71 of the
628 complaints about the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are about the
electrical system — 11% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
34,900 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.
East Meadow, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Repeated Failure and Rebooting of Mazda Connect Infotainment System I am the owner of a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The factory Mazda Connect infotainment system has developed a recurring defect in which the system repeatedly reboots to the Mazda logo while driving. Prior to complete failure, the navigation system became intermittent and Bluetooth connectivity frequently disconnected, requiring repeated attempts to reconnect devices. The system now continuously cycles through the startup screen, making navigation, hands-free phone functions, and system settings inaccessible. These repeated reboots occur while the vehicle is in motion and are distracting to the driver. The flashing and rebooting screen repeatedly draws the driver's attention away from the road and interferes with the use of navigation and hands-free communication features that are intended to promote safe driving. After researching this issue, I found numerous reports from other Mazda owners experiencing the same symptoms involving the Mazda Connect system, navigation SD card, and Connectivity Master Unit (CMU). The frequency and similarity of these reports suggest that this is a widespread and well-known defect rather than an isolated incident. Because this defect affects driver attention and the safe operation of the vehicle's communication and navigation functions, I respectfully request that Mazda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this matter and require Mazda to issue a recall or establish a repair program for affected vehicles. Vehicle: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Mileage: 70k
NHTSA complaint #11745804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesRolling Meadows, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the cruise control cancellation switch failed to operate as intended after several attempts or while depressing the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact was able to deactivate the cruise control using the main cruise control power switch. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In 2024 I started having problems with my battery replaced it 3 times last time with a Mazda battery per Mazda advice. The car started to jerk while driving took it back to Mazda said it could be fuel injectors. They cleaned them and problem persists. Took it back they cleaned purve valve and then I broke down while leaving on [XXX] . Called service dept called police since it was in the middle of the blvd. And in traffic. We were lucky no one hit us. They took my car gave me a loaner had it for 10 days. Couldn’t find any problems. Then in 4/2025 it completely died at my home I called Mazda they were able to jump the battery and had it for a month. Couldn’t find any problem. And now we are in 5/2026 my car was in my drive without out being driven for 3 days and now is dead once again. But it is so dead that I cannot open with fob and dash board is black. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11741365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My screen begins to change the display without me touching it. It has interrupted my GPS directions, causing me to get lost. It has gotten worse over time, now causing my back up camera to either not display at all or become partially blocked by another application randomly starting on the screen. My emergency brake lights flash on my dash, and auto technicians tell me it is a malfunction with the electrical system, not something in my brake system that needs to be replaced. We have tried that. These problems I have been told are not the responsibility of the manufacturer. I don’t understand why. It is distracting, alarming, and because it is getting more frequent with more systems being affected, it puts the driver in danger. This is not due to wear and tear - it is due to a faulty electrical program.
NHTSA complaint #11727814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hurricane, WVFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I noticed smoke filling the inside of my car. I looked over at the passenger seat, and my coat was on fire. I poured my drink on it, pulled over, and threw the coat out of the car. I saw a large hole in the lumbar area of the passenger seat, and it was glowing red and putting out a lot of heat. The seat heater was on, so I immediately turned it off. It was obvious that the fire has started inside the seat, and there was no other fire source in car--ie. lit cigarette, lighter, etc. If someone had been sitting there, they would have serious burns. The seat will need to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11717451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Passenger side seat heater overheated and burned upholstery.
NHTSA complaint #11707809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kelly, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving down the road and started smelling smoke then looked over and my passenger seat was in flames.
NHTSA complaint #11707639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glastonbury, CTFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 INSPECTION. MAZDA WILL BE CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #11697961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesColumbus, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the side of the road before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine had failed due to a lack of maintenance. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an automatic reminder regarding the oil change. The contact stated that the oil change reminder failed to illuminate to indicate that the oil level was extremely low. The check engine warning light also failed to illuminate. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We had another CX-5 in the back that we used to test whether or not it was either the throttle body or the BCM ( Body Control Module ) or the PCM ( Power Control Module ) not working that is causing your vehicle to not wanting to turn on The throttle body passed we transferred it over from vehicle A ( Being the donor ) to vehicle B (Being your vehicle ) and it was still doing the same thing which it would crank but not fully turn on and that is how we ruled that part out The BCM we also transferred over from vehicle A to vehicle B and same thing it would crank but not fully turn on This is what the mechanic at Mazda Collision Center of Irving stated: The PCM has power and is communicating with everything else in the vehicle. If it was the PCM then nothing would work and we wouldn't be able to even cycle the power as if we were going to turn on the vehicle We brought this over to our Mazda Foreman and we showed him the codes it was throwing and what was going on and explained everything and he did tell us that it could be the main harness that is causing all of this he is not for sure just because he is not the mechanic involved in this but he said that is a good start. I am uncertain exactly what is wrong with the vehicle. When I took it in to be serviced, it worked. The mechanic then said he couldn't work on it anymore after trying to fix the body work because the electrical system had failed. I then had it towed to Mazda to see if they could fix the issue. I had originally took it in because of a minor fender bender. I am unclear as to why it has taken four months and my car still doesn't work and I do not know how to afford buying a car to replace it when I cannot trade it in since we cannot resolve the electronic portion through insurance.
NHTSA complaint #11671754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The info uni in the car constantly resets itself. It happens when GPS is activated, parking, listening to directions, pretty much at all time especially in crucial moments. Nav center doesn't even load at times, this causes unknown information of speed limits and streets.
NHTSA complaint #11666002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesapeake, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Keyless entry stopped working, key fob battery replaced as well as car battery. Coolant issues. Heater core and sensors
NHTSA complaint #11663708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DE Pere, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine light constantly appears along with the "Schedule Maintenance Soon" light. Taken to dealership many times within my 3 month warranty and no definite reason was given.The vehicle rides very bumpy though sway bar was inspected and supposedly repaired by dealership during my 3 month warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11660577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Va Beach, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ghost touch screen on multimedia. Causing detracting issues while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11609635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrison, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The used 2016 Mazda CX5 I just bought apparently has the "ghost touch screen" where the Infotainment system will randomly pick controls, place phone calls, change navigation. How can this not be a safety recall? I'm afraid to drive this car and not have full control of the navigation system or controls. This is DANGEROUS to have this happen when driving!! Mazda should be held accountable for this clear safety problem.
NHTSA complaint #11584553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levittown, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
at 70,000 milesNovato, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. On the first occasion, the vehicle drove in between two trees with the contact's foot on the brake pedal before the vehicle came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop where the vehicle was repaired for minor damage. The contact was also informed that no computer codes indicated any signs of a mechanical failure. On the second occasion, the vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle while again attempting to park the vehicle in a parking lot. The force of the collision caused the already hit vehicle to crash into yet another parked vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact and no injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed back to the same independent mechanic where the code reader indicated that the vehicle had a low battery; however, the battery did not need to be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the independent mechanic and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000
NHTSA complaint #11579301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The infotainment system goes into a reboot loop and never starts. At times the backup camera will turn off when backing up. At other times the backup camera will not turn off and will be on while driving forward. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the backup camera turns off while utilizing it there is the possibility for an incident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the dealer confirmed the reboot loop. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Only the dealer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No, they appears a few years ago. I believe the main CPU got corrupted by an HD radio channel.
NHTSA complaint #11537524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Glennallen, AKFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN SEAT WARMERS WERE ON. I WAS TRAVELLING IN A RURAL AREA IN ALASKA WHEN I HAD TO STOP BECAUSE MY PASSENGER CAUGHT FIRE ON HER JACKET.
NHTSA complaint #11525027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN cause for short battery life. The battery has been changed 4-5 times since 2020 with a brand new battery. The alternator has been checked and is fine. The dealership is going to check my vehicle again but this is an issue for multiple people with the same vehicle model.
NHTSA complaint #11524156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York City, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electronic emergency brake switch freezes in cold weather . The parking brake can not be released until the weather warms. This is safety issue, because the motorists is now stranded. I took my vehicle to the dealership,. but the would not address the problem. This happened 2 times on the following dates 13 February 2019 14 February 2022. I'm retired and very little. I only have about 23000.miles on my vehicle. I live ln New York City and do not feel safe driving in the winter, because my vehicle's electronic emergency brake switch freezes in the cold weather .
NHTSA complaint #11509871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Citrus Heights, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
smart key. during driving all the lights on the dashboard come on and the siren goes off and unable to have it turn off. After a period of time, its wears down the battery and it is no longer drivable. First time, it was towed to the AAA auto repair and they could not find anything wrong with it. The 2nd and 3rd time, AAA towed it back to Maita Mazda where we purchased it in good faith less than two months ago, and their service department could not find anything wrong with the electrical system. They replaced the battery the seond time, and the issue still occurred again when I turned it off. Then turned it back on as I needed to close the driver side window, and it would not turn on. No one seems to believe me, and we cannot get Maita to take it back and give us another vehicle in its place. It is extemely dangerous to drive in traffic, and we only bought it because it has a big enough trunk for my spouse's walker, and later a wheel chair. It is paid for in full,
NHTSA complaint #11485078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Washington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Infotainment system engages in "ghost touch," where the screen scrolls through and clicks random buttons on its own. This occurs both while I am driving and while I am parked. It will change radio stations, exit out of the navigation, and click other random buttons so that I then have to turn off the display in order to get it to stop. For example, yesterday, it kept clicking the repeat button on the Bluetooth display so I was forced to listen to the same 1 second of a song until I could finally shut the Infotainment off. When this occurs while driving it is a hazardous distraction. Mazda had the same issue with its Infotainment system in the 2016 CX-3 and issued a recall. I reached out to Mazda to explain I am having the same problem but they will not fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11465963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Springs, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When the vehicle is running, but not moving the touch screen display randomly jumps/changes the display. This malfunction has changed the current radio station, navigation map screen, and/or the maintenance warnings/alerts. I believe this "ghost touch" poses a safety hazard not only due to the distracting beeps and screen changes but also the random change/reset of important maintenance alerts such as oil change and tire rotations. My Mazda dealer has updated the software but did not correct the malfunction. They now say I need to pay for a replacement of the touch screen display component to correct the "ghost touch" defect.
NHTSA complaint #11460343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a follow up to NHTSA complaint ID Number 11442992: After doing a fair amount of research the problem was deemed to be the Front Body Control Module. A new replacement was ordered (about $250). It took about 1-1/2 to 2 weeks for the module to be received and about an hour for its installation. So far the wipers seem to be working correctly although they have yet been 'used', only tested. Googling "mazda wiper problem" you will find others reporting similar problems with the Body Control Module. I found this (https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/for-those-suffering-wiper-motor-issues-here-is-the-fix.232623/) forum entry when I did the aforementioned google search. And finally, post replacement I have visually inspected the original module and can easily see one of the components marked "2741" with corrosion around its mounting.
NHTSA complaint #11447854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anchorge, AKFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on a remote highway the seat heating was on on both the driver and passenger seat. After a while it felt way ti hot and smelled like something burning and found the passenger jacket (that was taken off and left behind his back to be extensively burnt. We stopped and checked the seat. We found a big hole and the seat was damaged as well as the 300 dls coat. Plus the risk of having burns I. The passenger back, which was only protected by the cost and other layers of clothing
NHTSA complaint #11441839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.