2016 Mazda CX-5
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 194 |
| 2014 | 377 |
| 2015 | 133 |
| 2016 | 510 |
| 2017 | 148 |
| 2018 | 347 |
| 2019 | 266 |
| 2020 | 106 |
| 2021 | 143 |
| 2022 | 63 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: exterior lighting — 161 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and bulbs.
14% of complaints: electrical system — 71 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20240325
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, 20260730
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
14% of complaints: service brakes — 69 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20151221
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
10% of complaints: power train — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing constant velocity joint.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 42 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 16E002000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V064000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V203000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V644000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V063000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Mazda CX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (161 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (71 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16E002000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V203000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V644000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V063000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.