Owners have filed 69 complaints
about the 2024 Mazda CX-5 with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 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 — 15
Against the median year of the Mazda CX-5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 97
18.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
71% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2024 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD
16.9% risk
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.
Nov 2023peak 5Sep 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Kirkland, WAFire
ENGINE
My car caught on fire on [CCC] and it's completely burned down, a total loss. Following is information about my car and some summary of what happened. Car information: - Mazda CX5 2024 - Bought in June or July 2024(car payment only made 22 times so far) - Odometer 24,445mi(as of 05/15/2026) What happened: - In [XXX] Friday afternoon, I was in Bellevue and noticed an engine overheat warning. So, I stopped immediately to cool down and called Mazda Dealership(Lee Johnson Mazda) to schedule a service. - Then after 20-30 minutes, I started the car again and the warning was gone. So I drove slowly and got on [XXX] to head home in Kirkland. I was already driving slowly. - After a few minutes, overheat warning as well as engine warning started firing and noticed that smoke coming out of bonnet. - So, I pulled over on the shoulder near [XXX] and called roadside assistance. But even before I get connected to the roadside service, engine caught on fire and I had to call 911. - The car is completely burned down and it's a total loss. - State patrol wrote me a "Exchange of Information" and "Tow/Impound and Inventory Record". Why I am submitting this form: - This car is less than 2years old and has been seeing Mazda service regularly. The odometer checked by dealership on 05/15 is 24,445mi which is slightly more than 24,000 which is stated in the Lemon LAW. But still, the car is pretty brand new and around 24,000 ish. So, I'm wondering if this still qualifies for Lemon Law. - Even before this happened, I had a service history for engine warning and get the engine checked on 05/15/2026 which is exactly a week ago before the accident. Also, they said the engine thermostat had an issue and replaced and covered by Mazda's warranty. - Overheat and engine warning was on and off. As soon as I pull over, it caught on fire. - This happened on [XXX]. It was very dangerous and lucky that we pulled over on right before it caught on fire INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11739827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clermont, FLCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
This vehicle belongs to my friend, but I was the injured party. She was visiting me and realized she forgot her phone,.the vehicle wias at the top of my driveway and in park. She wanted to go back in the house to look and got out of the car & left the door open., I leaned into the car to press stop engine and immediately the car began to roll down the hill, dragging me 50'. Car still in park slammed into the stone wall of my garage.I had injuries to my right leg. aplit lip, frctured nasal bone, nerve damage to my thigh and torn meniscus. The Ambulance arrived, I was taken to the hospital and treated. Witnesses signed affadavits confirming vehicle still in Park. I have not been awarded any compensation since they say that my injuries were not serious enough.Mazda,at this time, has refused to take respomsibility since they could not duplicate the incident remotely tested by a Calif.facility. I am reporting this incident because all other parties have failed to do so.
NHTSA complaint #11699285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Converse, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The front driver's side seat belt restraint did not function as intended. The contact's daughter was pushed forward out of the front driver's seat without restraint. The contact stated that the driver's side headrest detached due to the impact, and the back of the front driver's side seat fractured and detached. In addition, the air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. The contact's daughter was transported by ambulance to the local medical center. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to the right arm and right leg, severe back pain, massive headaches, and whiplash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11699243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Converse, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The front driver's side seat belt restraint did not function as intended. The contact's daughter was pushed forward out of the front driver's seat without restraint. The contact stated that the driver's side headrest detached due to the impact, and the back of the front driver's side seat fractured and detached. In addition, the air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. The contact's daughter was transported by ambulance to the local medical center. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to the right arm and right leg, severe back pain, massive headaches, and whiplash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11699243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Converse, TXCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The front driver's side seat belt restraint did not function as intended. The contact's daughter was pushed forward out of the front driver's seat without restraint. The contact stated that the driver's side headrest detached due to the impact, and the back of the front driver's side seat fractured and detached. In addition, the air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. The contact's daughter was transported by ambulance to the local medical center. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to the right arm and right leg, severe back pain, massive headaches, and whiplash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11699243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clermont, FLCrash1 injured
ENGINE
This vehicle belongs to my friend, but I was the injured party. She was visiting me and realized she forgot her phone,.the vehicle wias at the top of my driveway and in park. She wanted to go back in the house to look and got out of the car & left the door open., I leaned into the car to press stop engine and immediately the car began to roll down the hill, dragging me 50'. Car still in park slammed into the stone wall of my garage.I had injuries to my right leg. aplit lip, frctured nasal bone, nerve damage to my thigh and torn meniscus. The Ambulance arrived, I was taken to the hospital and treated. Witnesses signed affadavits confirming vehicle still in Park. I have not been awarded any compensation since they say that my injuries were not serious enough.Mazda,at this time, has refused to take respomsibility since they could not duplicate the incident remotely tested by a Calif.facility. I am reporting this incident because all other parties have failed to do so.
NHTSA complaint #11699285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 17,655 milesLeicester, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered that rodents had chewed through the soy-based wiring and created a nest inside the vehicle. The dealer replaced the headliner, wiring harness, both front air bags, A-pillar molding, and C-pillar molding. The failure mileage was 17,655.
NHTSA complaint #11763326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,655 milesLeicester, MA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered that rodents had chewed through the soy-based wiring and created a nest inside the vehicle. The dealer replaced the headliner, wiring harness, both front air bags, A-pillar molding, and C-pillar molding. The failure mileage was 17,655.
NHTSA complaint #11763326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bensalem, PA
STEERING
Component failure: potential thermal (heat-related) breakdown of the EPS control module, steering rack electronics, or associated wiring harness. Description: After approximately two hours of continuous highway driving, a critical Red Steering Wheel Warning Light illuminates intermittently in the center dashboard. This indicates a severe system fault and imminent threat of total loss of power steering assist while operating at highway speeds presenting an extreme safety hazard. The vehicle is under the bumper-to-bumper warranty and was brought to authorized Mazda service for the warranty repair. The dealership refused to perform a deep electronic diagnostic of the EPS module. The service manager released the vehicle back to me, claiming the issue cannot be duplicated unless it is driven for two hours and no active codes are showing. He is claiming this is a lane assist issue and the vehicle is safe. This is not a lane assist issue as it was occurring for the complete two hour trip and not on a specific road area that the lane assist could not detect. By refusing to escalate a critical steering failure to manufacturer engineers, the dealership has forced me to continue driving a potentially unsafe vehicle with a known steering defect in order to “prove” the malfunction occurs.
NHTSA complaint #11762181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After vehicle has been parked for awhile, for example over night, there is a Popping sound or Clunking from front of vehicle after moving vehicle and applying brakes at first stop. Noise has been there since 2024. Popping, Clunking sound only when when vehicle parked again. There is also a loud Clunking sound sometimes, sounds like it is from the right front suspension, when driving on irregular, or bumpy road surface where i live. Sounds like something is not secured properly , tightened enough, or dampened enough. Like the Coil Spring flopping around in its holder. Have complained to the dealer numerous times. Was told that they could not duplicate the problem, even when vehicle was left there for about a week. Right front lower control arm was replaced on last visit, but noise is still there.
NHTSA complaint #11760715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
SUSPENSION
After vehicle has been parked for awhile, for example over night, there is a Popping sound or Clunking from front of vehicle after moving vehicle and applying brakes at first stop. Noise has been there since 2024. Popping, Clunking sound only when when vehicle parked again. There is also a loud Clunking sound sometimes, sounds like it is from the right front suspension, when driving on irregular, or bumpy road surface where i live. Sounds like something is not secured properly , tightened enough, or dampened enough. Like the Coil Spring flopping around in its holder. Have complained to the dealer numerous times. Was told that they could not duplicate the problem, even when vehicle was left there for about a week. Right front lower control arm was replaced on last visit, but noise is still there.
NHTSA complaint #11760715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
After vehicle has been parked for awhile, for example over night, there is a Popping sound or Clunking from front of vehicle after moving vehicle and applying brakes at first stop. Noise has been there since 2024. Popping, Clunking sound only when when vehicle parked again. There is also a loud Clunking sound sometimes, sounds like it is from the right front suspension, when driving on irregular, or bumpy road surface where i live. Sounds like something is not secured properly , tightened enough, or dampened enough. Like the Coil Spring flopping around in its holder. Have complained to the dealer numerous times. Was told that they could not duplicate the problem, even when vehicle was left there for about a week. Right front lower control arm was replaced on last visit, but noise is still there.
NHTSA complaint #11760715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Girard, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11747755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Girard, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11747755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
SEATS
Driver side seat rocks back and forth when braking and cornering. Feels loose
NHTSA complaint #11745775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, FL
AIR BAGS
On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and keyless entry malfunction. The vehicle was towed at that time. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer in June 2026. The dealer replaced the battery under warranty, but I was not provided diagnostic trouble codes, a root-cause explanation, or written confirmation that the braking, ABS, airbag/seat belt, stability control, Smart Brake Support, Forward Obstruction Warning, and forward sensing/camera systems were fully diagnosed and verified safe. The dealer inspection report also listed the mileage as “No Mileage.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I do not feel safe driving it because the repeated warnings involve braking, collision avoidance, stability control, airbags, and seat belt systems. I am concerned that an electrical, braking, or safety-control defect may disable safety systems while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11745244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and keyless entry malfunction. The vehicle was towed at that time. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer in June 2026. The dealer replaced the battery under warranty, but I was not provided diagnostic trouble codes, a root-cause explanation, or written confirmation that the braking, ABS, airbag/seat belt, stability control, Smart Brake Support, Forward Obstruction Warning, and forward sensing/camera systems were fully diagnosed and verified safe. The dealer inspection report also listed the mileage as “No Mileage.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I do not feel safe driving it because the repeated warnings involve braking, collision avoidance, stability control, airbags, and seat belt systems. I am concerned that an electrical, braking, or safety-control defect may disable safety systems while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11745244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and keyless entry malfunction. The vehicle was towed at that time. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer in June 2026. The dealer replaced the battery under warranty, but I was not provided diagnostic trouble codes, a root-cause explanation, or written confirmation that the braking, ABS, airbag/seat belt, stability control, Smart Brake Support, Forward Obstruction Warning, and forward sensing/camera systems were fully diagnosed and verified safe. The dealer inspection report also listed the mileage as “No Mileage.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I do not feel safe driving it because the repeated warnings involve braking, collision avoidance, stability control, airbags, and seat belt systems. I am concerned that an electrical, braking, or safety-control defect may disable safety systems while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11745244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edison, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Faulty headlights. One was replaced at 35,678 miles (passenger side) The other one is going bad (driver's side) (approximate mileage: 55,000) A dealer has confirmed the problem. Quoted 19223.93 for the replacement on 04/21/26. Manufacturer informed. No help. No warning messages for faulty headlights.
NHTSA complaint #11742330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirkland, WAFire
ENGINE
My car caught on fire on [CCC] and it's completely burned down, a total loss. Following is information about my car and some summary of what happened. Car information: - Mazda CX5 2024 - Bought in June or July 2024(car payment only made 22 times so far) - Odometer 24,445mi(as of 05/15/2026) What happened: - In [XXX] Friday afternoon, I was in Bellevue and noticed an engine overheat warning. So, I stopped immediately to cool down and called Mazda Dealership(Lee Johnson Mazda) to schedule a service. - Then after 20-30 minutes, I started the car again and the warning was gone. So I drove slowly and got on [XXX] to head home in Kirkland. I was already driving slowly. - After a few minutes, overheat warning as well as engine warning started firing and noticed that smoke coming out of bonnet. - So, I pulled over on the shoulder near [XXX] and called roadside assistance. But even before I get connected to the roadside service, engine caught on fire and I had to call 911. - The car is completely burned down and it's a total loss. - State patrol wrote me a "Exchange of Information" and "Tow/Impound and Inventory Record". Why I am submitting this form: - This car is less than 2years old and has been seeing Mazda service regularly. The odometer checked by dealership on 05/15 is 24,445mi which is slightly more than 24,000 which is stated in the Lemon LAW. But still, the car is pretty brand new and around 24,000 ish. So, I'm wondering if this still qualifies for Lemon Law. - Even before this happened, I had a service history for engine warning and get the engine checked on 05/15/2026 which is exactly a week ago before the accident. Also, they said the engine thermostat had an issue and replaced and covered by Mazda's warranty. - Overheat and engine warning was on and off. As soon as I pull over, it caught on fire. - This happened on [XXX]. It was very dangerous and lucky that we pulled over on right before it caught on fire INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11739827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,381 milesBattle Creek, MI
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine light illmiunated. The contact mention when depressing accelerator pedal, the RPM's get suck independently and the vehicle fails to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, however the dignanoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,381.
NHTSA complaint #11739528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,381 milesBattle Creek, MI
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine light illmiunated. The contact mention when depressing accelerator pedal, the RPM's get suck independently and the vehicle fails to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, however the dignanoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,381.
NHTSA complaint #11739528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Royersford, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof glass failure that occurred on my 2024 Mazda CX-5. While driving to work on May 9th at 11:16 pm going 67 miles per hour on route XXX in [XXX] , I suddenly heard a very loud popping/explosive sound from above the vehicle. Upon safely pulling over, I discovered that the sunroof glass had shattered unexpectedly. There was no known object strike that I or my two passengers observed, no prior cracks or chips visible before the incident, and no warning signs of damage beforehand. The glass appeared to have exploded outward/ upward and appeared curved upward. Most of the glass we believe hit the vehicle behind us as it was gone by the time we were able to safely pull over. It was approximately 58 degrees outside with no inclement weather. The vehicle currently has approximately 53,000 miles and has been properly maintained. The incident was extremely startling and created a significant safety concern while driving. Luckily, the interior sun visor was closed when this incident occurred, preventing the glass from entering the vehicle and injuring myself or my two passengers. Because the vehicle is relatively new and the damage appeared sudden and unusual, I would sincerely appreciate Mazda reviewing this matter for possible warranty or goodwill assistance. I have always valued Mazda’s quality and reputation, and I am hopeful the company can help support resolution of this unexpected issue. I have attached photographs of the damage and would be happy to provide any additional information needed. I would also appreciate the dealership documenting whether any definitive impact point or external strike evidence was identified during inspection. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to working together toward a resolution. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11738271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crozet, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger side headlight was making a loud noise. When it began, it happened sporadically, but in ~two weeks, it happened consistently whenever the car was on and could often be heard while driving. The sound was consistent with other reports of the headlight assembly failure and those covered by TSBs for 2019–2023 models. The vehicle was brought to the dealership, the noise was verified as being the headlight failure, and it was replaced under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11733510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eastvale, CA
ENGINE
While driving on the freeway, the car stopped having the ability to accelerate. The engine light came on, and I received a notification on the Mazda app stating there was an "engine malfunction." I took it to Mazda, and they told me nothing was wrong. Flash forward a month and the same exact situation occurred. I took it to Mazda, and they told me the same thing. This is incredibly dangerous, as losing the ability to accelerate on a very busy freeway is life-threatening.
NHTSA complaint #11731945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesBedford, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
The contact leased a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the yellow electronic emergency brake light was displayed. The cruise control and rear brakes were inoperable. The brake pedal was pulsating while depressed. There was smoke coming from the front brakes. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who replaced the brakes, and the module was inoperable, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics, who determined that the rear brakes were firm. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesBedford, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact leased a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the yellow electronic emergency brake light was displayed. The cruise control and rear brakes were inoperable. The brake pedal was pulsating while depressed. There was smoke coming from the front brakes. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who replaced the brakes, and the module was inoperable, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics, who determined that the rear brakes were firm. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
headlight fan motor went out in both lights in under 3 years
NHTSA complaint #11727169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
STEERING
Incident Description: On multiple occasions in January and February 2026, while operating a 2024 Mazda CX-5 in reverse on low-friction surfaces (snow/ice) with a slight incline, the vehicle suffered a total systemic failure. System Failures: While reversing at low speeds, the engine spontaneously shut off without warning. This resulted in an immediate loss of power braking and power steering. Simultaneously, the electronic gear selector (shifter) became non-functional, preventing the vehicle from being placed into 'Park' to stop the uncontrolled rearward slide. Safety Risk: The vehicle became a "runaway" object on several occasions. In one instance, the vehicle narrowly avoided crushing a pedestrian against another parked car, stopping only when the tires reached a different surface texture. In a separate incident, the vehicle slid uncontrolled down a residential hill, striking snowbanks. There is a grave concern regarding whether the Supplemental Restraint System (airbags) remains functional during these engine-stall events, as the dealer could not confirm occupant protection status during a total power loss. Inspection & Reproduction: The vehicle was presented to an authorized Mazda dealer on March 3, 2026. The service department attempted to replicate the issue by reversing over soapy water on a gravel surface. However, due to the high friction of the gravel, they were unable to induce the specific tire-slip/low-traction conditions required to trigger the malfunction. No error codes were found during an informal scan, and no warning lamps or messages appeared prior to or during the failures. Component for Inspection: The vehicle is available for inspection. I believe the failure is rooted in the traction control or engine management software, which appears to improperly shut down the powertrain when it detects specific wheel-spin patterns in reverse, subsequently disabling critical safety systems including brakes and transmission locks.
NHTSA complaint #11726252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
ENGINE
Incident Description: On multiple occasions in January and February 2026, while operating a 2024 Mazda CX-5 in reverse on low-friction surfaces (snow/ice) with a slight incline, the vehicle suffered a total systemic failure. System Failures: While reversing at low speeds, the engine spontaneously shut off without warning. This resulted in an immediate loss of power braking and power steering. Simultaneously, the electronic gear selector (shifter) became non-functional, preventing the vehicle from being placed into 'Park' to stop the uncontrolled rearward slide. Safety Risk: The vehicle became a "runaway" object on several occasions. In one instance, the vehicle narrowly avoided crushing a pedestrian against another parked car, stopping only when the tires reached a different surface texture. In a separate incident, the vehicle slid uncontrolled down a residential hill, striking snowbanks. There is a grave concern regarding whether the Supplemental Restraint System (airbags) remains functional during these engine-stall events, as the dealer could not confirm occupant protection status during a total power loss. Inspection & Reproduction: The vehicle was presented to an authorized Mazda dealer on March 3, 2026. The service department attempted to replicate the issue by reversing over soapy water on a gravel surface. However, due to the high friction of the gravel, they were unable to induce the specific tire-slip/low-traction conditions required to trigger the malfunction. No error codes were found during an informal scan, and no warning lamps or messages appeared prior to or during the failures. Component for Inspection: The vehicle is available for inspection. I believe the failure is rooted in the traction control or engine management software, which appears to improperly shut down the powertrain when it detects specific wheel-spin patterns in reverse, subsequently disabling critical safety systems including brakes and transmission locks.
NHTSA complaint #11726252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Incident Description: On multiple occasions in January and February 2026, while operating a 2024 Mazda CX-5 in reverse on low-friction surfaces (snow/ice) with a slight incline, the vehicle suffered a total systemic failure. System Failures: While reversing at low speeds, the engine spontaneously shut off without warning. This resulted in an immediate loss of power braking and power steering. Simultaneously, the electronic gear selector (shifter) became non-functional, preventing the vehicle from being placed into 'Park' to stop the uncontrolled rearward slide. Safety Risk: The vehicle became a "runaway" object on several occasions. In one instance, the vehicle narrowly avoided crushing a pedestrian against another parked car, stopping only when the tires reached a different surface texture. In a separate incident, the vehicle slid uncontrolled down a residential hill, striking snowbanks. There is a grave concern regarding whether the Supplemental Restraint System (airbags) remains functional during these engine-stall events, as the dealer could not confirm occupant protection status during a total power loss. Inspection & Reproduction: The vehicle was presented to an authorized Mazda dealer on March 3, 2026. The service department attempted to replicate the issue by reversing over soapy water on a gravel surface. However, due to the high friction of the gravel, they were unable to induce the specific tire-slip/low-traction conditions required to trigger the malfunction. No error codes were found during an informal scan, and no warning lamps or messages appeared prior to or during the failures. Component for Inspection: The vehicle is available for inspection. I believe the failure is rooted in the traction control or engine management software, which appears to improperly shut down the powertrain when it detects specific wheel-spin patterns in reverse, subsequently disabling critical safety systems including brakes and transmission locks.
NHTSA complaint #11726252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
