2017 Mazda CX-5
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 148 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 14 CX-5 model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 5 involved a crash. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesNov 21, 2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.
Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1617K.
Campaign 17V744000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2025
The infotainment system suffers from ghost touching. It has gotten out of control even after a “recall” fix at the dealership. Without being touched the volume changes, the stations change, the presets change, the car makes calls to my contacts. I am often unable to control the screen as it turns the car to max volume while driving. It is extremely unsafe, distracting and alarming.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2025
CX-5's infotainment system RANDOMLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING STARTS BEEPING AND CHANGING OPTIONS WHILE DRIVING, A VERY DISTRACTING EVENT. I TRIED TO SHUT THE SCREEN OFF BUT IT COMES BACK ON RANDOMLY AND CAUSES CONCERN AND DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING, IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS NOW AND OF WHAT I READ MAZDA WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2025
My vehicle has had the "Ghost Touch" issue that has been reported on many Mazda vehicles and even had a recall for the 2014-2016 models since I got the car in 2018. Mazda has refused to do a recall or cover repairs even though it's still being reported as an issue on multiple different models of Mazda. This happens on a constant basis and just keeps getting worse. Here is the original recall notice from NHTSA: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10164268-0001.pdf
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2025
Infotainment system "touch" screen doesn't work and I experience "ghost" touching where it's as if someone is actually pressing the screen to toggle between the different functions, raise/lower the volume, etc., when my hands are no where near the screen. It's a very dangerous distraction when it happens while driving.
Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2025
Touchscreen continues to change to different screens Ghost touch screen malfunction is know to dealer as prior year models have also had problems and recall was issued Dealer won’t cover cost of repair as it’s out of warranty This just started so I wouldn’t have known during warranty The dealer will repair for $750 which is not fair as it’s a known problem It is very distracting while driving and even if I turn the display off it will come back on
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2024
The vehicle – display has a ghosting issue with the screen keeps on changing without me, touching the controls. It will switch from one function to another function independently, and sometimes the screen goes blank. This display was replaced under recall in 2020 and I’m starting to have similar problems now in 2024 for the last 10 months. When the screen goes blank, this compose a safety hazard.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2024
The infotainment system has a known problem called "Ghost Touch". The screen will randomly change from am to fm radio, make phone calls on its own, change screen during navigation. Mazda knows of the issue with this model. This should be a recall as it can severely distract a person while driving. Mazda says this is not under warranty even though I have extended warranty and the millage is only 32,000. Please make this a recall before a serious accident occurs.
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2024
The sunroof exploded while driving on the interstate. The noise was terrifying and I didn't know what it was at first so I slid the sunroof cover open a little and glass started coming down. I pulled over the interstate (dangerous in addition to the glass) and the sunroof had exploded. I was not going under an overpass and no vehicles in front of me, nor did I hit anything that kicked up
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Apr 20, 2024
The center screen started self selecting on its own, and randomly choosing options that included going into the setting for Adas system and turning stuff off and on.
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2023
I'm deeply concerned about the safety issues with our 2017 Mazda CX-5's infotainment system, VIN [XXX] . This info system is a risk, especially when driving with our child. I believe that a recall for the info system should extend to our vehicle, as it poses a safety risk for all customers. This issue came to my attention when my husband was in Traverse City, MI, during the pandemic 2019-2020, no mazda dealerships there. Now that we've moved back to Hawaii in summer 2022, where there's a Mazda dealership, I had our car inspected. The dealership in Waipahu, Hawaii, informed me that I needed to replace the head unit for $1785 then as it is out of warranty. I find it unfair to bear this cost for a safety issue that isn't my responsibility, mazda said it’s out of their hands. Now the quote is at $2912.32 for the part and totals $3,283.06 with only a 12 month warranty on this new part. This limited 12 month coverage is ridiculous when I will be paying over $3000. The problem has worsened over time, becoming extremely dangerous for my family and everyone else on the road. The info system turns on by itself, doesn’t accept touch commands sometimes, operates on its own, making changes etc. even when not in use, blacks out the screen, then maxing out the volume, and repeatedly playing a loud automated voice “Navigation will be at this volume”. Alternatively, when backing up when this occurs it also dims the back up camera on the info system for the vehicle which is a huge safety concern. The only way to stop it is to turn the car off completely. This is extremely unsafe when I am driving. I've tried to mute or turn off the system while driving, but it quickly turns back on, creating a severe unsafe distraction. I'm concerned that I might face this issue eventually leading to a car accident. I shouldn't have to pay for a safety replacement when I believe this is Mazda's responsibility. This issue is a is a threat to everyone's safety on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2023
This particular Mazda model has a ghost touch issue with the infotainment system. It will start selecting buttons on its own, which includes changing stations, randomly calling people, hanging up on people, dimming back up camera, changing different settings within the infotainment system. This is a major safety hazard as I have almost gotten in several accidents from this distraction. This has happened so many times that I cannot pinpoint one specific date. Mazda is aware of this because there is a service alert currently for this issue.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2023
While driving 65 mph on a highway the sunroof glass shattered. The car was not hit by debris from a truck or other car as there were none within 50 ft. I heard a loud boom and shattered glass rained down on me, the passenger seat and backseat. Fortunately I kept control of the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2023
Infotainment system randomly starts navigating (as if someone is pushing the touch screen) through menus and selections. Suddenly changes volume to full volume startling me while driving. This was also an issue in 2016 models that was already corrected via safety recall but was not extended to the same Infotainment system in 2017 models. Been ongoing issue since I purchased my pre-owned CX5 in 2021
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2023, crash
The infotainment center has been randomly changing settings and radio channels. When it is taken over, I cannot regain control of it until it stops. I've seen online this called "ghost" controlling. It will increase the volume so lout, that I jump sometimes. Also, the rear camera mode of the system froze while I was backing up causing me to hit a vehicle parked across from me.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2022
The media system glitches and has what Mazda calls "ghost touching". It is very common on 2017 Mazda CX-5 models. When driving, the entertainment system starts to spaz as if someone is switching back and forth through media, phone, navigation, system settings, etc. It is extremely distracting when driving, and can lower/increase the volume as well as call contacts when driving. There is no way to stop this from happening which is a huge safety issue if you are driving and have to try and get it to stop working or it increases the volume so much so that you cant hear whats going on around you.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: Infotainment screen goes haywire changing music stations, turning on/off lights, making phone calls while the car is driving in motion. The problem happened multiple times and it can happen anytime. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: Puts the driver and other cars at risk because driver gets freaked out by changing stations, turning on/off lights, calls being made, etc. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: Not yet. I plan to take to the dealer hope there is a recall for this issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: No warning signals, messages or other indicators.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2021
The car display turns on and off, creating distraction and inability to control car setting, including safety capabilities. This display was replace by an authorized dealer on August 2020 but in September 2021 the display start given the same issues that concern my safety and the safety of my family.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2021
I am experiencing a Ghost Touch issue on my Infotainment system. There has been a recall for Maxda 3 but not for Maxda CX5. On the website I am seeing several complaints about Ghost touch issue where the screen randomly clicks buttons and changes by itself. My warranty ended on Oct 2020 so Mazda would not help resolve this issue as part of recall or warranty. My mileage is still under 30K miles. Mazda service department reviewed it and accepted that it is a manufacturer issues on the touch screen. I am hoping that if there are enough complaints on Mazda CX5, you can help the customers here.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2021
The entertainment display starts going haywire when the car is stopped. Changes channels on and inputs totally randomly. Very dangerous when I start driving. Cuts off phone calls etc.This happens everyday since I purchased the vehicle about six months ago.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2020
MAZDA INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM KEEPS REBOOTING WHILE DRIVE, STATIONARY, IN MOTION & ON A CITY/HIGHWAY, USING THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM BECOMES DANGEROUS, CAN'T USE THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM AT ALL.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2020
THE SUNROOF ON MY MAZDA CX-5 JUST SHATTERED FOR NO REASON. NOTHING HIT IT. IT JUST SHATTERED ALL OF THE SUDDEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2020
DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY @ 65 MPH (NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND & NOT UNDER A BRIDGE) WHEN WITHOUT WARNING, THE MOONROOF EXPLODED OUTWARD. SOME GLASS PIECES FELL INTO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE MAJORITY EXPLODED OUTWARD.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2020
CODES APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWING BRAKE DYSFUNCTION, SMART BRAKE SYSTEM DISABLED, MASTER ERRORS, AND MULTIPLE OTHER ERROR MESSAGES. NAVIGATION TURNS ON BY ITSELF AND FLASHES AND MOVES OR CHANGES LOCATIONS. THE VEHICLE WILL BRAKE BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN NOTHING ELSE IS AROUND NEAR ME (AT THE TIME) AND WILL DRIVE TO THE SIDE AT LIGHTS WHEN OTHER CARS ARE THERE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2019
WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMAELY 40 - 50 MPH MY 2017 MAZDA CX5 SUNROOF EXPLODED. I WAS NOT NEAR AN OVERPASS NOR WHERE THERE ANY VEHICLES AROUND ME. AFTER THE EXPLOSION, I CHECK TO MAKE SURE IT WAS NOT MY TIRES, NEXT I CHECKED M WINDOWS AND PULLED ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WALKED AROUND CHECKING TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS BROKEN. WHEN I LOOKED ON MY ROOF, I SAW THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. THANKFULLY, I HAD MY SUNROOF VISOR CLOSED. SINCE MY SUV WAS UNDER 2 YEARS OLD I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE CAR DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO COME IN. OF COURSE WHEN I GOT THERE THEY SAID THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSED AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY LOANERS SIGNED IN. I WAS ADVISED THAT WINDOWS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTIES AND SHOULD CALL SAFELITE (THAT IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT STORY). AFTER I MANAGED TO PUSH DOWN THE BROKEN GLASS SO IT WOULD NOT FLY ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I DROVE I HEARD THE SHATTERED GLASS SLIDING ACROSSED MY ROOF AND DOWN THE METAL SIDES. IT WAS NOT A GOOD EXPERIENCE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THAT SOMETIMES THESE THINGS HAPPEN AND NOBODY REALLY KNOWS WHY.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2019
ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO HAD A SENSOR REPLACED THAT AFFECTED ALL THE BRAKING SYSTEMS. ALL INDICATORS HAD COME ON MY DASHBOARD (ABS, EMERGENCY PARKJNG BRAKE ETC...). THAT SEEMED TO FIX THE ISSUE. FORWARD 6 MONTHS AND SAME ISSUE ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD FOR BAKING SYSTEMS ARE LIT UP. EXCEPT THIS TIME IT US AFFECTING THE ACCELERATION WHEN LIGHTS FIRST COME ON. WAS AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE LIGHTS START TO BLINK ON THE DASHBOARD. THE INTERSECTION LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS AND THE CAR CHUGGED ALONG FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. I TURNED ON MY HAZARDS AND WENT TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE WHEN THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WENT TO STEADY AND I COULD ACCELERATE. THIS ALL HAPPENED AFTER THE SERVICE TEAM AT THE DEALERSHIP LOOKED AF IT AND "FIXED" WHAT WAS WRONG AT A COST OF OVER 200 TO ME. NOW THEY ARE SAYING SOME HARNESS OR SOMETHING IN THE REAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.