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 ↗2019 Mazda CX-5 electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 have filed 41 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 CX-5 | 7 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 66 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 44 |
| 2019 CX-5 (this page) | 41 |
| 2020 CX-5 | 29 |
| 2021 CX-5 | 10 |
| 2022 CX-5 | 6 |
| 2023 CX-5 | 7 |
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 41 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.
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 ↗Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative. Engine Start / Stop Door Lock / Unlock Lights ON / OFF Climate Control 3. MAZDA CONNECT connected vehicle reception strength icon shows "X" or " ".
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 CX-5's electrical system generates a sharp pattern of infotainment failures centered on "ghost touch"—the touchscreen registering phantom inputs without contact. Owners report the screen changing radio stations, initiating phone calls, altering safety settings like blind-spot monitoring, and dropping navigation mid-drive. The issue typically strikes at low speeds or stopped, worsens in extreme heat or cold, and persists or returns after dealership reset attempts. Several owners cite TSB 09-003/22 and reference an identical defect affecting 2014-2016 Mazda3 models, with the root cause identified as a failing digitizer or degraded coating. Some owners paid $300–$1,200 for screen replacement without resolution.
Beyond ghost touch, the infotainment system freezes entirely, drops Apple CarPlay connection, and displays "Mobile Device Error" messages. One owner reported the entire dash and middle screen going black mid-drive, requiring a pull-over and vehicle restart. A separate batch of complaints describes coolant temperature warnings, engine loss of power at highway speed, misfire codes (P0301, P0304, P0300), jerky transmission behavior in "limp mode," and dual battery failures within six months on a vehicle under 5,000 miles. One incident involved a missing engine cover and coolant spray after dealer service. Power folding mirrors fail in wet conditions; front windows lock in cold. One owner reported an electrical fire of unknown origin in the passenger door speaker area.
Same Mazda CX-5 electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Infotainment Ghost Touch
Touchscreen registers unintended inputs without contact, causing the system to navigate menus, change settings, initiate calls, alter safety parameters (blind-spot monitoring, heads-up display), and drop navigation without driver interaction. The issue intensifies in extreme temperatures and persists or worsens after factory resets and dealership repairs.
When: At low speeds or while stopped; some reports indicate onset after warranty expiration (3+ years); mileage range 10,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Screen changes radio stations on its own; Screen initiates phone calls without driver input; Screen alters safety settings (blind-spot monitoring, ADAS, heads-up display); Navigation exits or route changes without input; Screen freezes, lags, or reboots while driving; Screen changes volume to maximum suddenly; Menu selection changes uncontrollably; Issue triggered or worsened by extreme hot or cold weather
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosis cost $150; screen replacement $300–$1,200; some owners report new or replacement screens do not resolve issue. TSB 09-003/22 acknowledges defect; aftermarket fixes quoted at $400+. Defective part number K123-61-J0A; replacement K123-61-1J0C.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 09-003/22 issued for 2017–2020 CX-5 models; Mazda issued recall for 2014–2016 Mazda3 (same infotainment platform) but has not issued formal recall for 2019 CX-5. Some dealers claim warranty does not cover, or cover period expired. Mazda stated to some owners it is 'not aware of any issue.'
Infotainment System Blackout / Complete Display Failure
Entire middle screen, instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay access go black without warning while driving. All functions—navigation, audio, phone, Bluetooth, sensors, air conditioning—become inaccessible. Vehicle must be pulled over and restarted to restore function. Failures recur.
When: While driving at highway speeds and idle; one report at 65 mph on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Middle and dash screens turn black simultaneously; All Apple CarPlay functions unavailable; Navigation stops; Audio stops; Bluetooth disconnects; Climate control inaccessible; Dashboard gauges and warning lights disable; Occurs without warning or provocation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership has replaced multiple parts without resolution. No successful repair documented.
Transmission Jerking / Limp Mode with Misfire Codes
Transmission exhibits jerky, stuttering acceleration; vehicle enters 'limp mode' and refuses to accelerate smoothly. Check engine light, traction control light, and messages for 'Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction,' 'Smart Brake System Malfunction,' and 'Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction' illuminate. Misfire codes P0301, P0304, P0300 detected. One prior incident of highway stall with loss of power steering.
When: While accelerating from stop; during gear shifts; mileage range starting under 5,000 miles reported; recurring after repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission bucking or stuttering during acceleration; Vehicle refuses to accelerate / enters limp mode; Check engine light illuminated; Traction control light illuminated; Dashboard messages: 'Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction,' 'Smart Brake System Malfunction,' 'Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction'; Engine stalling on highway at speed; Loss of power steering after stall
Codes mentioned: P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected), P0506 (IAC System RPM Lower Than Expected), P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected)
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replaced; belt tensioner replaced; spark plugs replaced; cylinder 1 coil pack replaced; IAC cleaned. Symptoms recurred with different misfire codes (P0300, P0304) after repairs. Owner suspects PCM software reflash needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall exists for some VINs in this model year, but complaining vehicle falls outside the VIN range. Owner alleges recall should be expanded. Owner notes many similar complaints online and states the typical cure is PCM software update.
Engine Power Loss and Electrical Failure
Engine loses power unexpectedly while driving at highway speed; vehicle does not respond to accelerator pedal. In one case, engine will not turn over after loss of power; hazards and interior lights function but cannot be jump-started. In another, low-beam headlights inoperative and check engine light illuminated after power loss event. One report of engine running rough with dash lights going out.
When: Mileage 1,000 to 35,000; highway speeds (65 mph reported); one incident while shifting gears at 40 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power / no response to accelerator; Engine will not turn over / start after power loss; Low-beam headlights inoperative; Check engine light illuminated; Battery and warning lights illuminate; Irregular dinging/beeping noises; Engine runs rough; Dash lights go out
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle towed 100 miles to dealership; engine could not be jump-started; technician opened engine and reported to Mazda; no repair completed. Another report notes clunking noise during three-point turn after power loss and headlight failure; diagnosed as electrical failure; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of one failure but provided no further assistance. Related to NHTSA Campaign 19V497000 (Engine, Power Train) per one complaint. Dealership withheld loaner vehicle pending Mazda diagnosis.
Battery Drain and Repeated Battery Failures
Battery drains excessively; vehicle requires battery replacement twice within six months despite minimal driving. Blue thermostat warning light illuminates on every cold start and remains for 20–30 minutes before clearing.
When: Within six months of purchase; vehicle under 5,000 miles driven
Symptoms owners cite: Battery requires replacement (two replacements in six months); Blue thermostat light on at every startup; Thermostat light persists 20–30 minutes before extinguishing; Screen scrolling through all system errors
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced twice. Scrolling error messages list 'about everything on the car.' Owner notes dealership mentioned a recall is 'closed' but repairs would be at owner's expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall status unclear; dealership states recall is 'closed' and repairs not covered under it.
Sudden Braking Event
Vehicle brakes suddenly without driver input while driving at low speed. Impact caused owner to sustain whiplash and seek medical treatment. Brake warning message displayed on instrument cluster.
When: While driving at approximately 20 mph; mileage approximately 35,000
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unexpected braking; Brake warning message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not informed.
Power Folding Mirror Malfunction
Power folding side mirrors do not fully close or extend during wet weather, leaving visibility obstructed and creating accident risk.
When: During wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Mirrors fail to fully close or extend; Visibility obstructed by partially open mirrors
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda TSB 09-011/20 acknowledges issue.
Window Power Malfunction in Cold Weather
Front power windows fail to operate in temperatures around 17°F despite windows being unlocked. Windows function normally after vehicle warms in garage.
When: At 17°F ambient temperature; at drive-thru window (parked)
Symptoms owners cite: Front windows will not roll down in cold weather; Windows operate normally after warm-up period
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning and Misservice
Warning light alerts driver to 'Engine Coolant Temperature High. Stop the vehicle immediately.' Smoke visible from engine bay; coolant sprayed over engine; coolant reservoir below minimum. Engine cover missing. Dealership service one week prior allegedly failed to refill coolant properly per owner; owner alleges negligent follow-up led to engine damage and total vehicle loss.
When: Week after dealership service visit for insufficient coolant; highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning: 'Engine Coolant Temperature High. Stop vehicle immediately'; Smoke from engine bay; Coolant sprayed across engine; Coolant reservoir below minimum; Engine cover missing
Repairs/costs cited: Owner brought vehicle to dealership the week prior for insufficient coolant complaint. After service, vehicle experienced failure. Owner claims dealership failed to follow proper protocol.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims no engine damage despite customer assertion of total loss. Class action lawsuit mentioned by owner.
Electrical Fire
Vehicle experienced an electrical fire of unknown origin seemingly originating in passenger door speaker components.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical fire in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Cause as yet undetermined.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
There is a known “ghost touch” issue with this vehicle. I did not realize that until recently but the infotainment screen will randomly activate when at low speeds and/or stopped. This has caused distractions while driving as sometimes it will actually initiate phone calls on its own. Mazda has a technical service bulletin on this but has issued no recall
Power folding mirrors do not fully close or extend during wet weather. This leaves the side mirrors visibility obstructed and could cause accident. This is a known issue and a recall should be immediately issued to remedy this dangerous defective part. Mazda technical service bulletin 09-011/20
I was driving on the highway, at about 65 mph. The engine lost power and the car began to slow down. It did not respond to the accelerator, but the power was still on. I was lucky enough to be able to pull over to the shoulder without colliding, but it was extremely fortunate that no cars were obstructing me at the time. I put the car into park once stopped and turned the engine off. I tried to…
There is a known issue with the infotainment systems of several makes/models within a certain date range of Mazda vehicles called Ghost Touch. It seems to mainly occur in very hot or cold weather. The touch screen will press different buttons on the screen on its own, which can be quite dangerous while driving: maps will start directing you to a different location, if you are on a call, it may…
It was 17 degrees out and the front windows would not roll down. They were not locked. When it got it into my warm garage and I let it warm up (not running) for 15 minutes, they rolled down. I have had the car a month and this is the coldest its been since I've had it. I was at a drive thru in park when they would not roll down.
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Mazda CX-5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 41 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 16,040 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 $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/2019/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.