Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is rated "significantly worse".

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

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Mazda CX-5

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Mazda CX-5
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 510
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Exterior lighting

Complaints per year

2016: 510 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2012	1
2013	194
2014	377
2015	133
2016	510
2017	149
2018	349
2019	269
2020	107
2021	146
2022	63
2023	64
2024	44
2025	28
2026	15

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

32% · 161 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and bulbs.

Electrical system

14% · 71 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda CX5. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated without warning in an attempt to park the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-25

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric parking brake module warning light was illuminated and the "Brake failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-30

Also filed under Service brakes

Service brakes

14% · 69 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While attempting to pull into a parking space with a 2016 Mazda CX-5 (7000 miles) all of the warning lights on the dashboard lit up and the car started accelerating on its own (Unintended acceleration). The brakes would not work!

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-21

Also filed under Power train

Power train

10% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing constant velocity joint.

CRASHINJURY

Visibility/wiper

8% · 42 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2016Complaint volume 510 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-02-15Visibility16E002000 Pilkington North America, Inc.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-02-25Fuel system, gasoline16V064000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-05-10Steering16V203000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-08Structure16V644000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-20Exterior lighting20V063000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Mazda CX-5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Exterior lighting: 161 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 71 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 69 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16E002000 · Visibility
Recall 16V064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V203000 · Steering
Recall 16V644000 · Structure
Recall 20V063000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-5?: The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.