfully, this did not result in harm to my family, myself or others. I am certain that this issue is affecting others based on chatboard discussions I have found online related to this topic (which helped me find the TSB). I am concerned that Mazda may have attempted to undertake a silent recall via this TSB where in warranty customers are covered & out of warranty customers are given the 'service mode' explanation to justify their responsibility. This should have been handled as a recall by Mazda.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 12, 2022
Parked by the curb at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. I put the car in Park and left the car idling with the air-conditioning running.as it was 95 degrees and about 100 at around 8:00 AM. There was a shuttle van parked by the curb about 11 feet in front of me. I had to exit my car to talk to the driver in the car behind me. I walked to the car behind me and started talking to the driver. I glanced back at my Mazda CX5 and it started rolling forward. I ran up to the car and got the door open and stepped on the brake. The brakes did not engage. I repeated stepping on the brake several times and the car would not stop. I got in the drivers seat to shift the car into reverse and keep my foot on the brake pedal. The car would not shift into reverse. and by this time the Mazda had pinned to the shuttle van a lady who was trying to unload her luggage. On the sixth attempt to shift into reverse the shifter finally moved into reverse and by standers came to the aid of the lady that had been pinned to the shuttle van. Airport security and the Broward County police took the statements. The lady retrieving her baggage declined medical attention. When I checked to see what the police were reporting they did not acknowledge that I was attempting to stop a runaway vehicle. The report said that I failed to put the car in park and left it in drive. It is not possible to get out of a car that is idling and in gear without the car moving forward or backward before you can even get all the way out of the car. This incident happened about mid July in 2017. Near the end of June this year while in my driveway I left the car idling and in park, exited the car walking to the rear of the car and it dropped into reverse. Got back in the car and shut off the engine. July 2017 the local Mazda dealer inspected the vehicle and could not find as problem. Not unlikely with an intermittent electrical anomaly. There were no prior warning lamps in either incident.
Service brakes, Jan 11, 2022
* The Emergency Brake Module failed and it is available for inspection upon request. * The system failed and randomly turned on the parking break while I was actively driving and paused to make a left of a highway exit ramp. The parking break remained on for ~40 mins while I caused a significant disturbance to the traffic and safety of other around me as the exit ramp began to back up while awaiting a tow truck. Since it was the emergency break we were not able to put the car in neutral and push it out of the way. * Yes - Arlington Autocare confirmed the issue and has since replaced the part. * No there were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the parts failure. After the issue was identified I searched online and this seems to be an incredibly common issue with the Mazda 2016 CX5. Multiple other reports exist on line about the failure of this park and the rear breaking system. It is very negligent that a recall has not been filed given the pervasiveness of the issue and the seriousness of the safety concern should the part inevitably fail.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, squeaking noises were heard. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that both the rear brake pads were worn down to 20% and needed replacement. The mechanic informed the contact there was TSB 04-004/19 and 04-005/20 related to the failure and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that both the rear brake pads needed to be replaced from normal wear and tear; however, the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to schedule an appointment with a dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 20, 2021
Ebrake engages on its own when starting up the vehicle. You are unable to turn the ebrake off without restarting the car. The repair shop stated it is a problem with the computer module. A quick search of the internet shows that this is a common issue with this year's make and model. Luckily, the ebrake has not engaged itself yet while driving the vehicle.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2021
I WAS DRIVING AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN SO I PRESSED BRAKE TO COME TO A STOP. WHILE I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP AND LURCHED FORWARD. I HAD TO SWITCH THE CAR TO NEUTRAL GEAR TO STOP AND THEN BACK UP OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
Parking brake, Service brakes, Mar 19, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE BRAKE AND PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED JEFF WYLER EASTGATE MAZDA (1117 OH-32, BATAVIA, OH 45103, (513)752-3447) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Service brakes, Mar 5, 2021
VEHICLE HAS ONLY 29,370 MILES DRIVEN. THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINING HAS UNDUE WEAR AT 3 MM. THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LINING MEASURES 5-6 MM. DURING ROUTINE SERVICING THE MAZDA TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED ABNORMAL BRAKE WEAR. MAZDA DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR CALIPERS. MAZDA CORPORATION IS UNWILLING TO HELP. IT APPEARS MAXDA CX-5 IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR EPB AND IS UNWILLING TO ADMIT IT.
Service brakes, Feb 8, 2021
THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON MY 2016 MAZDA CX-5 STARTED ACTING STRANGE A FEW WEEKS AGO. AT FIRST IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AFTER STARTING THE CAR, BUT WOULD DO SO AFTER A COUPLE OF RESTARTS. THEN IT STARTED ENGAGING SLIGHTLY WHILE DRIVING, WITH NO INDICATIONS. STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE A FEW TIMES WOULD USUALLY RELEASE IT. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO THIS HAPPENED AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AFTER SEVERAL RESTARTS AND I WAS GOING TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. IT DISENGAGED AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES. AS I UNDERSTAND IT MAZDA KNOWS THAT THE REAR CALIPER IS DEFECTIVE (SEE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN R052/16C). THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM BECAUSE THIS IS NOT SAFE.
Service brakes, Jan 14, 2021
WITHIN THE LAST MONTH THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE SELF ENGAGED 3 TIMES WHEN I STARTED MY CAR I NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHT ON. I NEVER ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE IT TWICE, BUT THE LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. I FOLLOWED ALL THE STEPS LISTED IN THE CAR MANUAL, BUT NOTHING WORKED. I HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED IT WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE.
Service brakes, Dec 26, 2020
REAR BRAKES ARE DRAGGING CAUSING HEATING AND UNEVEN WEAR OF THE ROTORS AND PADS. AT 31000 THE REAR BRAKE PADS ARE COMPLETELY WORN AND ROTOR SHOW HEAT DAMAGE.
Service brakes, Nov 17, 2020
MY TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS TRIGGERED ON WHEN I DROVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 40 MPH. I STOPPED AT A PARKING LOT AND I NOTICED THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS LITERALLY SMOKING. LATER I WENT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND I WAS TOLD THE BRAKE WAS OVERHEATED ON THE REAR RIGHT SIDE. MY LOCAL SHOP REPLACED THE ROTOR AND PADS, HOWEVER, THE OVERHEAT PROBLEM KEPT SHOWING UP ON THAT RIGHT REAR SIDE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE PARKING BRAKE DRAGGING FOR 2016 CX5. SO I STOPPED USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE OVERHEATING PROBLEM WAS GONE. HOWEVER, THE PARKING BRAKE IS STILL DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES OVERHEAT IF USED.
Service brakes, Oct 29, 2020
WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 40 MPH ON A STATE ROAD, MY TPMS WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A SIMPLE TIRE PRESSURE ISSUE, BUT THEN I BEGAN TO SMELL BURNING. I STOPPED MY CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY REAR RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) WHEEL. I PROMPTLY BROUGHT THE CAR TO A 3RD PARTY MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME THE CALIPER REMAINED ENGAGED AND MY ROTORS WERE OVERHEATING. THEY TRIED CONTACTING MAZDA DEALERSHIPS AND 3RD PARTY SOURCES FOR EITHER NEW OR REBUILT CALIPER BUT THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK AND ON BACKORDER WITH NO ESTIMATED DATE WHEN IT WOULD BE REPLENISHED. MY CAR IS STILL UNREPAIRED AND I CANNOT DRIVE IT AS THE EXCESSIVE HEATING OF THE ROTOR COULD DISABLE MY BRAKING ABILITY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH OTHER CX-5 MODELS.
Parking brake, Service brakes, Oct 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE INADVERTENTLY ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ALSO NOTICED THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE PARKING BRAKE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,784.