76 of the
628 complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are about the
braking system — 12% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
29,566 miles.
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. Vehicle unsafe to drive," message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact expressed concern that the brakes could engage while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #11753843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,385 milesRockhill, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “Smart Brake Malfunction” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic brake caliper failure. The contact was unsure if the vehicle needed to be repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger’s side inner CV joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be driven due to the severe failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,385.
NHTSA complaint #11730245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Finksburg, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
my brake light and my emergency brake light stays on and they blink constantly while the engine is turned on. they have been like that for at least a year. both my brakes and the emergency brake both work but I cant get the lights to go out.
NHTSA complaint #11660537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Francisco, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
from my service mechanic... "Rear brakes at 8mm/8mm on the right side, but 4mm/6mm on the left. These brakes were replaced 1500 miles ago and should not be showing this kind of wear. Examined brake pads, found evidence of overheating. Scanned vehicle, confirmed no codes from Electronic Parking Brake. Actuated parking brake and confirmed it is engaging and releasing as commanded. Found a Technical Service Bulletin related to parking brake drag on this vehicle. The brake pad damage pattern is consistent with what we observed today. Mazda recommends replacing the affect caliper(s) with an updated version to address this issue. Confirmed by lot number that current calipers are older version. TSB attached. Recommend replacing calipers and rear brake materials."
NHTSA complaint #11653599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
After having brakes serviced brake lights continue to come on. After research from many other complaints they are saying it’s the emergency parking that needs replaced? We shouldn’t have to replace this every time the brakes are replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11611150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
Back brakes arent gripping, caliper isn’t working been changed quite a few times. Either the abs or electric brakes
NHTSA complaint #11607448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levittown, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
This vehicle has rear Electric Parking Brakes. Some time it's works sometimes it doesn't release the rear passenger side breaks. The rear passenger side brakes make to much noise and brakes pads destroy rotor earlier then others. Mazda dealers doesn't says to much on that and ask for above $1000 repair to change faulty EPB clipper. But my research says many people have same complaints with this model by mazda built-in around 2016. This is safety issue, if I replace brake pads every 4 or 5 months it cost me money. If I don't I cost me my safety.
NHTSA complaint #11579848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ossining, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
2nd time in 40k miles right rear caliper locked up mechanic suggest getting both left and right replaced figuring if one failed its only a matter of time, calipers should last 10 years and 2nd replacement in 4 years, this is a bad safety issue
NHTSA complaint #11547048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I buy this car 2 years ago and 3 months later is starting having problem with rear passenger brakes I took the car to the mechanic and he change disc and brakes pads. A couple months later is starting having the same problem in the same area but this time is was smell burn coming through the wheel I'm stop the car to check was is going on when I check the brakes it was very very hot. I take the car to the mechanic and he told me the EPB is bad he changed everything disc, brakes pads,caliper and EPB motor. He said try to don't used the EPB too much or I'm going to see you again with same problem 😂... So I'm stop to use the EPB for long time. One day I put my car in the carwash one guy hit the EPB when he's done with the car Im get inside I turn on the car and the brake warning light is starting flashing I say fu** not again and yes EPB get stock. This is make me crazy the EPB need to be fix from the dealer please make this common problem a recalls to getting fix for those people got the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11529876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcadia, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes make a jerking sound decelerating from 40 miles an hour or from coming off a freeway ramp. After two trips to the dealership, the jerking sound still persists, the dealership had mentioned it was either the ball bearings or the brake pads were worn out, but somehow the noise is still there. The vehicle still makes stop safely, but we feel that if this is not resolved that this may become a greater safety issue down the road.
NHTSA complaint #11514864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
Left rear outer brake pad was worn down to the backing plate. After repairs were made, it started smoking while driving. We thought it was going to catch on file. I found a Mazda service bulletin - 04-005/16 - regarding a defective brake control module that controls the electronic parking brake. Why wasn't this a safety recall?
NHTSA complaint #11507582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CA
PARKING BRAKE
My EPB or Electronic Parking Brake started to Malfunction. It will lock up during parking, and driving and stay locked. It will flash Malfunction light, and the Parking Brake light on the dash will come on, and off. Sometimes If I turn off the vehicle for a while, it will again function. I have not been driving this vehicle, because of the issue I am very scarred my brakes will lock up when it is icy or wet, or slick, and I will injure myself or others Unintentionally. when I first had this issue, I decided to do research, and it seems to be a very common problem across all 2016 model Mazda Cx-5 with EBP. I suspect the EBP module is defective, and I cannot afford to pay the dealer 1500 to replace this part to correct the Safety Hazard Mazda originally created. This should never happen to me or the countless others whom own the 2016 model with EBP. A quick google search will result in countless claims of this same issue with the 2016 model.
NHTSA complaint #11505346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Last month, my vehicle suddenly applied the electronic parking brake (EPB) while I was driving. The EPB & related warning lights illuminated & would not release until the vehicle was turned off. After turning off the vehicle, the EPB motor could be heard applying the brake to the rear wheels. When the car was restarted, the EPB would remain off for a period of time but would then suddenly reapply. I took my vehicle to a Mazda dealer & they determined the calipers & EPB motor had failed due to my vehicle not being placed in service mode by the brake servicer. This explanation makes no sense because the brakes were replaced over a year ago (& not since) with thousands of miles being driven since then without this issue arising. I also conducted my own research & found that Mazda has issued at least 3 separate technical service bulletins (TSB) on this issue. The first two recommended replacement of the EPB switch & the third determined that defective calipers were the cause and should be replaced. I asked the dealer to save my calipers & confirmed that they are part of the defective batch noted in this TSB. I have contacted Mazda (including their legal counsel) & they are unwilling to provide any explanation or engage in any sort of investigation. As former legal counsel for an automotive company, I believe this presents a serious safety issue for consumers based upon the fact that a parking brake could randomly engage while driving & cause sudden loss of speed/control. Thankfully, this did not result in harm to my family, myself or others. I am certain that this issue is affecting others based on chatboard discussions I have found online related to this topic (which helped me find the TSB). I am concerned that Mazda may have attempted to undertake a silent recall via this TSB where in warranty customers are covered & out of warranty customers are given the 'service mode' explanation to justify their responsibility. This should have been handled as a recall by Mazda.
NHTSA complaint #11484295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, DE1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Parked by the curb at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. I put the car in Park and left the car idling with the air-conditioning running.as it was 95 degrees and about 100 at around 8:00 AM. There was a shuttle van parked by the curb about 11 feet in front of me. I had to exit my car to talk to the driver in the car behind me. I walked to the car behind me and started talking to the driver. I glanced back at my Mazda CX5 and it started rolling forward. I ran up to the car and got the door open and stepped on the brake. The brakes did not engage. I repeated stepping on the brake several times and the car would not stop. I got in the drivers seat to shift the car into reverse and keep my foot on the brake pedal. The car would not shift into reverse. and by this time the Mazda had pinned to the shuttle van a lady who was trying to unload her luggage. On the sixth attempt to shift into reverse the shifter finally moved into reverse and by standers came to the aid of the lady that had been pinned to the shuttle van. Airport security and the Broward County police took the statements. The lady retrieving her baggage declined medical attention. When I checked to see what the police were reporting they did not acknowledge that I was attempting to stop a runaway vehicle. The report said that I failed to put the car in park and left it in drive. It is not possible to get out of a car that is idling and in gear without the car moving forward or backward before you can even get all the way out of the car. This incident happened about mid July in 2017. Near the end of June this year while in my driveway I left the car idling and in park, exited the car walking to the rear of the car and it dropped into reverse. Got back in the car and shut off the engine. July 2017 the local Mazda dealer inspected the vehicle and could not find as problem. Not unlikely with an intermittent electrical anomaly. There were no prior warning lamps in either incident.
NHTSA complaint #11478992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
* The Emergency Brake Module failed and it is available for inspection upon request. * The system failed and randomly turned on the parking break while I was actively driving and paused to make a left of a highway exit ramp. The parking break remained on for ~40 mins while I caused a significant disturbance to the traffic and safety of other around me as the exit ramp began to back up while awaiting a tow truck. Since it was the emergency break we were not able to put the car in neutral and push it out of the way. * Yes - Arlington Autocare confirmed the issue and has since replaced the part. * No there were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the parts failure. After the issue was identified I searched online and this seems to be an incredibly common issue with the Mazda 2016 CX5. Multiple other reports exist on line about the failure of this park and the rear breaking system. It is very negligent that a recall has not been filed given the pervasiveness of the issue and the seriousness of the safety concern should the part inevitably fail.
NHTSA complaint #11447117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, squeaking noises were heard. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that both the rear brake pads were worn down to 20% and needed replacement. The mechanic informed the contact there was TSB 04-004/19 and 04-005/20 related to the failure and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that both the rear brake pads needed to be replaced from normal wear and tear; however, the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to schedule an appointment with a dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11436394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merrick, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
Ebrake engages on its own when starting up the vehicle. You are unable to turn the ebrake off without restarting the car. The repair shop stated it is a problem with the computer module. A quick search of the internet shows that this is a common issue with this year's make and model. Luckily, the ebrake has not engaged itself yet while driving the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11425684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,900 milesWhittier, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AND WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN SO I PRESSED BRAKE TO COME TO A STOP. WHILE I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP AND LURCHED FORWARD. I HAD TO SWITCH THE CAR TO NEUTRAL GEAR TO STOP AND THEN BACK UP OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #11404375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesAmelia, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE BRAKE AND PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED JEFF WYLER EASTGATE MAZDA (1117 OH-32, BATAVIA, OH 45103, (513)752-3447) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11403879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesAmelia, OH
PARKING BRAKE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE BRAKE AND PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED JEFF WYLER EASTGATE MAZDA (1117 OH-32, BATAVIA, OH 45103, (513)752-3447) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11403879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,133 milesFerndale, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE HAS ONLY 29,370 MILES DRIVEN. THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINING HAS UNDUE WEAR AT 3 MM. THE LEFT REAR BRAKE LINING MEASURES 5-6 MM. DURING ROUTINE SERVICING THE MAZDA TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED ABNORMAL BRAKE WEAR. MAZDA DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDS REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR CALIPERS. MAZDA CORPORATION IS UNWILLING TO HELP. IT APPEARS MAXDA CX-5 IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR EPB AND IS UNWILLING TO ADMIT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11399386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesNEW York, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON MY 2016 MAZDA CX-5 STARTED ACTING STRANGE A FEW WEEKS AGO. AT FIRST IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AFTER STARTING THE CAR, BUT WOULD DO SO AFTER A COUPLE OF RESTARTS. THEN IT STARTED ENGAGING SLIGHTLY WHILE DRIVING, WITH NO INDICATIONS. STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE A FEW TIMES WOULD USUALLY RELEASE IT. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO THIS HAPPENED AND THE BRAKE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AFTER SEVERAL RESTARTS AND I WAS GOING TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. IT DISENGAGED AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES. AS I UNDERSTAND IT MAZDA KNOWS THAT THE REAR CALIPER IS DEFECTIVE (SEE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN R052/16C). THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM BECAUSE THIS IS NOT SAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11395126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesTappan, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
WITHIN THE LAST MONTH THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE SELF ENGAGED 3 TIMES WHEN I STARTED MY CAR I NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHT ON. I NEVER ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE IT TWICE, BUT THE LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. I FOLLOWED ALL THE STEPS LISTED IN THE CAR MANUAL, BUT NOTHING WORKED. I HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON TO THE DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED IT WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11388123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesSalt Lake City, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR BRAKES ARE DRAGGING CAUSING HEATING AND UNEVEN WEAR OF THE ROTORS AND PADS. AT 31000 THE REAR BRAKE PADS ARE COMPLETELY WORN AND ROTOR SHOW HEAT DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #11385041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesCorning, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
MY TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS TRIGGERED ON WHEN I DROVE THE CAR FOR ABOUT 40 MPH. I STOPPED AT A PARKING LOT AND I NOTICED THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS LITERALLY SMOKING. LATER I WENT TO A LOCAL SHOP AND I WAS TOLD THE BRAKE WAS OVERHEATED ON THE REAR RIGHT SIDE. MY LOCAL SHOP REPLACED THE ROTOR AND PADS, HOWEVER, THE OVERHEAT PROBLEM KEPT SHOWING UP ON THAT RIGHT REAR SIDE. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE PARKING BRAKE DRAGGING FOR 2016 CX5. SO I STOPPED USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE OVERHEATING PROBLEM WAS GONE. HOWEVER, THE PARKING BRAKE IS STILL DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES OVERHEAT IF USED.
NHTSA complaint #11375160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,300 milesWest Chester, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 40 MPH ON A STATE ROAD, MY TPMS WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A SIMPLE TIRE PRESSURE ISSUE, BUT THEN I BEGAN TO SMELL BURNING. I STOPPED MY CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM MY REAR RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) WHEEL. I PROMPTLY BROUGHT THE CAR TO A 3RD PARTY MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED ME THE CALIPER REMAINED ENGAGED AND MY ROTORS WERE OVERHEATING. THEY TRIED CONTACTING MAZDA DEALERSHIPS AND 3RD PARTY SOURCES FOR EITHER NEW OR REBUILT CALIPER BUT THE PART WAS OUT OF STOCK AND ON BACKORDER WITH NO ESTIMATED DATE WHEN IT WOULD BE REPLENISHED. MY CAR IS STILL UNREPAIRED AND I CANNOT DRIVE IT AS THE EXCESSIVE HEATING OF THE ROTOR COULD DISABLE MY BRAKING ABILITY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH OTHER CX-5 MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #11367040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,784 milesYorba Linda, CA
PARKING BRAKE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE INADVERTENTLY ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ALSO NOTICED THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE PARKING BRAKE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,784.
NHTSA complaint #11366426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,784 milesYorba Linda, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA CX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE INADVERTENTLY ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS STILL ENGAGED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR WHEELS. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ALSO NOTICED THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE PARKING BRAKE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,784.
NHTSA complaint #11366426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesGrand Prairie, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
PARKING BRAKE RANDOMLY COMES ON AND WON'T SHUT OFF. I STARTED MY CAR AND USUALLY THE PARKING BRAKE COMES ON BUT AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT SHUTS OFF. TODAY IT WILL NOT TURN OFF THE PARKING BRAKE. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL COMBINATIONS INVOLVING TO PUSH THE START BUTTON WITHOUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND RELEASE BRAKE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE BEFORE THE CAR FULLY TURN ON AND WHEN CAR IS PARTLY ON TO OFF. AFTER 41 MINUTES WAITING (AFTER SPENDING ALMOST 1 HOUR MESSING WITH IT) I TURNED ON THE CAR AND IT WORKS NOW. UNRELIABLE TRANSPORTATION!
NHTSA complaint #11342004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,400 milesGainesville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION; DRAGGING OF REAR WHEELS ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING; SUDDEN SEIZING OF BRAKE WHILE PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT.
NHTSA complaint #11331395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.