COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Mazda CX-5 electrical problems

458 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

14 crash reports10 fire reports10 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

217 reports with mileage · 241 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 owners actually said

458 reports
2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
Electrical System

This is a complete electrical system failure. My screen continues scroll All Systems fails. At least it is not draining the battery again. I have had to replace the battery 2 times in the last 6 months. Maybe CarMax sold me a "lemon". . I received a recall notice, however when I spoke with the service department at the Bob Maz…

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This is a complete electrical system failure. My screen continues scroll All Systems fails. At least it is not draining the battery again. I have had to replace the battery 2 times in the last 6 months. Maybe CarMax sold me a "lemon". . I received a recall notice, however when I spoke with the service department at the Bob Mazda dealership in Carlsbad and they told me that the recall on my vehicle is closed. I can come in for repairs, but at my own expense. I have only owned this vehicle for 6 months in which 2 months I was in the hospital recovering from a major surgery. When I get in my car and start it, if it starts the "blue" light is on every time, which is apparently Thermostat. After about 20 minutes or so the light turns off, sometimes 30 minutes. The next part is the scrolling malfunctions. It lists about everything on the car. I am [XXX] and live in Baja. I live in a very safe, gated with a security guard neighborhood, however I am scared of going any due to my car issues and being stranded. I also really need to cross the border to see my doctor but I am afraid. When you have to replace 2 batteries in 6 months and I have only driven under 5,000 since I purchased the car. Mazda needs to make me whole. My car also only has 24,000 and when I bought it had20,000 miles. There is something seriously wrong, actually multiple things are wrong with my 2019 Mazda. A person should never be afraid to get in the vehicle due to safety issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11650634

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2025
Electrical System

While driving, the infotainment screen went crazy! It randomly changed screens rapidly, and the navigation voice started talking loudly about changing volume level, and repeatedly. Very distracting and dangerous.

NHTSA ODI #11650403

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2025
Electrical SystemPower TrainService BrakesCrashInjury

On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was …

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On [XXX], I was the operator of a 2019 Mazda CX-5 in Los Angeles, California. I parked the vehicle on an incline on or around [XXX] in Los Angeles, California, and then exited the vehicle. The vehicle remained stationary for some time, until it suddenly began rolling backwards at a speed that pushed me to the ground while I was getting my things from the passenger side door, causing me serious injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11646520

2020 model year · Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2025
Electrical SystemService Brakes

I bought this 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5L all wheel drive from a big dealership on July 31, 2023. I started having issues with EPB (electronic parking brakes) in February 2024. When I put the e-brakes on, the yellow parking brake light and the red brake light would come on. Seems like they would engage and disengage just fine exc…

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I bought this 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.5L all wheel drive from a big dealership on July 31, 2023. I started having issues with EPB (electronic parking brakes) in February 2024. When I put the e-brakes on, the yellow parking brake light and the red brake light would come on. Seems like they would engage and disengage just fine except those 2 lights would stay on no matter how many times I tried turning the e-brakes off. I put a new battery in because of some research I did to no avail. Tried putting it in service mode then taking it off service mode......which did work for a couple of months. Then the problem reappeared and the two lights came back on. Sometimes you hear the e-brakes retracting on the rear right side only. And you can smell the brakes from heating up. On 2/26/2025 after getting out of work, I got in my car, turned it on and boom the brake lights are on again. I tried to drive and noticed the e-brakes were engaged. I didn't do it because I don't use the e-brakes at all for fear it would get stuck on and leave me stranded. I have been dealing with this for months and I am so frustrated. This car is only 5 years old. It shouldn't be having e-brakes issues. I've been doing a lot of research and found out that a lot of Mazda owners are having this very same problem. Mazda is very aware of this issue and has known about it for some time, but refuses to do a recall. I’m afraid to drive the car for fear that the e-brakes would engage while I'm driving in the highway and cause me to have an accident. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. I don't know what else to do. One thing I do know...... if Mazda doesn't fix this issue, I will never buy a Mazda again and make sure my kids never buy a Mazda either.

NHTSA ODI #11645203

2019 model year · Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The infotainment system within the Mazda has a variety of issues. 1. Its CarPlay system is extremely slow to connect to the mobile device via a USB. 2. 'Mobile Device Error' message pops-up frequently and disconnects the infotainment system from the mobile device. 3. 'Ghost Touch' occurs when driving under 20 mph. The screen fr…

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The infotainment system within the Mazda has a variety of issues. 1. Its CarPlay system is extremely slow to connect to the mobile device via a USB. 2. 'Mobile Device Error' message pops-up frequently and disconnects the infotainment system from the mobile device. 3. 'Ghost Touch' occurs when driving under 20 mph. The screen fritz's out, will randomly press buttons, turn settings on and off, and there is no control over it. 4. Screen freezes. System and screen will either lag extremely slowly, or will freeze entirely. In sum, these issues are not only annoying but also a safety concern. It is extremely distracting for this to happen while you are operating the vehicle. Furthermore, it suddenly removes your mapping/navigation directions that you might be using.

NHTSA ODI #11644631

2023 model year · Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2025
Electrical SystemSeats

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.

NHTSA ODI #11643803

2020 model year · Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

Forward Braking Safety Sensor Was on transmission after braking check engine light . Was driving car from work it lost all power . And those warning ⚠️ light indicators where on . Car wouldn't go over 15mph . Took vehicle to mazda and dropped it off as my husband requested information do so . Mazda called say diagnostic saying …

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Forward Braking Safety Sensor Was on transmission after braking check engine light . Was driving car from work it lost all power . And those warning ⚠️ light indicators where on . Car wouldn't go over 15mph . Took vehicle to mazda and dropped it off as my husband requested information do so . Mazda called say diagnostic saying it needed plugs ,coil packs serpentine belt and adjuster pulleys replacement. I called my husband he's a mechanical engineer he said no way it needs a tune up that early. He requested information go get the car as he flew home from working outta town. We took it to scooter's place certified mechanic in Indian Head md . Scooter's place diagnostic scan said completely the opposite. Say it was the cars brain aka cpu send false signals causing misfire to all components of vehicle . He change one spark plug and car ran normal. He told us it wasn't a fix it was cpu and no matter tune up or not . The computer was the issue. I went back to passport mazda in Suitland Maryland to give them second opinion issues the GM wouldn't give my money back for false diagnostic readings and refused to listen or hear what I had to say I was to upset to continue and decided to leave . He kept saying he wasn't a technician so he doesn't know but was explaining technician issues that were incorrect i have both diagnostic detail paperwork which i will attach with report

NHTSA ODI #11642604

2020 model year · 80,000 miles · Feb 13, 2025
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2020 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and lost automotive power and failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle failed to return to normal operation. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the infotainment system was inoperativ…

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The contact owns a 2020 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and lost automotive power and failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle failed to return to normal operation. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the infotainment system was inoperative. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the CPU system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11642539

2020 model year · Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

My infotainment display has a prevalent ghost touch issue that causes majors distractions while I'm driving, and no warnings on when it'll happen. The ghost touch will end my navigation, end my calls or put them on hold, call random people in my contacts, turns on/off the music, changes the volume, changes various settings (some…

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My infotainment display has a prevalent ghost touch issue that causes majors distractions while I'm driving, and no warnings on when it'll happen. The ghost touch will end my navigation, end my calls or put them on hold, call random people in my contacts, turns on/off the music, changes the volume, changes various settings (sometimes safety settings), switching back/forth to different things, etc. It used to only happen when the car was not moving or I'm parked (as the touchscreen is only supposed to be available then), but now it's happening even when I'm driving on the freeway. I used to try correcting/fixing whatever by using the knob control, but the problem can become so severe that even when I use the physical knob I can't gain control over it. I can't turn off the infotainment display because the ghost touch just turns it back on! I brought it into my local Mazda dealership for regular servicing and decided to ask about it, but they're quoting me over $800 to fix it. They said it's a common issue they get all the time and it's something to do with a faulty screen?? Not too sure what exactly, but a friend of mine said he had the same issue and the issue was too sporadic he decided to disconnect the touch screen altogether. It's too much of a distraction to deal with while driving, even for quick trips to the store, etc. It causes cognitive, visual, and manual distractions...these faulty screens are putting us all at a higher risk of being involved in an accident by taking our attention away from driving, even for just a split second.

NHTSA ODI #11638986

2024 model year · Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I have a sensitive key fob that releases my hatch without my knowledge or intention. Twice my hatch opened causing damage to my hatch inside my garage. I’ve have read many complaints about the same issue, dating back years and some having their hatch open while parked outside. I have contacted the dealership and the corporatio…

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I have a sensitive key fob that releases my hatch without my knowledge or intention. Twice my hatch opened causing damage to my hatch inside my garage. I’ve have read many complaints about the same issue, dating back years and some having their hatch open while parked outside. I have contacted the dealership and the corporation all saying there was a nothing that can be done. This is a major concern since the key fob is so sensitive and can activate in only a second to touch

NHTSA ODI #11637134

Related Official recalls

1

17V744000 · Electrical System:wiring; Trailer Hitches

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical System:wiring

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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

Related NHTSA investigations

0

No component-matched exact-year investigations in this snapshot.