First generation (KE)
2016 Mazda CX-5
The most reported problem on the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is headlights, with 88 complaints, usually around 40,000 miles.
- 510owner complaints
- 5recalls
- 31involved a crash
- 32,745median miles at failure
Newest report Aug 5, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your CX-5 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 510 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.1 times the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 CX-5 model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 46 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs 3.1 times the 2017 (15). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, headlights, covers 88 of the 510 complaints (17%), and brake wear is next with 69 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 73 owners who gave a mileage for headlights saw it by about 30,000 miles, and half by about 40,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 43 of the 510 complaints (8%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 31 reports mention a crash, 10 mention a fire and 13 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Headlights and windshield each have a recall on the same system (20V-063; 16E-002). Brake wear has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 119 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 22. So far in 2026, 20 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: headlights too dim or fail, 88 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
510 complaints is 2.0 times the median 2016 model on this site and 2.1 times the median 2016 SUV. Among the 9 CX-5 model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Mazda CX-5
Mazda filed 704 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Mazda CX-5. 80 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Headlights too dim or fail 8 bulletins · 88 complaints
Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights.
Some vehicles may have DTC C1001:92 stored in memory. DTC C1001:92 sets as a past record for low visibility of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC). It does not mean there is an actual FSC defect.
6 more on this problem
Some customers may notice that the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and High Beam Control (HBC) (amber) warning lights are on when they start driving around dusk or dawn under low temperatures.
When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the headlamp unit, first determine if all the bulb sockets (including O-ring), seals and covers are present and correctly installed.
Take caution when cleaning plastic headlight lenses. Damage can occur when using some cleaners that contain strong acid, alkaline cleanser or organic solvent. Damage caused by using these cleaners is not covered by Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term.
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LED OR DISCHARGE TYPE HEADLIGHTS MAY EXHIBIT WHITE MILKY STAINS ON THE INNER SUR-FACE OF THE HEADLIGHT LENS. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF THE POOR APPEARANCE.
WHITE MILKY STAINS ON INNER SURFACE OF HEADLIGHT LENS. SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LED OR DISCHARGE TYPE HEADLIGHTS MAY EXHIBIT WHITE MILKY STAINS ON THE INNER SURFACE OF HEADLIGHT LENS. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN OF POOR APPEARANCE.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING 2 SYMPTOMS, EVEN THOUGH THE WINDSHIELD IS CLEAR: 1. LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM (LDWS) WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON AT IDLE.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 11 bulletins · 69 complaints
Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better ...
Front Brake Noise Symptom 1: Some vehicles may exhibit a click noise when first moving forward or reverse from a stop OR when first applying the brakes while moving forward at slow speeds.
9 more on this problem
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the rear brakes while braking lightly and occurs more frequently when driving at slow speeds. The noise is caused by poor contact between the guide plate and the mounting support.
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the rear brakes while braking lightly. The squeak noise may occur more frequently when driving at slow speeds. The noise is caused by poor contact between the guide plate and the mounting support.
Some vehicles equipped with electric parking brake (EPB) may exhibit a grinding noise from the rear brakes when braking. This may be caused by the rear brake pads not having the capability to remove the rust from the rear brake discs.
Some vehicles may exhibit grooves (1) in rear brake disc plate(s), as shown below. This concern is mostly found on new or low mileage vehicles, when the brakes are new.
Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine.
Some vehicles with the electric parking brake (EPB) may exhibit rear brake dragging, resulting in brake noise and abnormal outer brake pad wear.The vehicle may also roll momentarily when starting from a stand-still with the EPB applied.
Noise from rear brakes due to brake drag-TSB removal from MS3 due to being an ineffective repair. (replacement bulletin is shedule for release in Jan, 2017)
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REAR BRAKE DRAGGING, RESULTING IN BRAKE NOISE AND ABNORMAL OUTER BRAKE PAD WEAR. THIS MAY BE CAUSED WHEN THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE (EPB) DOES NOT RELEASE COMPLETELY.
IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, SMART CITY BRAKE SUPPORT (SCBS) MAY OPERATE UNINTENTIONALLY. THE OWNER'S MANUAL PROVIDES 7 EXAMPLES: OBJECTS ON THE ROAD AT THE ENTRANCE TO A CURVE.VEHICLES PASSING IN THE OPPOSITE LANE WHILE MAKING A CURVE.METAL OBJECTS, BUMPS, OR ...
Windshield cracks or distorts 10 bulletins · 41 complaints
DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) ...
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
8 more on this problem
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.
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection.
Some vehicles may exhibit the cushion tape (1) attached to the front end of dashboard coming off and showing at the base of the windshield.
Some vehicles may experience a rattle noise from the front door glass when driving with the window open approx. 1/2 to 4 inches (1 - 10 cm). The rattle noise may be caused by insufficient holding force of the glass run channel.
CAUTION: DO NOT attempt any repair of the windshield damaged by stone chipping/cracks at the area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and Laser Sensor. Replace the windshield with a new one instead.
Some vehicles may experience one of the following 2 symptoms, even though the windshield is clear. Under certain driving conditions, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may detect a dirty windshield (not clear).
AIR BUBBLES TRAPPED INSIDE WINDSHIELD. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SMALL AIR BUBBLES AROUND UPPER LEFT CORNER OF WINDSHIELD. AN IMPROPER PRODUCTION PROCESS CAUSED REMAINING AIR TO BE TRAPPED BETWEEN GLASS AND THE INTERMEDIATE FILM.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SMALL AIR BUBBLES AROUND THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE WINDSHIELD. AN IMPROPER PRODUCTION PROCESS CAUSED REMAINING AIR TO BE TRAPPED BETWEEN THE GLASS AND THE INTERMEDIATE FILM.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 31 bulletins · 30 complaints
Some vehicles may have one of the following DTCs stored in memory along with a system status notice on the Multi-information display OR display a system status notice with no DTC: C1001:92 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) poor field of view [Gen 6 vehicles] ...
Some customers may complain about the MAZDA CONNECT center display screen - Ghost touch - Surface peeling - Spider cracking This may be caused by a faulty center display
29 more on this problem
Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 74.00.324 or later). The system performance has been improved as follows: Ver.
Some customers may complain about infotainment center display: * Ghost Touch * DTC B108E:04 may be stored (Touch screen operates by itself) * Surface Peeling * DTC B108E:04 may be stored * Spider Cracks * White dots
AUDIO, NAVIGATION AND PHONE CONCERNS WITH MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (6TH GENERATION). All Mazda Connect vehicles in new car inventory must be updated to the software version listed below in this TSB as part of the New Car Ready Step 3 process. Make sure the new vehicle specialist receives a copy of this bulletin.
Some customers may complain about the following MAZDA CONNECT¢¢ Temperature Warning message: ¯· Display is too Hot. Screen performance may be decreased until it cools.
Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns.
Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 70.00.335C or later).
Some customers may complain about: Intermittent engine no start, Instrument cluster red security indicator light ON, Engine Start/Start Button Amber indicator, light flashing, Battery discharge, Electrical relay buzzing noise.This may be caused by: A key in a ...
Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 59.00.546 or later).
Some vehicles may exhibit BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010.
If the MAZDA CONNECT Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) is replaced due to failure, the replacement CMU may have a navigation system software error. To resolve this concern, after the installation of the new CMU, check the software version.
Plus 19 older ones not listed here.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 2 bulletins · 25 complaints
Some customers may complain about a tapping or knocking noise coming from the rear seat after fuel fill. The concern will likely occur if the fuel tank is overfilled (more fuel is added after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off automatically) or filled up normally ...
Some customers may expierience one or more of the following: ¯· intermittent no start ¯· engine stall ¯· many DTC's stored ¯· no communication with the PCM. This may be caused by a poor C-11 or C-12 electrical connection.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 4 bulletins · 23 complaints
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Diagnostic Guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines When diagnosing NVH concerns, it is essential to first classify the issue into one of three primary categories: Noise, Vibration, or Harshness.
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the automatic transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature.
2 more on this problem
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature.
Multi-Model - Clutch Slippage or Smell after Clutch Disc Replacement
Airbag warning light or recall 4 bulletins · 19 complaints
Some customers may complain that the passenger seat belt warning light is ON and the PASS AIRBAG OFF indicator light is OFF with no front passenger in the seat. This may be caused by an electrical device (smart phone, tablet, laptop.
SSPA6 - 2016 CX-5 PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG CONCERN SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM. Action required: As previously advised the MDRT Tool loaner software expired July 15, 2020.
2 more on this problem
Special Service Program (SSP) A6 - 2016 CX-5 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Concern - MDRT TOOL RETURN - UPDATE ON RETURN PROCEDURE.
This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
Seat belt or seat problems 10 bulletins · 19 complaints
At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface.
Some vehicles may exhibit excessive operating noise when sliding the driver and/or passenger power seat(s) back and forth. The noise may be caused by cable vibration, which transmits power from the motor to the gears.
8 more on this problem
Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative driver and/or front passenger side seat warmer(s) in any mode (High, Mid and Low). This may be caused by repeated load applied to the seat cushion (1) while the seat isoccupied.
At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface.
Some vehicles may have a condition where the front of the drivers seat cushion trim comes off the seat frame (as shown below). This is found on vehicles equipped with power seats and leather, leatherette or cloth type seat trim.
Some vehicles may exhibit the driver and/or front passenger side seat warmer(s) malfunction on any mode (High, Mid and Low). This may be caused by repeated load applied to the seat cushion (A) while the seat is occupied.
Some vehicles (without power seats) may exhibit a driver seat that gradually moves down by itself. This concern may be caused when a load, which is applied to the seat during braking, exceeds a certain level that could impact the retaining mechanism of the ...
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT WARMER IS SLOW TO GET WARM, COMPARED WITH THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT WARMER.
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 40:20:40 SPLIT TYPE REAR SEAT MAY BE UNABLE TO LOWER THE REAR SEATBACK (A) WHEN PULLING THE LEFT (B) AND/OR RIGHT (C) REMOTE HANDLES.
FRONT POWER SEATS DO NOT SLIDE BACK AND FORTH. SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE FRONT POWER (DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER) SEATS DO NOT SLIDE BACK AND FORTH PROPERLY OR THAT THEY MAY BE COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE.
Complaints filed by year
119 complaints came in 2019, 2.0 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2016 Mazda CX-5
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
All 5 recalls on the 2016 Mazda CX-5, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
Headlights, with 88 of the 510 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 40,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Mazda CX-5 problems start?
Of the 348 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 14,000 miles and half by about 33,000.
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 46 a year against 15.
How many 2016 Mazda CX-5 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
43 of them (8%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for headlights on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 20V-063. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.