Owners have filed 195 complaints
about the 2017 Mazda CX-5 with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Mazda CX-5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 42
8.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
69% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1145.8%
Warnings
312.5%
Blind Spot Detection
312.5%
Warnings
28.3%
Automatic Emergency Braking
28.3%
Navigation System/Software
14.2%
Warning
14.2%
Camera
14.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
810.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2229.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2027.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
810.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
810.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
810.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2017peak 8Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2017 Mazda CX-5
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
17V744000
TRAILER HITCHES
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.
Risk: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fredericksburg, VACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On February 14, 2023 around 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (EST), I drove to the local WAWA. Upon entering the driveway of WAWA at a very low speed and depressing the brake the car failed to come to a complete stop. I pressed down on the brake as hard as I good, but the car did not come to a stop until hitting the security/safety bollard in front of the WAWA store. I did not get injured and no one else was injured. The front end of my car sustained over $4000 worth of damage. The insurance company repaired by car. I was asked by the insurance company what caused the front end damage. As I played the accident over and over in my head, I just could not see what I did wrong. My foot was on the brake. Also, I entered the entrance of WAWA at a very slow/low speed. After a few weeks I took the car to the Mazda dealer to let them know the car accelerates and engine revs. Also, the car jolts forward while decelerating from about 20mph to 10mph. The car dealer/repair shop could not replicate the problem. Was told to bring the car back in, if problem continues.
NHTSA complaint #11520635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VACrash
ENGINE
On February 14, 2023 around 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (EST), I drove to the local WAWA. Upon entering the driveway of WAWA at a very low speed and depressing the brake the car failed to come to a complete stop. I pressed down on the brake as hard as I good, but the car did not come to a stop until hitting the security/safety bollard in front of the WAWA store. I did not get injured and no one else was injured. The front end of my car sustained over $4000 worth of damage. The insurance company repaired by car. I was asked by the insurance company what caused the front end damage. As I played the accident over and over in my head, I just could not see what I did wrong. My foot was on the brake. Also, I entered the entrance of WAWA at a very slow/low speed. After a few weeks I took the car to the Mazda dealer to let them know the car accelerates and engine revs. Also, the car jolts forward while decelerating from about 20mph to 10mph. The car dealer/repair shop could not replicate the problem. Was told to bring the car back in, if problem continues.
NHTSA complaint #11520635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On February 14, 2023 around 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (EST), I drove to the local WAWA. Upon entering the driveway of WAWA at a very low speed and depressing the brake the car failed to come to a complete stop. I pressed down on the brake as hard as I good, but the car did not come to a stop until hitting the security/safety bollard in front of the WAWA store. I did not get injured and no one else was injured. The front end of my car sustained over $4000 worth of damage. The insurance company repaired by car. I was asked by the insurance company what caused the front end damage. As I played the accident over and over in my head, I just could not see what I did wrong. My foot was on the brake. Also, I entered the entrance of WAWA at a very slow/low speed. After a few weeks I took the car to the Mazda dealer to let them know the car accelerates and engine revs. Also, the car jolts forward while decelerating from about 20mph to 10mph. The car dealer/repair shop could not replicate the problem. Was told to bring the car back in, if problem continues.
NHTSA complaint #11520635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windermere, FLCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment center has been randomly changing settings and radio channels. When it is taken over, I cannot regain control of it until it stops. I've seen online this called "ghost" controlling. It will increase the volume so lout, that I jump sometimes. Also, the rear camera mode of the system froze while I was backing up causing me to hit a vehicle parked across from me.
NHTSA complaint #11506435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenfield, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Blind spot monitoring system warning appears on dashboard of vehicle after driving for about 50-60 miles. This occurs only when I drive >50-60 miles in one trip without shutting off my vehicle. Speed does not matter. My sensors will not work until I turn off my car and turn it back on. This started as soon as I purchased my vehicle in July 2020. 1 previous owner (lease) before I purchased the vehicle. No prior accidents. Got the vehicle at ~30,000 miles. In January 2021, I drifted off the freeway and hit a tree going 35 mph during a snow storm. It was only myself (driver) and a passenger in the front seat at the time of the incident. Both were wearing seatbelts. The seat belts locked up, but airbags never deployed for myself or the adult passenger in the front seat. Driver sustained no injuries, but the passenger smashed their knee into the glove compartment and smacked their head on the window/seatbelt holder on the side of the interior wall. The passenger was asleep during the incident, which may have explained why they did not brace themselves. One minute we were on the freeway, then we hit a slippery spot, and within seconds we were head on with a tree. Drove away to avoid the possibility of any vehicles following my path and smashing into us. Car was still driveable somehow. Car was repaired after 3 weeks at Caliber Collision and looked great. Sensor issue persists still, but unrelated to accident. Mentioned it to Caliber Collision when vehicle was being repaired and they had a Mazda service person come out with a sensor machine and they could not find the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11462935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenfield, WICrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Blind spot monitoring system warning appears on dashboard of vehicle after driving for about 50-60 miles. This occurs only when I drive >50-60 miles in one trip without shutting off my vehicle. Speed does not matter. My sensors will not work until I turn off my car and turn it back on. This started as soon as I purchased my vehicle in July 2020. 1 previous owner (lease) before I purchased the vehicle. No prior accidents. Got the vehicle at ~30,000 miles. In January 2021, I drifted off the freeway and hit a tree going 35 mph during a snow storm. It was only myself (driver) and a passenger in the front seat at the time of the incident. Both were wearing seatbelts. The seat belts locked up, but airbags never deployed for myself or the adult passenger in the front seat. Driver sustained no injuries, but the passenger smashed their knee into the glove compartment and smacked their head on the window/seatbelt holder on the side of the interior wall. The passenger was asleep during the incident, which may have explained why they did not brace themselves. One minute we were on the freeway, then we hit a slippery spot, and within seconds we were head on with a tree. Drove away to avoid the possibility of any vehicles following my path and smashing into us. Car was still driveable somehow. Car was repaired after 3 weeks at Caliber Collision and looked great. Sensor issue persists still, but unrelated to accident. Mentioned it to Caliber Collision when vehicle was being repaired and they had a Mazda service person come out with a sensor machine and they could not find the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11462935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mason, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The radio is uncontrollable by driver. The radio the self dial from Bluetooth. Even if not connected, the radio surprises this driver by playing the radio unexpectedly at the highest rate. Due to the buttons not working, driver cannot turn down the radio causing safety concerns for being scared and distracted. There are no warnings. Mazda is unwilling to assess without pay.
NHTSA complaint #11747415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ash, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a consistent issue with the “ghost touch“ and the electrical system so when you’re going down the road, the musical will change. The music will blast up or down randomly it’ll get stuck and it’s very distracting. It will hang up on people while you’re having a conversation through the car phone. This was a recall for Mazda 2014 through 2016 and they need to extend it because it was still happening with my 2017. This is my first experience with Mazda and it has not been a good one as far as this goes. I do a lot of driving and phone calls and music are very important and stuff randomly changing or getting stuck while you’re driving and then trying to fix it is very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11746990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dickinson, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Infotainment system randomly makes its own selections. Turns volume up and down, changes settings, changes stations... etc. Anything that can be controlled on the screen is at risk of being randomly hijacked. Once, my drivers assist volume was unexpectedly turned to full blast and randomly shouted "navigation assistant will be at this volume. " I jumped so badly I actually could have crashed if I hadn't been at a light.
NHTSA complaint #11741077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesThe Plains, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. While driving the vehicle, the engine overheat warning suddenly illuminated on the dashboard cluster panel. The contact pulled over immediately, restarted the engine, and coasted the vehicle to a local, independent mechanic shop. The independent mechanic diagnosed the issue as a blown head gasket. For a secondary inspection, the vehicle was transported to an authorized Mazda dealership. Dealership technicians determined that the engine cylinder was actually cracked and recommended a full engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11739578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rio Rancho, NM
AIR BAGS
Last week, the airbag warning light illuminated on my dashboard. Please be aware that this marks the fourth occurrence of this issue. Each time I bring the vehicle to the dealership, they provide a different explanation, and I am required to cover the repair costs. I have been informed that the vehicles were manufactured with a defect, causing the wiring harness to corrode at the junction where the temperature sensor connects to the engine, which measures the coolant temperature. Additionally, on two occasions, I was told that the wire had disconnected from the airbag connector. During my most recent visit to the dealership on 5/21/26, I was informed that an item in my glove compartment had dislodged the wire from the passenger side airbag module. This situation is extremely concerning, as it suggests that the wire can easily fall out or become loose from the airbag, given that there is no barrier between the glove compartment and the airbag. It is important to note that this issue arises each time I start the vehicle while it is stationary, and this vehicle has never been involved in an accident nor have the airbags been deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11739407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castle Rock, CO
POWER TRAIN
My car only has 65k miles on it and the rear differential failed and needs to be replaced. I am seeing this posted online by many Mazda CX-5 owners well under the mileage this typically happenes but out of the warranty period. Mazda should start a recall or compensate owners for this. its never been in an accident simply a commuter car used around town
NHTSA complaint #11724653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SEATS
During a one-hour car ride, the front passenger side seat heater burned a hole through the seat, damaging my wife's skirt and leaving a hole in the upholstery. The overheating definitely originated within the seat. We immediately turned the seat heater off and have not used it since. It could have started a fire, which is very scary, or burned my wife, which is a serious safety risk. This issue has been mentioned by other Mazda owners, but I cannot find any recall reports. There were no warnings prior to the burning. The component is being taken to the dealership to be examined today.
NHTSA complaint #11722180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During a one-hour car ride, the front passenger side seat heater burned a hole through the seat, damaging my wife's skirt and leaving a hole in the upholstery. The overheating definitely originated within the seat. We immediately turned the seat heater off and have not used it since. It could have started a fire, which is very scary, or burned my wife, which is a serious safety risk. This issue has been mentioned by other Mazda owners, but I cannot find any recall reports. There were no warnings prior to the burning. The component is being taken to the dealership to be examined today.
NHTSA complaint #11722180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burbank, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN The infotainment system started malfunctioning on its own. Changes channels on radio, goes into settings and makes changes. Calls phone numbers etc. Does it more in the cold weather
NHTSA complaint #11709977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Libertyville, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment system suffers from ghost touching. It has gotten out of control even after a “recall” fix at the dealership. Without being touched the volume changes, the stations change, the presets change, the car makes calls to my contacts. I am often unable to control the screen as it turns the car to max volume while driving. It is extremely unsafe, distracting and alarming.
NHTSA complaint #11707923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Libertyville, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment system suffers from ghost touching. It has gotten out of control even after a “recall” fix at the dealership. Without being touched the volume changes, the stations change, the presets change, the car makes calls to my contacts. I am often unable to control the screen as it turns the car to max volume while driving. It is extremely unsafe, distracting and alarming.
NHTSA complaint #11707923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temperance, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. Multiple warning lights all at once. This issue has been reported on multiple Mazda vehicle years. Took to Delker Auto repairs. Is electrical problem. Stated that so far nothing wrong with components. Will have to hunt for. Mazda has known electrical issues. In addition, your file upload will not let me upload picture even though it's in correct format. I can send separately.
NHTSA complaint #11702925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temperance, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. Multiple warning lights all at once. This issue has been reported on multiple Mazda vehicle years. Took to Delker Auto repairs. Is electrical problem. Stated that so far nothing wrong with components. Will have to hunt for. Mazda has known electrical issues. In addition, your file upload will not let me upload picture even though it's in correct format. I can send separately.
NHTSA complaint #11702925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temperance, MI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. Multiple warning lights all at once. This issue has been reported on multiple Mazda vehicle years. Took to Delker Auto repairs. Is electrical problem. Stated that so far nothing wrong with components. Will have to hunt for. Mazda has known electrical issues. In addition, your file upload will not let me upload picture even though it's in correct format. I can send separately.
NHTSA complaint #11702925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wakefield, RI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CX-5's infotainment system RANDOMLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING STARTS BEEPING AND CHANGING OPTIONS WHILE DRIVING, A VERY DISTRACTING EVENT. I TRIED TO SHUT THE SCREEN OFF BUT IT COMES BACK ON RANDOMLY AND CAUSES CONCERN AND DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING, IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS NOW AND OF WHAT I READ MAZDA WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11699194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wakefield, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CX-5's infotainment system RANDOMLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING STARTS BEEPING AND CHANGING OPTIONS WHILE DRIVING, A VERY DISTRACTING EVENT. I TRIED TO SHUT THE SCREEN OFF BUT IT COMES BACK ON RANDOMLY AND CAUSES CONCERN AND DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING, IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS NOW AND OF WHAT I READ MAZDA WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11699194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cranston, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment system in my 2017 Mazda CX-5 exhibits dangerous behavior consistent with known defects described in the Mazda Infotainment Class Action Settlement (Case No. 8:21-cv-01355). The infotainment system and touchscreen repeatedly activate critical functions on its own (“ghost touches”), sometimes going black, changing critical settings, disengaging phone calls as well as unexpectedly activating phone calls, and navigation features engage or freeze unpredictably. These malfunctions distract from safe vehicle operation, requiring driver attention to manage the malfunctioning display. The vehicle’s display is integrated with backup camera, audio, and Bluetooth controls, so these repeated malfunctions cause safety concerns while driving. Mazda and the dealership have refused to repair the defect under the Limited Warranty Extension established in the settlement, incorrectly claiming the issue is unrelated to the CMU (connectivity master unit). However, these symptoms are identical to those described in Mazda’s internal service bulletins (CSP13 and TSB 09-022/17) and covered by the settlement. I believe Mazda is failing to properly address a continuing safety-related defect that impacts infotainment stability and driver concentration. These issues have occurred for years and are continuing nearly every time I operate the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11697501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson, WI
SEAT BELTS
Not an "incident" per se. Front passenger Seat Belt is difficult to clasp.
NHTSA complaint #11692299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fridley, MN
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential failed around 97,000 miles. We were three months past our certified pre-owned warranty. Total cost to repair was around $4400 after a discount on parts and labor through our Costco membership. Contacted Mazda to see if they’d be willing to provide any assistance to cover the repair, they declined. Service advisor told us that it was a catastrophic failure that we did not cause. We purchased this car in 2020 and have always had it serviced at the dealership and at no point did they bring it up as it being an issue. The rear differential should not fail.
NHTSA complaint #11691959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highlandsprings, VA
SEAT BELTS
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11688707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland Springs, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased this vehicle on the 10th of September. BY the 12th I I noticed the infotainment system was doing its own thing without me touching anything. The next day it did the same thing I E.changing stations on its own,volume going up or down etc...
NHTSA complaint #11688710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highlandsprings, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown The infotainment system started malfunctioning on its own
NHTSA complaint #11688714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPonte Vedra Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the navigation was system rebooting and not connecting with the satellite. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the Firmware was updated. The vehicle was repaired, but another failure occurred. The contact stated that the navigation system was inoperable. There was a compass symbol being displayed. The mechanic informed the contact that the navigation sim card chip needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11672205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glassboro, NJ
POWER TRAIN
Rear differential began to leak. Mechanics (3) looked at the part and discovered play in both right and left side axles leading into rear differential along with loud clanking noises inside the differential itself. Seal areas on both sides of unit had extensive play. Diagnosed with worn gears inside rear differential. Vehicle is only 8 years old (bought brand new) and has 74,110 miles. Complaint filed with Mazda claiming that gears and rear differential should not have failed given the mileage. Mazda has advised me that the car was out of warranty (5yrs/60k mileage) that the repairs were not covered. They wanted me to drive my car to a local Mazda dealer but I declined since driving it may/would have caused more damage to differential. Advised them to have their mechanic go to my local repair facility where part was replaced and pick up the differential for verification. Research online has indicated other owners has suffered identical issues. Have not heard anything back from Mazda. Total cost to replace $3,993.49
NHTSA complaint #11664916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.