Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Mazda Mazda5 body problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 4 body complaints filed for the 2013 Mazda Mazda5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Among the 7 model years of Mazda Mazda5 in our records for body problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
All of the door handles and locks have loosened and fallen off. Sliding door will not latch now. Hatch on rear has lost suspension.
While trying to open the passenger side sliding door in the winter the handle of the door broke. A plastic connector on the forward side of the handle, inside the door broke off. As I called to get a quote on repair I heard that this happens all the time. Only after I got a recall for a plastic piece on the lift gate did it occur to me that this is a safety issue. It is necessary to have a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mazda 5. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v644000 (structure) was received in september of 2013. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Mazda 5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v644000 (structure). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. ...updated 05/11/17 *bf.. ...updated…
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2013 Mazda Mazda5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, body issues most often appear around 60,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.