2016 Mazda CX-5 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda CX-5. The most-reported areas: Exterior Lighting (161), Electrical System (71), Service Brakes (69).
Key takeaways
- 510 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 31 involve a crash, 10 a fire, 13 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 161 | 32% |
| Electrical System | 71 | 14% |
| Service Brakes | 69 | 14% |
| Unknown Or Other | 57 | 11% |
| Power Train | 51 | 10% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 42 | 8% |
| Engine | 39 | 8% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 19 | 4% |
| Structure | 19 | 4% |
| Seats | 16 | 3% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Suspension - filed 2026-08-05
Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues cause...
Suspension - filed 2026-08-05
Rear subframe corrosion on this vehicle. I am in a winter road salt region, the materials used for this vehicle's subframe are not compatible with consistent driving in this region. Similar vehicles (not mine?) were subject to a recall for the front subframe, but nothing for the rear. This rear subframe issues cause...
Electrical System,service Brakes - filed 2026-07-30
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...
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More for the 2016 Mazda CX-5
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.