2023 Mazda CX-5
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 63 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 14 CX-5 model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 8 involved a crash. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
63 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2025
The adaptive headlight system and motor in 2023 Mazda CX-5 has defect and it makes buzzing noise and vibration. It was recognized by Mazda and its known defect. They should replace the defective headlight system even after the warranty period since this is not normal wear and tear part.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2025
The vehicle turned the ac off and started blowing straight hot air into the vehicle after sitting in idle for less than 5 minutes. Which resulted in my dog having a seizure and passing away. There was not a notification on the app or any type of warning for this to happen.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2025
Fuel system failure. The vehicle just dies and does not restart, this is a safety issue due to it happening when you are driving on the highway and unable to get out of the way of traffic.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 27, 2025
The car has a lot of vibration when driving 60mph and above. Have had this issue looked at more than 5 times and they had my card for 1 month at the dealership trying to find the issue. This started back in February of 2024 and I have purchased 4 sets of tires and nothing makes the vibrations of the seat, steering wheel go away. Originally it wasn’t vibrating while driving back in February of 2025 only when braking to which I said to them I think it’s the rotors that have an issue. They never check the rotors and said it was my tires that were cupped. I put new tires on the car and still the same issue and went back to the dealership in April of 2024 and let them know it think it’s the rotors. In fact it was the rotors they were warped and they balanced the tires again. The dealership recommended resurfacing the rotors to which I had done. A Couple of months later the vibration while driving started. Bought another set of tires had then installed, balanced and aligned and still vibration. I thought maybe it’s the brand so I bought another set of tires to which the problem is still there. Now besides the vibration while driving I have vibrations while braking again after the dealership put in new rotors back in Nov. 2024. When to the dealership on 06.26.25 let them know the vibration while braking is happening again and I think it’s the rotors. They check them and rotors are warped again about only 6.5 months.The service manager said she will resurface them for me for no charge but then the service advisor said if they do that that the resurfacing is going to make me have to change the brake pads as I will end up in the red since my brake pads are in the yellow right now. I said then don’t resurface because I am not paying for the brake pads when that should’ve been done the first time the rotors were warped. I feel like I risk my life everyday driving this car to work 34miles one way.
Engine, Jun 10, 2025
Vehicle is a 2023 Mazda CX-5 Signature Turbo model that had a leaking hydraulic tensioner for the serpentine belt at 15,759 miles. Mazda technician cleaned the hydraulic tensioner, and less than 500 miles later the leak returned. This is common enough in the community to expand TSB’s on this part.
Power train, Jun 8, 2025
When driving the vehicle, my car exhibits a rocking / shake when going from brake to gas at speeds below 20 mph. I was told by the dealership that it is normal operation, but when driving two other CX5’s, the behavior did not exhibit. I do not know what to do. I have also brought it to 2 independent mechanics and they told me the engine mounts needed to be replaced. I did the service at 36,000 miles and it did not get rid of the problem. It seems to be a defect of the car, which I’ve been living with since 2023. The issue has been ongoing.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 16, 2025
Summary of Events: Purchase Date: 05/27/2023 Coolant Warning: In January 2025, I received a coolant temperature warning (code P0126) indicating insufficient coolant temperature. Repairs: I brought the vehicle in for repairs on 02/15/2025 for thermostat and related parts. The repairs were completed by 02/17/2025. New Warning: On 03/18/2025, I received a high coolant temperature warning. Upon inspection, coolant was nearly empty, and I found coolant contamination in the engine bay. Notification to Dealership: I emailed Hennessy Mazda on 03/19/2025, but after no response, I filed a claim with Mazda headquarters on 03/20/2025. Only after that, they called me and instructed me to bring the vehicle in. They claimed that after replacing the faulty parts and cleaning the engine bay, the car was ready for pickup. (While they assert that all actions were completed on 03/22, Based on the fact that the car door was opened approximately five times in April, it can be inferred that the necessary actions were likely completed in early April.) Concerns: Coolant Leak: The coolant leak persisted for nearly a month, likely causing damage to internal components due to engine overheating. Electronic Contamination: The leaked coolant likely contaminated sensitive electronic systems, wiring, and connectors, potentially leading to long-term failures due to the conductive and corrosive properties of modern coolants like Mazda FL22. Long-Term Risks: Hidden corrosion inside connectors and wiring. Potential for electrical failure, sensor malfunctions, and further degradation over time. Hennessy Mazda is currently addressing only the visible issues and claiming the car is now functioning properly, while attempting to shift the long-term and hidden risks onto me. I am requesting a vehicle replacement or compensation due to the safety and long-term reliability risks posed by the unresolved coolant leak and contamination.
Steering, Apr 13, 2025
Extremely heavy steering causing excessive driver fatigue making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle at highway speeds (up to 70mph). Dealers unable to reproduce, likely due to it being cold outside when I had time to go. The hotter and dryer the roads gets, the better grip the tires have and the worse the heavy steering gets. It is significantly heavier than my old car at higher speeds and that car has no power steering. My arms are very sore after 30min - 1 hour. Mazda refuses to admit this is a significant safety issue. It gets worse when the LKAS activates at least once (too heavy I am veering around in my lane)
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2025
I motor fan is constantly on when driving. It is 32F to 40F here in Hampton Roads. There is no reason the fan should be on. I have video of the fan running at 29 degrees F. I reported it to my local mazda 3 times. A person I know in another area reported the same problem and her local mazda dealer fixed it.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Electrical system, Seats, Feb 19, 2025
Small amount of weight such as keys or phone is triggering the Occupant sensor in the front passenger seat. This issue just started and I am finding a lot of complaints regarding this.
Engine, Jan 13, 2025
Engine light came on. Immediately brought to dealer. Always serviced at dealership. One previous occurance of illuminated light reading major engine malfunction. Pulled car to side of road, called dealership who advised turn off and back on. Didn't tell me about ALL the problems that Mazda was aware of. Now I'm told my new car with 22k miles has a blown engine. No notification from Mazda about a known problem. Asked when buying the car if there were any major problems with this car. Mazda apparently lies.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the temperature was 45 degrees or lower, the vehicle failed to start properly, and the engine failed to warm up properly. The coolant light was illuminated, and the engine temperature gauge failed to rise above COLD. The vehicle occasionally failed to start or while started and driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled while and engine temperature failed to reach the normal operating temperature. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact would shift to SPORT Mode to prevent the cylinder activation from occurring and causing the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was hesitating while driving in temperatures of 50 degrees or less. Additionally, the key fob intermittently failed to unlock the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and had to be towed. The contact stated that during the recent failure, the battery was disconnected, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the key fob battery had been replaced 6 times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired for the engine failure. The contact called another dealer, J. Allen Mazda (15150 Airport Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503); however, only an appointment to inspect the vehicle was made but the vehicle was not yet inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
Engine, Jan 3, 2025
The Low Oil Warning Light comes on between oil changes. I think this is the 3-4th time. I will have to add 1 quart of oil to the car after 3000-4000 miles. I only have about 33,000 miles on this vehichle and do the oil changes myself. I checked for leaks at the oil filter and oil drain plug. No indication of oil leaking or I would see it on the floor of my garage. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine using excessive amounts of oil. It could be available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I plan to take it into the dealer for next oil change and report it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The Low Oil warning comes on
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Dec 22, 2024
The vehicle continues to have safety features malfunctions with its sensors. The forward facing camera sensor and the Blind Spot Monitoring Sensor continues to malfunctions when driving in clear visibility with light to heavy traffic at random times during a day. These features assist the driver to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving. My vehicle has almost crashed several times due to the failures of the features such as the stop and go traffic and forward facing crash detection not working properly.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2024
Headlight of the motor keeps rumbling in about 25000 miles of usage. Expense of fixing such a motor is estimated between 2500-2800$. Further, it is unknown how safe it would be for someone to keep driving such a car with a rumbling motor if they dont fix it. This sound and vibration of the motor can be felt even in a standing car when lights are on.
Lane departure, Nov 18, 2024
Blind spot sensors blocked error messages. This will happen at least a few times a year. Usually on long freeway drives, using cruise control, at night, and when cooler out (less than 60f). Restarting the vehicle makes the error codes go away and the system functions normally afterwards. Seems like either a software glitch or the system detects a guard rail for a while and gets confused and throws a Error message. This shouldn't be happening on a newer vehicle.
Steering, Aug 19, 2024, crash
Was driving up [XXX] when simultaneously my dash board lit up with errors and malfunctions, my interior lights started flickering and my steering wheel and brakes locked. Unable to control the vehicle I gripped the wheel for dear life praying as it veered left. The 2023 CX 5 with only 18K struck the guard rail and went black on the inside and out. Only then was I able to counter the ricochet of the impact by redirecting the vehicle back on the grass to avoid getting smacked by 2 tractor trailers. SMH, I really almost died and now have to fight with my insurance to prove to them this is a real issue with these vehicle malfunctioning. I hope this helps someone and possibly save a life(s) - toyota_would_never, Greensboro, US INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Jul 13, 2024
When the vehicle light position is on Off at night the daytime running lights on the front of the vehicle come on which appear to be the same as the normal headlights, but the back lights are completely out. The brake lights work, but the back tail lights and licence plate light are out. The car's light switch is on the turn signal arm and can be moved inadvertently when using the turn signal. At this point you assume you have all around vehicle lights because the front headlights are on which are really the Day TIme Running Lights (DTRL). The DTRL are as bright as the normal headlights at night. This gives you the false impression that all of the outside vehicle lights are on. When this happens you are driving with no back vehicle lights which is a major saftey issue.
Visibility/wiper, Visibility, May 6, 2024
The driver's side mirror tends to vibrate or shake more than the passenger side mirror, especially at speeds above 50-60 mph or in windy conditions. It has been a common complaint among Mazda owners for quite a while, and it seems to be a design flaw that Mazda has not yet addressed with a permanent solution.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 30, 2024
I love this car, but it has a bad habit, the vehicle accelerates on its own. If you take your foot off the gas, the car will intermittently lurch, almost jump forward. I’ve learned to deal with this by simply keeping a strong push on the break, but it is definitely is an issue. Another issue I’m having is the back lift gate. I’ve been told that the sensors are on each side of the gate and perhaps when drying the vehicle, I touch them they run along each side of the liftgate fully visible. I have 17,000 miles on my car right now and when the lift gate opens closes it stops halfway and it beeps. I then have to push it down to close. I took it to the dealer and they say it will cost me if they have to check the sensors. This is extremely annoying to have an automatic lift gate, and I have to push it down myself.
Visibility, Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she entered the vehicle and noticed that the sunroof glass had exploded. The contact stated that she inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced because a rock had probably struck the sunroof. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was awaiting an email from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 16,127.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Back over prevention, Apr 23, 2024
Slowly and cautiously entered parking lot of a small strip mall. Proceeded to a parking space located in between two parked vehicles.Maneuvering into parking space I removed foot from gas pedal toward the break pedal; before foot made contact with break pedal the vehicle accelerated on its own surging over the cement parking bumper, over bushes, through the grass, down the curb and into the street. I jammed on the breaks. Lifting foot from break pedal I did not touch the gas pedal in fear the surge might happened again. Instead I allowed the vehicle to coast as I guided vehicle to the curb. In all the commotion, while trying to control vehicle safely I noticed the dashboard transmission indicator lights flash from park to drive to neutral. Safety issues for me and family at risk because we had no control over the acceleration of the vehicle.
Tires, Apr 18, 2024
I purchased a brand new 2023 Mazda Cx-5 on December 2022 from Daytona Mazda. The car has been great up until 34,310 miles when I noticed vibration in the steering wheel. I take the car to Sport Mazda North in Longwood Fl. They checked the brakes and rotors and tires. My brakes and rotors are fine. They stated my tires have cupping. They suggested a wheel balance to slow down the cupping process and they suggested and alignment as well. But that I would need to replace the tires if I wanted that cupping to be gone. I buy new tires and have them installed by Pep Boys because I was tired it the vibration. I have them check the alignment while I was there and the alignment came out great with all the numbers in the green. The tires still had 7/32nd left on the tires so that’s about 70% of tread left. The dealership downer warranty the tires and Yokohama won’t warranty them. They stated i needed to send the tires back. I let the rep know that ok so you wanted me to risk my safety to send those tires back to you to examine them. I let the rep know that I don’t have those tires as I had new tires put on on [XXX]. I am trying to get compensated for the new tires I had to buy because of a premature issue with the OEM tires. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Jan 24, 2024
While I was driving I heard an extremely loud noise (like fireworks). I slightly opened the sun roof cover and saw shards of glass. I pulled over to inspect further and realized that my sun roof glass had exploded! I saw no signs of anything (particularly rocks) that may have caused it. I called the dealer, and they had me bring it in. They have ordered a new sunroof, and gave me a loaner car. Luckily I did not have the inside cover open, or the glass would have shattered all over the inside of my car.