Some customers may complain about color discrepancies (brightness differences) of the image displayed on the screen when using the 360°view monitor. As this phenomenon is not a system failure, do not make any repairs or replace any parts.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Mazda CX-5 visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the visibility at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 CX-5 | 40 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 12 |
| 2019 CX-5 | 10 |
| 2020 CX-5 (this page) | 3 |
| 2021 CX-5 | 7 |
| 2023 CX-5 | 6 |
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Mazda CX-5 we track for visibility problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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 when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may report an odor or water in the HVAC system and upon inspection, the cabin air filter may be found to be wet.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit power outer mirror(s) that do not completely fold in and/or out. NOTE: This concern is unrelated to frozen mirrors in icy weather where snow or ice need to be removed for the mirrors to fold in and/or out. This concern may be caused by the following: The space between the mirror frame and the inner base may be too tight to allow for proper movement. Due to insufficient water tightness, water enters the electric fold-in unit and results in corrosion damage. The friction around the folding mechanism shaft may become increased.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some customers may experience one or more electrical malfunctions after a vehicle body repair. The newly painted fender stay (2) may be causing a poor front harness (1) ground connection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had visibility trouble with your 2020 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 visibility problem on the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 6,800 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 $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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/2020/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.