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Vehicle safety record

2016 Mazda CX-5 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 512 complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-5 with NHTSA, most often about the lights (161) and the brakes (72). Those complaints describe 31 crashes, 10 fires and 13 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in February 2020 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2015 has 133 and the 2017 has 150.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical CX-5 year, for its age

#31 most complained-about 2016 vehicle

Complaints
512
Recalls
5
Crashes
31
Fires
10
Injuries
13
Deaths
0

Most common 2016 Mazda CX-5 problems

Share of all 512 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls 5

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: headlights

20V06300036,761 vehicles affected

The problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
The risk
If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Structure: hatchback / liftgate

16V644000580,455 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
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.

Steering

16V203000578 vehicles affected

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

Fuel system: filler pipe and cap

16V064000268,799 vehicles affected

The problem
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."
The risk
A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
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.

Visibility: windshield

16E002000193 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

What owners say

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512 complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-5

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 21.

Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

My windshield wipers stopped working completely. I am unable to see out my front window properly while its raining. Yes the dealership said that my front body control module needs to be replaced which is the same issue that other Mazdas from the same era have had safety recalls for (nhtsa campaign 19v272000). No it hasn't been inspected by anyone other than a Mazda dealership. The front wipers slowly stopped working. First the highest setting didn't work at all, then the wipers would work sporadically, and now they don't work at all.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11774059
Seats & seat belts

I own a 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring and discovered two brown, burn-like marks on the lower seatback of a heated front seat. I suspect the seat heater overheated and damaged the upholstery. The discoloration is concentrated in the lower back/lumbar area, and I have photographs documenting it. I am concerned that continued use could cause further overheating, burns to an occupant, or a fire. I am reporting this as a seat-heater safety defect and requesting investigation.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11772683
Suspension

Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues caused multiple failures of virtually every component of the rear suspension - control arms, rear springs, etc. The repair cost for JUST the subframe was $3813. Not repairing it was not an option - the...

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vehicle had failed mandatory State of Maine inspection (a safety thing, if I'm not mistaken). This should be a Mazda problem, not a me problem. I contacted Mazda USA about this issue and got no response.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11754892
Suspension

Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues caused multiple failures of virtually every component of the rear suspension - control arms, rear springs, etc. The repair cost for JUST the subframe was $3813. Not repairing it was not an option - the...

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vehicle had failed mandatory State of Maine inspection (a safety thing, if I'm not mistaken). This should be a Mazda problem, not a me problem. I contacted Mazda USA about this issue and got no response.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11754891
Electrical systemBrakes

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric parking brake module warning light was illuminated and the "Brake failure. Vehicle unsafe to drive," message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact expressed concern that the brakes could engage while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11753843
Electrical system

Repeated Failure and Rebooting of Mazda Connect Infotainment System I am the owner of a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The factory Mazda Connect infotainment system has developed a recurring defect in which the system repeatedly reboots to the Mazda logo while driving. Prior to complete failure, the navigation system became intermittent and Bluetooth connectivity frequently disconnected, requiring repeated attempts to reconnect devices. The system now continuously cycles through the startup screen, making navigation,...

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hands-free phone functions, and system settings inaccessible. These repeated reboots occur while the vehicle is in motion and are distracting to the driver. The flashing and rebooting screen repeatedly draws the driver's attention away from the road and interferes with the use of navigation and hands-free communication features that are intended to promote safe driving. After researching this issue, I found numerous reports from other Mazda owners experiencing the same symptoms involving the Mazda Connect system, navigation SD card, and Connectivity Master Unit (CMU). The frequency and similarity of these reports suggest that this is a widespread and well-known defect rather than an isolated incident. Because this defect affects driver attention and the safe operation of the vehicle's communication and navigation functions, I respectfully request that Mazda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this matter and require Mazda to issue a recall or establish a repair program for affected vehicles. Vehicle: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Mileage: 70k

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11745804
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the cruise control cancellation switch failed to operate as intended after several attempts or while depressing the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact was able to deactivate the cruise control using the main cruise control power switch. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11744529
Electrical system

In 2024 I started having problems with my battery replaced it 3 times last time with a Mazda battery per Mazda advice. The car started to jerk while driving took it back to Mazda said it could be fuel injectors. They cleaned them and problem persists. Took it back they cleaned purve valve and then I broke down while leaving on [[redacted]] . Called service dept called police since it was in the middle of the blvd. And in traffic. We were lucky no one hit us. They took my car gave me a loaner had it for 10 days. ...

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Couldn't find any problems. Then in 4/2025 it completely died at my home I called Mazda they were able to jump the battery and had it for a month. Couldn't find any problem. And now we are in 5/2026 my car was in my drive without out being driven for 3 days and now is dead once again. But it is so dead that I cannot open with fob and dash board is black. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11741365
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic diagnosed with a sensor failure and needing to replace a catalytic converter. The oxygen sensors were repalced.r was replaced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle stalled while reversing. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 131,860.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11740585
Visibility & wipers

(I am the owner of the car and am filling this out for my daughter who was driving it at the time, I was not with her during the incident) While driving down the road in the rain the wipers just stopped working. I have not had any dealers ID the specific problem yet. We replaced the wiper 20amp fuse and it did not fix the problem. There were no warning lamps and there are still no warning lamps. My safety was put into danger when I could not see out the window. I was nearly at work so I waited for the rain to slow down some was able to make it to work. The rain cleared while I was at work and it has not rained since. It is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11740504
Transmission & drivetrain

Any time the vehicle has been sitting with the engine off and has been given enough time to "cool down", upon starting the vehicle and switching from PARK to DRIVE, the vehicle will violently lurch forward while attempting to reach 2nd gear. This is dangerous behavior that is not normal for any vehicle. There is clearly something wrong with either the transmission or the way the software communicates with the transmission. When the engine is within normal temperature it doesn't display this dangerous behavior. A similar TSB was issued for the 2nd generation of CX5s but not for this generation of CX5s

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11739757
SteeringSuspension

I was slowly turning left into an alley when I heard a loud noise, the front of my car dropped, and the car immediately stopped and was immovable. Upon getting out of the car, it appears some joint separated from the wheel.

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 11736286
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingFuel systemCrash

My wife was driving our 2016 Mazda CX-5, and was getting ready to pull into our daughters' driveway. My wife slowed down to a stop before entering the driveway. She gave the vehicle some gas to move forward. She stated that there was a pause, then the vehicle accelerated forward slamming into the garage door and the corner of the garage/house. There was also a Tesla parked inside the garage that was knocked back about a foot and a half. The distance from the edge of driveway and street to the garage door is about...

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27 feet. This happened at 1:30 PM. The weather conditions were great, sunny and dry. Thankfully, no one was hurt. If my wife was another foot to the right, she would have hit the support post for the upper balcony, and there would have been a good chance of the balcony falling on top of her. Or, if someone was standing in front of my wife when she entered the driveway, they could have seriously been hurt! There were no warning lights on prior to the accident. This happened last Sunday, April 19, 2026. We had the car towed to a local body shop on the same day as the accident. The vehicle was towed away the very next day to our insurance company's salvage lot in Bakersfield. I do have all the information, address and phone number, of the lot where our car was towed to. Hopefully, the car can still be inspected by the proper authorities. Thank you for your time!

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11734199
BrakesTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the message "Smart Brake Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic brake caliper failure. The contact was unsure if the vehicle needed to be repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger's side inner CV joint had...

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failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be driven due to the severe failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,385.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Power trainNHTSA 11730245
Fuel system

High pressure fuel pump has been replaced twice in less than a year. Car has less than 100,000 miles. Both times the fuel pump went out while driving, causing loss of acceleration and stalling of vehicle. Had to be towed to shop both times.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11728753
Engine & cooling

Vehicle was taken to an authorized Mazda dealership for 60,000-mile service; coolant system drained and refilled. Immediately after service, check engine light illuminated (P011A - engine coolant temperature sensor correlation issue). Dealership retained vehicle, drove ~300 miles, performed a second coolant flush; issue persisted. Dealer determined heater core clogged, attributed to coolant contamination/corrosion introduced during service. Another CX-5 at the same dealership experienced the same issue. Safety...

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Concerns: Heater and coolant system failure may affect cabin comfort and engine temperature monitoring. Occurred immediately after authorized service, suggesting procedural or system-related defect. Noted in Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 07-007/19 as a known issue. Attempts at Resolution: Mazda offered partial goodwill assistance (~$775-$875) and assigned partial responsibility to the customer. Multiple attempts to escalate with Mazda Customer Experience (Case manager Betty) have not resulted in a satisfactory resolution. Dublin Mazda dealership service department, Mr. Frank Gozales (866-502-9912) mentioned original coolant by Mazda has caused this issue on 2016, and 2017 Mazda CX5 and is Mazda problem. I am requesting NHTSA review of this issue for potential defect or safety investigation.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11728567
Electrical systemDriver assistance

My screen begins to change the display without me touching it. It has interrupted my GPS directions, causing me to get lost. It has gotten worse over time, now causing my back up camera to either not display at all or become partially blocked by another application randomly starting on the screen. My emergency brake lights flash on my dash, and auto technicians tell me it is a malfunction with the electrical system, not something in my brake system that needs to be replaced. We have tried that. These problems I...

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have been told are not the responsibility of the manufacturer. I don't understand why. It is distracting, alarming, and because it is getting more frequent with more systems being affected, it puts the driver in danger. This is not due to wear and tear - it is due to a faulty electrical program.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Back over preventionNHTSA 11727814
Fuel system

The fuel pump system needed to be replaced completely, although the mileage is just around 60000 miles.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11725034
Airbags

Airbag light is flashing. Independent shop found code B00C1:93-8B. OCS Sensor B. Shop sent owner to dealer for inspection & repair. Charged 57.24. Dealer found DTC B00C1 passenger seat occupant classification sensor b. Replacement cost for the part 1,110.13, plus shop fess and tax for a total repair cost of this critical safety item would be 1,197.29. I did not have this service performed due to the high price. This safety item should be covered by the manufacturer. I recently learned that a dealer may not sell a car with this safety issue so I want it fixed and covered by Mazda.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11724666
Electrical systemSeats & seat beltsFire

I noticed smoke filling the inside of my car. I looked over at the passenger seat, and my coat was on fire. I poured my drink on it, pulled over, and threw the coat out of the car. I saw a large hole in the lumbar area of the passenger seat, and it was glowing red and putting out a lot of heat. The seat heater was on, so I immediately turned it off. It was obvious that the fire has started inside the seat, and there was no other fire source in car--ie. lit cigarette, lighter, etc. If someone had been sitting there, they would have serious burns. The seat will need to be replaced.

Filed Incident Electrical system · SeatsNHTSA 11717451
Seats & seat belts1 injury

Leather heated seats .. safety put at risks because I suffered burns on my bottom (butt) from the driver seat getting too hot to the point where it burned the seat itself as well , and made a brown burn mark on the seat ... Both of my cheeks got burned .. this can in the long run cause skin damage and worse case scenario cancer. No it hasn't been inspected No warning lamps

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11714979
Suspension

With no prior warning, just after turning into driveway, my car got stuck and would not move. It gave clicking sounds and would not move no matter which gear it was in. The towing service person needed a dolly in order to safely lift the vehicle onto the towing bed because the front, driver's side tire would not move and was pushing into the fender. So far, the control arm and axel are completely separated from the car. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the spontaneous injury. This all happened without warning.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11708612
Electrical system

Passenger side seat heater overheated and burned upholstery.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11707809
Electrical systemSeats & seat beltsFire

I was driving down the road and started smelling smoke then looked over and my passenger seat was in flames.

Filed Incident Electrical system · SeatsNHTSA 11707639
Electrical systemSeats & seat beltsFire1 injury

The front passenger seat heating system caught fire and burned through the fabric and my dog's seat. The fumes made me and my dog nauseous.I had to swerve across the highway and stop on the shoulder to extinguish the seat fire/burn. The fuse was pulled for safety. The seat is in storage for inspection. Mazda will be contacted.

Filed Incident Electrical system · SeatsNHTSA 11697961

Mazda CX-5: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20201100100Electrical systemC
2019274272Engine & coolingD
2018126310Engine & coolingB
2017150150Electrical systemB
201651253110LightsF
20151334110Body, doors & structureC
2014377470Electrical systemD
2013194161Electrical systemC
20121000Acceleration & cruise controlA
All CX-5 years

2016 Mazda CX-5 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2016 Mazda CX-5

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-5: headlights (February 2020); hatchback / liftgate (September 2016); steering (April 2016); filler pipe and cap (February 2016) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (161), brakes (72), electrical system (72).

How many complaints has the 2016 Mazda CX-5 had?

512 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 15, 2015 and the latest on October 27, 2026. Of these, 31 describe a crash and 10 a fire, and together they report 13 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mazda CX-5 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mazda CX-5 years have the most complaints?

2016 (512), 2014 (377), 2019 (274). See every Mazda CX-5 year compared.

What should I do if my 2016 Mazda CX-5 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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