The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 510 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is lighting at 154 complaints, typically surfacing around 45,272 miles (~$250 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 CX-5?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Brakes: 52 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,040–42,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
5 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Mazda CX-5? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
lighting — 154 owner reports
· tends to show around 45,272 mi · ~$250 to fix
electrical — 67 owner reports
· tends to show around 38,737 mi · ~$850 to fix
brakes — 52 owner reports
· tends to show around 32,294 mi · ~$450 to fix
powertrain — 49 owner reports
· tends to show around 16,191 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 38,737 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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.
Had a problem with your 2016 Mazda CX-5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles
If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 510 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.
Should you avoid the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Brakes: 52 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,040–42,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 5 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Mazda CX-5?
Inspect the lighting first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 154 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 45,272 miles. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 510 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is lighting. Typical failure occurs around 45,272 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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. Typical failure occurs around 45,272 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 45,272 miles. 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 510 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 22 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Mazda/CX-5.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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