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: other or unspecified
57 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2026
Repeated Failure and Rebooting of Mazda Connect Infotainment System I am the owner of a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The factory Mazda Connect infotainment system has developed a recurring defect in which the system repeatedly reboots to the Mazda logo while driving. Prior to complete failure, the navigation system became intermittent and Bluetooth connectivity frequently disconnected, requiring repeated attempts to reconnect devices. The system now continuously cycles through the startup screen, making navigation, hands-free phone functions, and system settings inaccessible. These repeated reboots occur while the vehicle is in motion and are distracting to the driver. The flashing and rebooting screen repeatedly draws the driver's attention away from the road and interferes with the use of navigation and hands-free communication features that are intended to promote safe driving. After researching this issue, I found numerous reports from other Mazda owners experiencing the same symptoms involving the Mazda Connect system, navigation SD card, and Connectivity Master Unit (CMU). The frequency and similarity of these reports suggest that this is a widespread and well-known defect rather than an isolated incident. Because this defect affects driver attention and the safe operation of the vehicle's communication and navigation functions, I respectfully request that Mazda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this matter and require Mazda to issue a recall or establish a repair program for affected vehicles. Vehicle: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Mileage: 70k
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2026
In 2024 I started having problems with my battery replaced it 3 times last time with a Mazda battery per Mazda advice. The car started to jerk while driving took it back to Mazda said it could be fuel injectors. They cleaned them and problem persists. Took it back they cleaned purve valve and then I broke down while leaving on [XXX] . Called service dept called police since it was in the middle of the blvd. And in traffic. We were lucky no one hit us. They took my car gave me a loaner had it for 10 days. Couldn’t find any problems. Then in 4/2025 it completely died at my home I called Mazda they were able to jump the battery and had it for a month. Couldn’t find any problem. And now we are in 5/2026 my car was in my drive without out being driven for 3 days and now is dead once again. But it is so dead that I cannot open with fob and dash board is black. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2025, crash
UNKNOWN Slowly driving into garage when suddenly the engine revved up loudly and unattended accelerated forward, causing extensive damage to front of car, a piece of furniture and garage wall
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 9, 2025
The vehicle's air conditioner expansion valve is defective/malfunctioning. While driving the vehicle with the air conditioning operating a loud whooting noise fills the interior of the vehicle. The noise sounds like the siren/hooting sound the police make when they want you to pull over or get out of their way. But the sound is loud and comes from inside the car jarring the driver and passengers. I purchased the car in early 2017 new. I first noticed the AC issue in the summer of 2018. I brought it up to Herzog-meir mazda (where i bought the car) when scheduling an oil change. they said they could not replicate it and so there was nothing they could do. I brought it to them at least 4 times with the same issue. Each time they sent me on my way and said they couldn't replicate it. I brought it up to Foothills Mazda in Spokane in 2023 and again they said that they couldn't replicate it and sent me on my way. This past august i had to schedule the car for an update covered by a class action lawsuit and had them look at the noise issue again. Prior to scheduling I has research online if others have had the issue and low and behold lots of mazda owners have. It is a known issue that mazda has created a "helpline" to deal with it. So I brought it up while scheduling it and asked to make sure they researched the AC expansion valve prior to my appointment (more than a month out). The Mazda lady that scheduled my appointment heard the noise several times with I was idiling the car and finishing scheduling the appointment. The first available appointment wasn't until Oct 1st so of course it wasn't hot enough outside to replicate the situation that causes the noise. Again, they charged my the diagnostic fee and sent me on my way. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2025
Our sunroof exploded while we were driving on the highway. Glass shattered on us and fell while we were driving with a very loud explosive noise.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 29, 2025
Keyless entry stopped working, key fob battery replaced as well as car battery. Coolant issues. Heater core and sensors
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 13, 2025
The engine light constantly appears along with the "Schedule Maintenance Soon" light. Taken to dealership many times within my 3 month warranty and no definite reason was given.The vehicle rides very bumpy though sway bar was inspected and supposedly repaired by dealership during my 3 month warranty.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 18, 2025
Water pump failed causing coolant leaked into engine causing major engine damage
Other or unspecified, Feb 25, 2025
My 2016 Mazda CX-5 has had ongoing issues with the infotainment. It freezes up in cold weather and the screen goes blank for long periods of time. This has been an ongoing issue with Mazda vehicles. I had to replace the SD Card in December 2024. The cost was $326.50. There is currently a class action lawsuit by Frederick Law Group 836 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, Pa 15701, Phone number 724-801-8555. When the infotainment goes out during phone calls or navigation, it is a distraction while driving. I called Mazda and chatted with Travius about this issue and forwarded by receipt for the part. He said Mazda would not reimburse me. Can the NHTSA help in getting the reimbursement do you have any suggestions?
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2024
My infotainment screen for my Mazda CX5 has bubbles on it. I contacted Mazda and they said this is an issue that many people have complained about, but there is no recall. The screen on the inside has a screen protector that is peeling off and eventually I will not be able to use my touchscreen. There should be a recall or an investigation into this issue. Please help or let me know where I can get more information. I should not have to pay $900 for a new screen kit.
Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2023
Ghost Touch on infotainment system. The infotainment system will randomly make selections - make calls, change gps location destination, change settings, turn off screen, give verbal instructions, etc while driving. This is very distracting and can be a safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2023
The 'Infotainment' system in my car stopped functioning which in turn disabled the back-up camera. Mazda knew about this issue, which has been widely acknowledged as a manufacturer's defect in the system, shortly after my purchase of these vehicle. They took responsibility for this issue in the Seattle area when a large number of these units all became defective at once. However, they seemingly went out of their way to not acknowledge this issue to the rest of their customers. They issued a TSB to their dealers (tech service bulletin 09-017/17) to help them resolve the issue with any dealer inventories, but there was no notice to customers nor any recall. The absence of the rear view camera is a safety issue that I believe should have been addressed.
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2023
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2023
My 2016 Mazda CX5 lost the main computer. This powers the nav system, radio, apps associated with the vehicle but most importantly, the rear view camera. As a result, the back up camera does not work properly due to the computer system remaining in a reboot mode. When I initially reported the problem to Mazda they indicated that they would order the part. They claimed supply chain issues and as a result, kept pushing the replacement delivery date forward. It has been over a year and was just advised there is another 4-5 months wait time. My wife and I have been very patient but recently, events took a turn for the worse. The car must have been designed with the rear view camera as a solution in the reduced visibility of the actual car design. My wife came close to backing into a child. This has scared us now and unfortunately the car can’t be traded in without taking a financial hit. There has been no real answer why this part is taking 1.5 years for delivery but we can’t believe the lack pf attention that Mazda has placed on our concerns. This is absolutely a safety issue and someone needs to investigate if this is happening with many of these vehicles. I would hate to see someone lose their life due to corporate neglectfor safety. Thank you for listening.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2022, crash
KEYLESS IGNITION -- THE PANIC BUTTON WENT OFF INADVENTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AND THE SOUND SYSTEM WENT OFF AND THE CAR STOPPED WORKING. THE KEYLESS IGNITION WAS LOCATED IN THE CUP HOLDER. iT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND CALLED AAA.
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2021
I was driving down the highway when my moonroof suddenly and unexpectedly “exploded.” I quickly came to the conclusion that it didn’t happen due to an external cause; I hadn’t gone under an overpass and there weren’t any other vehicles nearby that could have caused an object to hit my car. The weather had been clear that day, and my car had been parked in the shade prior to this happening. When I got to my destination a few minutes later, I could see the glass had broken outward.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2021
As I was driving to work, the moonroof window exploded causing glass to fly every where. Thankfully, I had my sunshade closed so no glass came into the vehicle. Had it been open, I would have been hit by glass shards. There had been no damage to the moonroof window previously, no cracks or issues that I was aware of. While attempting to get it repaired, I was told that this had happened on the same type of vehicle one other time that the shop was aware of. I am currently waiting to hear back from Mazda regarding replacement/repair for the moonroof.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY HUSBAND AND OUR SUNROOF GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. WE JUST HEARD A REALLY LOUD BANG AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, WE COULD HEAR THE WIND BLOWING AND OUR SUNROOF COVER WAS BEING FORCED OPEN. WE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AND FOUND OUR SUNROOF BROKEN TO PIECES. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY/CLOUDY AND IN THE 60S. THERE WAS NO BRIDGE OR OVERHEAD PASS, NO BIG TRUCKS DRIVING NEARBY US. THE ENVIRONMENT OUTSIDE WAS FLAT, DRY LANDS.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2021
VEHICLE MAKING FRONT END NOISE. MAZDA OCALA CHARGED $100 TO DIAGNOSE, TIGHTEN PARTS, QUOTED $845 FOR ADDITIONAL WORK RECOMMENDED BY A SERVICE NOTICE. SIMILAR TO RECALL 16V-203. MAZDA 800-222-5500 STATES VIN NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL, VEHICLE OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY, SUGGESTS TAKING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2021
LIFTGATE PROBLEMS, SOMETIMES THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT OPEN NO MATTER HOW I TRY TO OPEN IT. OTHER TIMES IT OPENS AND JERKS UP OR SLAMS SHUT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. IT HAPPENS WHEN ITS RUNNING AND IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT RUNNING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 3 YEARS. IT STARTED ABOUT 1 YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR AND CONTINUES TILL THIS DAY.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2020
AT 38,000 MILES THE AC WENT OUT, WOULD NOT BLOW COLD AIR. HAD IT INVESTIGATED, AND TH SYSTEMS NEEDED A REFRESH. DYE WAS USED TO DETERMINE WHAT MAY BE LEAKING, NONE FOUND. HOWEVER A YEAR LATER SAME ISSUE- CONFIRMED THROUGH TSBS THAT MAZDA EVAPORATORS HAD POOR BRAZING AND COULD DEVELOP SLOW LEAKS. THAT IS THE CASE WITH THIS CAR, AND NOW THE COMPRESSOR HAS FAILED, LIKELY DUE TO LOW COOLANT LEVELS FROM THE LEAK. MAZDA NOT WILLING TO SUPPORT THIS ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2020
AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE, THE GLASS ON MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE WEATHER WAS ABOUT 70 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND THE CAR IS TYPICALLY GARAGED EXCEPT FOR WHEN I DRIVE IT. WE DID NOT KNOW AT FIRST WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND IT WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING AS THE SOUND WAS VERY LOUD. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE SUNROOF--CRACKS, ETC. AND IT WAS A FACTORY-INSTALLED SUNROOF. AS YOU WILL SEE FROM THE PHOTOS, THE GLASS EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2020
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE PURCHASE SEPTEMBER 15, 2016, THE CAR WILL INTERMITTENTLY UPON APPLYING THE BRAKE TO STOP, ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. IF MY FOOT WASN'T ON THE BRAKE I WOULD BE PROPELLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR POSSIBLY INTO A CROSSWALK. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND TOLD THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THIS EVENT AND ALL CHECKS OF THE CAR WERE NORMAL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE LAST EVENT WAS YESTERDAY, MAY 24, 2020. I HAVE READ OF OTHER OWNERS OF THIS 2016 GRAND TOURING CX-5 MAZDA TO HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO ACTION ON THE PART OF MAZDA. THIS IS EVEN AFTER ACCIDENTS OCCURRED.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2020
ON MARCH 1, 2020, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT SOUTH ON RT. 41 (TAMIAMI HIGHWAY) IN NORTH PORT, FLORIDA WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE HEARD AN 'EXPLOSION' THAT STARTLED HER. IT WAS THE SUNROOF THAT EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON ON OUR 2016 MAZDA CX-5 PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 AND CURRENTLY WITH 62,000+ MILES ON IT. FORTUNATELY, THE UNDERLYING SUNROOF PANEL WAS CLOSED, SO NONE OF THE GLASS FRAGMENTS ENDED UP IN HER FACE/ARMS/CHEST, WHICH, IF HAPPENED, COULD HAVE ALSO CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2019
AT ~26,000 MILES MY DRIVER SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE FAILED.