This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Mazda CX-5 electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have filed 66 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 35,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 CX-5 | 48 |
| 2014 CX-5 | 114 |
| 2015 CX-5 | 7 |
| 2016 CX-5 (this page) | 66 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 44 |
| 2019 CX-5 | 41 |
| 2020 CX-5 | 29 |
3crashes
5fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 66 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Mazda CX-5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Owners have filed 66 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Mazda CX-5 in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may experience one or more electrical malfunctions after a vehicle body repair. A newly painted fender stay (2) may be causing a poor front harness (1) ground connection. The front fender stay (2) newly painted surface at ground point (3), where attachment bolt (4) is seated, may create a poor front harness ground connection. NOTE: DO NOT paint ground point (3) attachment bolt (4) is seated. NEWLY INSTALLED FRONT FENDER STAY NOTE: CAUTION: If the bolt (4) contact area (3) is painted when the front fender stay (2) is newly repl
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all PCM terminals used in SKYACTIV® vehicles and compare suspect terminal drag with a known good terminal. To measure the voltage/resistance avoiding any terminal damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all PCM terminals used in SKYACTIV® vehicles and compare suspect terminal drag with a known good terminal. To measure the voltage/resistance avoiding any terminal damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 CX-5 electrical system generates consistent complaints across multiple failure modes. The electronic parking brake engages suddenly while driving or refuses to release, sometimes requiring engine restart; owners cite Mazda TSBs identifying defective calipers and EPB switches, yet some dealers blame service procedures or blame low battery, leaving the root cause unresolved in many cases.
LED daytime running lights flicker or dim out by 30K miles—near warranty expiration—with full headlamp replacement costing $1,100–$2,400 per side. Moisture inside the lens housings suggests gasket failure. Owners report headlamps on national back-order and find hundreds of identical complaints online.
The touchscreen infotainment system randomly clicks controls, changes stations, disables the backup camera, and reboots multiple times on startup (sometimes 1–10 cycles before stabilizing). Software updates don't fix it. Dealers either quote $864 for component replacement or say parts are back-ordered indefinitely.
Battery drain, no-start conditions, and cascading sensor failures occur without clear root causes despite multiple replacements. Seat heaters catch fire in at least two documented cases, burning through fabric and creating serious burn hazard. Soy-based electrical harness insulation attracts rodents, causing horn and headlight loss plus risk to safety-critical systems. Some owners describe catastrophic electrical events affecting steering and brakes simultaneously, with dealers unable to diagnose or repair.
Same Mazda CX-5 electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Unwanted Engagement & Release Failure
EPB applies suddenly while driving or remains engaged after release attempts. Warning lights illuminate and motor audibly engages rear brakes. Often occurs intermittently at random. Owners report it affects safety and drivability; some trace the issue to defective calipers or EPB motor/switch, with Mazda TSBs issued. Dealers have blamed service procedures or low battery voltage, though replacement parts may be defective batch units.
When: Intermittent; occurs at various mileages (36K–70K+ miles noted). Can recur after restart, temperature-dependent in some cases.
Symptoms owners cite: EPB engages/locks up during driving with warning light on; EPB will not release or releases only after engine restart; Flashing EPB warning light when attempting to disengage; EPB motor audibly applies rear brake; Rear brake noise, premature wear, or overheating; Issue persists or worsens in warm tropical climates; Smart city brake alarm activates while moving without cause
Codes mentioned: C2005 (Electric Park Brake Motor Gear Unit RH Circuit Malfunction), C112A (Incorrect Electric Parking Brake Motor Gear Unit Position), C2006 (Electric Park Brake Motor Gear Unit LH Circuit Malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced calipers, EPB motor, and rear brake pads. Costs cited include replacement of entire brake system. Some owners cite $1000+ repairs. Battery replacement ($185+) suggested in some cases without definitive resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda issued at least 3 TSBs: first two recommended EPB switch replacement; third identified defective calipers requiring replacement. Owners report Mazda unwilling to investigate or engage further; concern that silent recalls via TSBs benefit in-warranty customers while out-of-warranty customers blamed for service procedures.
Infotainment System Reboots, Freezes, and Ghost Touch
Touchscreen display exhibits random uncontrolled interaction ('ghost touch'), reboots repeatedly, freezes, or fails to initialize. System changes radio stations, exits navigation, clicks buttons on its own, and disables backup camera. Owners report this occurs during driving and parked states alike. Software updates by dealers have not resolved issue. One case mentions possible HD radio channel corruption.
When: Occurs intermittently; can happen daily or multiple times per day. May begin months after purchase. One case noted starting after 6,300 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen scrolls/clicks buttons randomly without user input; System reboots 1–10 times on startup before stabilizing; Navigation and radio stations change unprompted; Screen goes blank/blinks on and off repeatedly; Backup camera turns off while in use or remains on while driving; GPS/navigation shuts down mid-trip; Bluetooth and phone functions unavailable during reboot
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have offered software updates (ineffective in multiple cases). Some owners quoted $864 for CMU unit replacement. Parts are backordered; one case showed 2-month dealer wait with no parts available. Full touchscreen replacement cost cited as needed in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda issued a recall for the same infotainment issue on 2016 CX-3. Some CX-5 owners report Mazda will not address the same problem on their vehicle or offers only volume-down/mute as a 'solution.' One owner received $250 credit after dealer repair cost $864.
LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) Failures
Driver-side and/or passenger-side DRL LED lights flicker, dim, or stop illuminating entirely. Owners report moisture/condensation inside headlamp lens and suspect faulty gasket at headlamp base. All LED replacement requires full headlamp unit swap at high cost. Multiple owners note the failure occurs shortly after factory warranty expires (near 30K miles). Back-order status of headlamps reported.
When: Typically 14K–39K miles; many failures near end of basic warranty period. One case noted replacement after 14K miles, then passenger-side failed later.
Symptoms owners cite: DRL flickers or does not illuminate on one or both sides; Moisture/condensation visible inside headlamp lens; LED appears very dim compared to other side; Daytime running lights fail after approximately 30K miles
Repairs/costs cited: Full headlamp assembly replacement required; no individual LED repair available. Cost cited: $1,100–$2,400 per side (owners note $1,500–$2,000 range common). Some dealers charge $100+ just to troubleshoot auto-bright function.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda refuses repair outside warranty; informed owners car is out of warranty despite known widespread problem. No recall issued. One owner found NHTSA complaints showing same issue on many 2016 CX-5 units. Headlamp units reported on national back-order.
Electrical Harness Damage by Rodents
Soy-based insulation on engine and electrical harnesses attracts and is eaten through by squirrels/rats/rodents. Damage causes loss of critical functions (horn, headlights) and can affect safety-critical systems. One case describes timing problems and multiple warning lights (check engine, traction control, tire pressure) triggered by rodent damage to engine harness.
When: Can occur within normal service life; one case at 28K miles. Recurring in same vehicle (second occurrence reported).
Symptoms owners cite: Horn stops working; Headlights fail; Engine timing abnormal/loud; Multiple warning lights illuminate (check engine, traction control, tire pressure, smart city brake); Random braking and inability to accelerate; Visible chewing damage on harness insulation
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost over $1,500 cited. Involves replacement of damaged harness sections. One owner reports having to repair same issue twice.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in complaints. Owners argue soy-based insulation is a design flaw that should trigger recall due to safety implications (loss of ABS, fuel injection, airflow sensor control).
Battery Drain and No-Start Condition
Battery drains repeatedly despite replacement; vehicle fails to start. In some cases, low voltage is blamed on EPB switch or other ancillary electrical draw. Multiple jump-starts and battery replacements do not resolve intermittent drain. One case involved dashboard/display staying on when car is off.
When: Can recur over weeks/months even after battery replacement. One case began 9/29/2017 and worsened after 2/3/2018.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains to no-start state; Vehicle requires jump-start multiple times (5–6 times cited); Dashboard or display screen stays on after engine off; Low voltage measured at EPB switch or elsewhere; Airbag light intermittently illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement ($185+ suggested cost). Draw tests performed but inconclusive in some cases. One owner noted airbag light service history but dealer could not isolate root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented; dealers blamed low voltage or suggested battery replacement without identifying root electrical fault.
Seat Heater Fire Hazard
Seat heater malfunction causes passenger seat to overheat dangerously, catching fire. Large hole burned through seat fabric and lumbar support, with glowing red heat source visible. One case reports passenger coat placed on seat caught fire. Another case describes similar risk: passenger jacket extensively burned after seat heater malfunction.
When: Can occur during normal operation; no mileage threshold noted. One case happened early in ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater generates excessive heat; Visible glow/red heat in seat structure; Burning smell from seat; Hole burned through seat fabric; Fire risk if occupant is seated
Repairs/costs cited: Seat requires replacement. Fuse pulled for safety in at least one case. Seat retained for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda will be contacted per owner statement; no documented resolution.
Unintended Acceleration During Parking
Vehicle accelerates without driver input while attempting to park. Occurs on two separate occasions in same vehicle. Foot on brake does not prevent acceleration. No airbag deployment on impact. Mechanic found low battery code on second incident, but battery did not need replacement. No mechanical codes found by independent shop.
When: Two incidents occurred at approximately 70K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably while parking; Brake pedal depressed but vehicle does not slow; No warning lights preceding failure; Code reader shows low battery (second incident) despite battery being adequate
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; minor collision damage repaired at independent shop. No mechanical failure identified by code reader on first incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer not notified; manufacturer not made aware.
Power Steering and Brake System Electrical Failures
Catastrophic electrical failures affect power steering and brake operation. Warning lights including airbag light flash on dashboard. Two such failures occurred within two months, and dealer unable to diagnose or repair.
When: Two failures within two months; no mileage given.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering failure; Brake system failure; Multiple warning lights flashing (airbag, etc.); Loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer had no solution; vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response.
Engine Failure Due to Warning System Malfunction
Vehicle loses power at highway speed, engine stalls, and will not restart. Check engine light and oil change reminder failed to illuminate despite extremely low oil level. Owner relied on automatic reminder which never activated. Engine failed due to lack of maintenance, but warning system prevented owner from knowing.
When: Approximately 130K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate as intended at 60 MPH; Abnormal rattling sound from engine; Engine stalls after pulling to shoulder; Vehicle will not restart; Check engine light did not illuminate; Oil change reminder did not illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; remained unrepaired at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of failure.
Keyless Start System Failure to Auto-Shutoff
Vehicle continues running after driver exits without pressing stop button and closes door with key fob in possession. Vehicle will run until fuel is exhausted. Design allows vehicle to idle indefinitely in garage, creating carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
When: Design issue present at all times.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle continues running after driver leaves without pressing stop button; No auto-shutoff timer implemented; Risk of carbon monoxide accumulation in garage if driver forgets to press button
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; design issue requires manufacturer intervention.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told owner concern was unfounded; vehicle is designed to run until fuel depleted if stop button is not pressed.
Main Harness and Electrical Module Faults
Vehicle will not start after minor collision/body work repair. Electrical system failure suspected; diagnostic testing ruled out throttle body, BCM, and PCM, pointing to possible main harness issue. Vehicle crank but will not turn on. After four months of dealer work, issue remains unresolved.
When: Issue began after fender bender collision repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not start/turn on; Electrical system failure after minor collision; No codes indicate mechanical failure; Vehicle is non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple component transfers and testing performed; main harness suspected but not confirmed. Four months of dealer diagnostic work with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda Collision Center involved; Mazda Foreman suggested main harness but no definitive diagnosis made.
Passenger Airbag Inadvertent Deployment and Electrical Complications
Passenger-side airbag deploys during minor side-impact collision (minimal damage) when it should not. Airbag deployment creates additional damage and complicates body shop repair. Electrical system failure occurs during repair, preventing completion. Owner claims recall notification was not received and dealership repair was delayed for months.
When: December 2016 accident; issue unresolved for 4+ months.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag deploys during minimal-damage side collision; Airbag light malfunction prevents repair completion; Interior lights fail after airbag work; Heat/A/C malfunction following airbag service
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag requires replacement ($1000+); extensive labor delays due to technician and programmer unavailability. Secondary electrical failures (lights, climate) occurred during repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but owner did not receive notification; learned of recall 4 months after accident.
Automatic Door Locking System Intermittent Failure
Automatic locking via key fob does not always engage despite green light indicator. Works approximately 90% of the time, creating false sense of security. Owner must visually confirm lights flash before walking away, creating inconvenience and security risk.
When: Ongoing; intermittent failures.
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks not engaging when key fob pressed; Green light indicator shows lock status but doors actually unlocked; Must manually verify lock status by observing lights
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned; issue persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Electronic Parking Brake Switch Freezing in Cold Weather
EPB switch freezes in cold weather, preventing brake release. Vehicle becomes immobilized until temperature rises. Occurred twice in same vehicle (Feb 2019 and Feb 2022). Dealership refused to address issue.
When: Winter weather; vehicle with only 23K miles experienced two freeze events years apart.
Symptoms owners cite: EPB switch frozen; brake will not release in cold weather; Vehicle immobilized until warming occurs; Driver stranded in winter conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership declined to service; no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to address issue.
Airbag Warning Light Intermittent Illumination
Airbag warning light flashes intermittently on instrument cluster, sometimes with audible warning beep. Occurs with and without passenger occupancy. Mazda dealer reset code and performed tests, all passing, but issue recurs.
When: Intermittent; recorded two instances at least (7/28/2017 and 10/16/2017).
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light flashes while driving; Warning beeping occurs with flashing light; Light illuminates regardless of passenger occupancy
Codes mentioned: B00A0 (Passenger Occupant Detection System)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset code and tested system; all tests passed. Issue recurs without permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda dealer performed diagnostics but provided no permanent solution.
Brake Pedal Unresponsiveness and Unintended Acceleration
During parking attempt at low speed, brake pedal fails to respond when depressed. Vehicle accelerates continuously despite pedal input. Only stopped after depressing pedal to floorboard with full force. Diagnosed as battery failure.
When: Approximately 1,797 miles (very early in ownership).
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal unresponsive at 20 MPH; Unintended continuous acceleration despite brake pedal depression; Vehicle only stops after extreme pedal pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; vehicle repaired under warranty.
Front Body Control Module Corrosion and Wiper Malfunction
Windshield wipers malfunction intermittently or fail entirely. Root cause identified as corroded Front Body Control Module (FBCM). Visual inspection of original module shows corrosion on component marked '2741.' Replacement module required ($250) with 1.5–2 week lead time.
When: Identified as FBCM issue via research and forum discussion.
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers malfunction or fail; Intermittent wiper operation
Repairs/costs cited: FBCM replacement ($250); approximately 1.5–2 weeks for part arrival; ~1 hour installation. Component marked '2741' showed visible corrosion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response; multiple users on forums report same FBCM corrosion issue.
Infotainment Screen Display Unresponsiveness and System Corruption
Touch screen display changes randomly, interrupts navigation, blocks backup camera with ghost touch behavior. System shows erratic behavior including emergency brake light false illumination on dash. Problem worsens over time, affecting multiple vehicle systems. Auto technicians attribute it to electrical system malfunction (software/firmware), not hardware.
When: Gets worse over time; multiple system effects reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Screen changes display without touch input; GPS navigation interrupted by ghost touch; Backup camera blocked or not displaying; Emergency brake lights flash falsely on dashboard; Problem worsens progressively; Multiple systems affected sequentially
Repairs/costs cited: Technicians attribute to electrical/firmware issue; dealer states not manufacturer responsibility. No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and independent technicians state problem not manufacturer responsibility.
Ignition System 'Room Fuse' Failure
While driving, GPS, radio, Bluetooth, and interior functions failed suddenly. Vehicle would not start after refueling. Cause identified as blown 'room fuse' tied to ignition system sensor. Key fob not detected despite green light indicator, preventing vehicle start.
When: Occurred during normal operation.
Symptoms owners cite: GPS, radio, Bluetooth, and interior functions fail simultaneously; Vehicle will not start; Key fob not detected despite green light showing; No warning lights preceding failure
Repairs/costs cited: Room fuse blown; likely due to excessive devices on power outlet while Bluetooth/navigation in use simultaneously.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed and advised against simultaneous use of multiple power outlets with Bluetooth/navigation.
Electrical System Sensor Failures Cascading from Battery Failure
Battery failure causes cascading sensor failures, including tire pressure sensors and parking brake sensors. Rear brake pads smoke due to sensor failure. Owner unaware of failures and continues driving with brake hazard present.
When: At 59K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery failure; Tire pressure sensors fail; Parking brake sensors fail; Computer settings reset; Rear brake pads overheat and smoke; Multiple sensor failures occur without driver awareness
Repairs/costs cited: All failed sensors replaced by dealer (Sussman Mazda).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; vehicle repaired.
Entertainment System Cannot Be Disabled
Infotainment system (CD player, radio, etc.) remains on continuously with no off function. System resets to full operation after each vehicle restart, rendering mute/volume-down workaround ineffective. Mazda offers no solution. Continuous operation causes unnecessary wear and poses distraction/safety concern.
When: Ongoing; system always active.
Symptoms owners cite: Entertainment system cannot be turned off; CD player operates continuously if disc is inserted; System resets to full operation after restart; No off button or function available
Repairs/costs cited: Mazda suggested mute or volume-down only; these reset on restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda acknowledges issue but offers only volume-down/mute as solution; no permanent fix.
Interior Component Electrical Failures and Discomfort Issues
Multiple interior electrical issues: seat heater not warming properly from purchase date (part from Japan installed but ineffective), console panel stopped working while driving after seat heater repair, dashboard/display sticking, seat belt caused stomach abrasion. Vehicle shows design/quality control issues across multiple systems.
When: Seat heater issue from 9/25/2015 purchase; console failure on 11/9/2015 after seat heater part installation.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater not warming properly despite installation of new part; Console panel stops working while driving at 30 MPH; Radio stations cannot load; error messages appear; Dashboard/display command switches stick; Seat belt causes abrasion/scarring on stomach
Repairs/costs cited: Seat heater part from Japan installed but did not resolve heating issue; electrical testing showed OK but garage stated seat as warm as designed (inconsistent with CX-3 comparison vehicle). Shift lever cap damaged; full shift lever replacement required (not just cap).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Garage performed testing; Mazda has not provided satisfactory resolution.
Engine Warning Lights and Abnormal Sounds Without Mechanical Failure
Engine produces rattling noise and check engine light appears. Dealership has ruled out mechanical issues multiple times within warranty period. Vehicle rides bumpy; sway bar inspected and serviced without resolution. Cause remains undiagnosed.
When: Within 3-month warranty period; ongoing issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light appears constantly; 'Schedule Maintenance Soon' light illuminates; Abnormal rattling noise from engine; Vehicle rides bumpy/rough; No definite cause identified by dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Sway bar inspected and serviced; no permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership checked multiple times in warranty but could not identify cause.
Lighting System Component Failures (General)
Various lighting issues beyond DRL: headlight function loss, auto-bright malfunction. Repair of single component often requires full assembly replacement at high cost.
When: Varies; one auto-bright issue noted on used purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight function loss; Auto-bright feature malfunction; Full assembly replacement required for component repair
Repairs/costs cited: Full headlamp assembly replacement ($1,100+) required; troubleshooting ($100+) also costly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denial for out-of-warranty vehicles.
GPS/Navigation System Unreliability
GPS frequently fails to work or loses location signal while driving. System may place vehicle on wrong road or in absurd location (middle of ocean). Dealer unable to fix. Safety concern when driver relies on GPS for route guidance.
When: Ongoing; fails on boot-up and during driving.
Symptoms owners cite: GPS fails to start during boot-up; GPS loses location signal while driving; System shows incorrect location (wrong road, ocean, etc.); Dealer unable to repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cannot fix; no solution offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response.
Infotainment System Reboot During Operation with Navigation Loss
System shuts down and reboots during highway driving, interrupting navigation, Bluetooth, and music. Occurs multiple times during single trip (4 times in 45 minutes noted). No discernible pattern. Safety concern given vehicle has electric steering and other critical electronic systems.
When: Early January 2016 on highway; at 6,300 miles. No predictable pattern.
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment system shuts off and restarts during driving; Navigation interrupted mid-trip; Bluetooth and music interrupted; Multiple reboots in single trip (4 times in 45 minutes); No pattern to failures; All-electronic steering vulnerable if reboot affects control systems
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer to investigate; no documented resolution.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Passenger side seat heater overheated and burned upholstery.
I was driving down the road and started smelling smoke then looked over and my passenger seat was in flames.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mazda cx-5. The contact stated that while attempting to stop at 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated continuously. The vehicle was able to be stopped after the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed…
Ebrake would not disengage on the Mazda cx-5 2016 gt with city brake and electronic e-brake at 36,100 miles during various parking locations scenarios. Vehicle would start normally at push of start button but the e-brake light would stay on in the flashing mode. Turn engine off/restarting would resolve the problem temporarily just to return to the same issue at random parking locations.…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 Mazda CX-5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
It's a meaningful issue. 66 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 15,613 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,613; a quarter make it past 50,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Mazda/CX-5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.