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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-MAZDA-CX-5
2016 · Mazda

Mazda CX-5 problems

5 safety recalls. 500 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.0 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

lighting
154 reports · avg $250
moderate
electrical
63 reports · avg $850
severe
brakes
52 reports · avg $450
severe
powertrain
48 reports · avg $2,500
severe
visibility
39 reports · avg $350
moderate
engine
20 reports · avg $3,100
severe
body
14 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
airbags
12 reports · avg $1,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 CX-5 · other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE ON THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED GARLYN SHELTON MAZDA (5700 SW H K DODGEN LOOP #363, TEMPLE, TX 76504) AND WAS INFORMED THAT…
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292027.0
2016 CX-5 · electrical Fire
I was driving down the road and started smelling smoke then looked over and my passenger seat was in flames.
12/29/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707639.0
2016 CX-5 · brakes
THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN FAULTY SINCE I'VE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. THERE IS A LOUD SCREAM THAT IS NOT FROM DUST OR WEAR. THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES ARE VERY LOUD EVERY TIME I APPLY THEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS, HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY…
12/29/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164037.0
2016 CX-5 · other
I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 45-50 MPH WHEN I HEARD LOUD POP, AND NOTICED SMALL CHIP THE SIZE OF A PENCIL LEAD IN THE TOP MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THEN ANOTHER LOUD POP AND THE CRACK APPEARED DOWN THE MIDDLE TOWARD PASSENGER SIDE FROM THE CHIP. THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND THAT…
12/29/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11057494.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 3 of 5

severe NHTSA 16E002000 19/01/2016

Pilkington North America, Inc

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.

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.
severe NHTSA 16V203000 11/04/2016

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

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

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.
severe NHTSA 16V644000 06/09/2016

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

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

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.
View all 5 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 500 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is lighting, with 154 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The lighting is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mazda CX-5 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Mazda CX-5?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 500 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $250, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mazda. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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