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
510 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Jul 28, 2021
The component that failed was the CMU unit in my screen. I was unable to use Bluetooth and hands free driving which put my safety at risk and when driving at night the screen would light up, reboot, shut down, light up which was very distracting. I took it to the dealership which they said this is happening in cars and they will not cover it. They fixed it at a cost of $864.34. I contacted Mazda and explained how distracting this is to drive and they explained there is nothing they could do but give me a $250.00 credit.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 27, 2021
Driving on the interstate. Driver plus 3 passengers,fair amount of luggage. Listening to a book on CD. Windows up, air-conditioning on. Driving 70 mph smooth road. No cars in immediate vicinity. Suddenly there is a loud bang which scared the crap out of me. Pulled off the roadway to see what had happened. Turned out the moon roof had exploded. Fortunately the inside cover was closed otherwise the occupants would have been shredded by a glass grenade.
Engine, Jul 20, 2021
Original belt tensioner was failing at 50k miles. An oem mazda belt tensioner was installed and is failing again within 1 year at 67k miles. If this fails the belt powering the water pump will fail causing a catastrophic engine failure due to overheating. Mazda has yet to issue a recall with their defective parts. If you hear any squeaking of the belts from your engine and notice any residue leaking from the tensioner get it replaced ASAP or your car could become a hazard.
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.
Steering, Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal loud clanking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed with the bolt torque needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V203000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
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.
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.
Power train, Engine, Jun 15, 2021
Dealer identified drive belt tensioner as leaking and in need of replacement on a Mazda CX-5 with less than 30k miles on it. Many owners have reported identical failures at or around 30k. An insufficient part that is failing so frequently, this early on with low mileage is a significant safety issue.
Exterior lighting, Apr 29, 2021
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING
Electrical system, Apr 20, 2021
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM CONTINUOUSLY REBOOTING / CMU GOES BAD. CANNOT REBOOT WITH REMOVING NAV CARD, ETC. THIS DISABLES BLUETOOTH, NAVIGATION, AFFECTS THE CAMERA. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS ONLINE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE ACROSS THE BOARD.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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??
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.
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.
Exterior lighting, Feb 5, 2021
I HAD A RECALL FOR MY DAYTIME RUNNING HEADLIGHT OVER A YEAR AGO, AND I TOOK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED. NOW, OVER A YEAR LATER THEY STILL DON'T HAVE THE PARTS IN. IT'S BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS.
Exterior lighting, Feb 4, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED SANTA MARIA MAZDA (1001 E BATTLES RD, SANTA MARIA, CA 93454, (805) 925-0077) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER HOWEVER, SHE WAS PROVIDED THE OPTION TO PURCHASE ON HER OWN TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED. 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2021
NEARLY A YEAR AFTER THE INITIAL RECALL NOTICE, MAZDA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO SUPPLY THE PARTS TO FIX RECALL #20V-063. THEY SEND POSTCARDS AND EMAILS MONTHLY, INDICATING THAT I HAVE NOT YET BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. THIS IS UNTRUE, I HAVE TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO HAVE THE DEFECT CORRECTED ONLY TO BE TOLD PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. ARE THEY COMPLYING WITH THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS RECALL? I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK THEY ARE NOT BEING TRUTHFUL ABOUT THEIR FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED PARTS.
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.