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2016 Mazda CX-5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most CX-5 years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 133.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

335 reports with mileage · 175 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

31 crash reports10 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

510 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2021
Electrical System

THE DRIVER'S SEAT POWER ADJUST HAS BEEN SQUEALING EXTREMELY LOUDLY EACH TIME I ADJUST IT, AND BASED ON WHAT I'VE READ, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND COULD BE A SIGN OF THE DRIVESHAFT/MOTOR FAILING.

NHTSA ODI #11389487

63,000 miles · Jan 14, 2021
Service Brakes

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 WORKE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11388123

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2021
Exterior Lighting

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 WAYNE MAZDA (1244 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470; (888) 449-1108) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE …

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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 WAYNE MAZDA (1244 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470; (888) 449-1108) 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11386414

31,000 miles · Dec 26, 2020
Service Brakes

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.

NHTSA ODI #11385041

24,250 miles · Dec 7, 2020
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V068000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. FITZGERALD MAZDA FREDERICK (114 BAUGHMANS LN, FREDERICK, MD 21702, (301) 696-9200) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V068000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. FITZGERALD MAZDA FREDERICK (114 BAUGHMANS LN, FREDERICK, MD 21702, (301) 696-9200) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. RECENTLY, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,250. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11378292

30,020 miles · Dec 7, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE MILEAGE 30,020. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. REPLACEMENT COST 920.60.

NHTSA ODI #11378225

47,000 miles · Dec 2, 2020
Electrical System

MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM REBOOTS CONTINUOUSLY THROUGH MULTIPLE SCREENS AND CANNOT BE TURNED OFF OR DISABLED. THE CONTINUOUS REFLASH THROUGH MULTIPLE HIGH INTENSITY LIT SCREENS CREATES A VISUAL DISTRACTION FOR NIGHT DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11377550

53,824 miles · Nov 29, 2020
Engine

DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION BY THE DEALER FOLLOWING AN OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVE BELT TENSIONER HAD BEGUN TO LEAK AND IF NOT REPLACED (AT $400) WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL AND WILL STRAND MOTORIST. CURRENT MILEAGE 53, 824. WITH LITTLE EFFORT I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEH…

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DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION BY THE DEALER FOLLOWING AN OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVE BELT TENSIONER HAD BEGUN TO LEAK AND IF NOT REPLACED (AT $400) WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL AND WILL STRAND MOTORIST. CURRENT MILEAGE 53, 824. WITH LITTLE EFFORT I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE WITH MANY FAILING AT AROUND THE 30K MILE MARK. LOOKS LIKE A DESIGN FLAW THAT MAZDA USA IS PASSING ONTO THE CONSUMER.

NHTSA ODI #11376998

19,000 miles · Nov 17, 2020
Service Brakes

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 OVERHEA…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11375160

100,000 miles · Nov 17, 2020
Exterior Lighting

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 NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE …

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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 NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS TURNING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, HE NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAMSEY AUTO CENTER (9625 HICKMAN RD, URBANDALE, IA 50322) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11375006

Official recalls

4

20V063000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Feb 6, 2020

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

16V644000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

16V203000 · Steering

Apr 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

16V064000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Feb 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Mazda CX-5 problems