VehicleVerdict

2016 Mazda CX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 624 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median CX-5 year — the 2016 model ranks #1 of 15 CX-5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 27 injuries in total across these filings.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 161 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

624

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

52

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

27

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other CX-5 years?

CX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted624 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 292 complaints2014: 492 complaints2015: 167 complaints2016: 624 complaints2017: 195 complaints2018: 469 complaints2019: 353 complaints2020: 152 complaints2021: 189 complaints2022: 83 complaints2023: 82 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 45 complaints2026: 16 complaints
CX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting16126%
Brakes7512%
Electrical System7212%
Other589%
Transmission518%
Visibility & Wipers478%
Engine406%
Fuel System203%
Airbags193%
Body & Structure193%
Seats163%
Speed Control132%
Suspension91%
Steering71%
Seat Belts71%
Tires & Wheels51%
Driver Assistance41%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V063000LightingFebruary 6, 2020 · 36,761 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.

Consequence

If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

16V644000Body & StructureSeptember 6, 2016 · 580,455 units

Defect

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. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

16V203000SteeringApril 11, 2016 · 578 units

Defect

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. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

16V064000Fuel SystemFebruary 3, 2016 · 268,799 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Consequence

A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 9216B.

16E002000Visibility & WipersJanuary 19, 2016 · 193 units

Defect

Pilkington North America, Inc. (Pilkington) is recalling certain replacement windshields, model FW04026 GTY, manufactured November 23, 2015, to December 16, 2015 for use in Mazda CX-5 vehicles that are equipped with the Smart City Brake Support system. The affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system. These brackets were improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED AT JUST 27,500 MILES. IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE LEDS, THE ENTIRE LIGHT UNIT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED OUT, AND CAN ONLY BE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF OVER $1200. THIS IS A VERY QUICK FAILURE OF A LONG LASTING LED LIGHT AND AT A HIGH COST…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 4, 2019

I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND BEFORE I COULD PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A VACANT BUILDING. THEIR WERE DAMAGES TO THE GLASS WINDOWS AND THE FRAME OF THE BUILD IS WHAT STOPPED THE CAR.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 18, 2018 · crash

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATING SYSTEM CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE FABRIC AND MY DOG'S SEAT. THE FUMES MADE ME AND MY DOG NAUSEOUS.I HAD TO SWERVE ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND STOP ON THE SHOULDER TO EXTINGUISH THE SEAT FIRE/BURN. THE FUSE WAS PULLED FOR SAFETY. THE SEAT IS IN STORAGE FOR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 29, 2025 · fire

KEYLESS IGNITION -- THE PANIC BUTTON WENT OFF INADVENTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AND THE SOUND SYSTEM WENT OFF AND THE CAR STOPPED WORKING. THE KEYLESS IGNITION WAS LOCATED IN THE CUP HOLDER. iT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND CALLED AAA.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 11, 2022 · crash

I was driving on a city street and slowed to turn right onto a driveway at at a private residence. As my car entered the driveway and near the end of the right turn, my car had a sudden unintended uncontrolled acceleration, continued the turn, went over a low hedge of shrubs on the right side of…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 27, 2024 · crash

2016 Mazda CX-5 — common questions

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 624 complaints put the 2016 model at #1 of 15 CX-5 years. It is one of the CX-5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 CX-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (161 complaints), brakes (75 complaints), electrical system (72 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Mazda CX-5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-5 years to avoid are 2016, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2013. The cleanest record among CX-5 years belongs to 2012.

How safe is the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.