2016 Mazda Cx 5
Common Problems
Ranked from 226 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Daytime Running Light Failure
114complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe daytime running lights on both sides of the vehicle have failed or are flickering, posing a safety hazard.
- 3
Electronic Parking Brake Failure
33complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe electronic parking brake of 2016 Mazda CX-5 failed to release properly, causing the car to roll unexpectedly.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Transmission failure or engagement issues
21complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission failed to engage properly or stalled, causing the vehicle to hesitate or not move when accelerating.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Windshield cracking or breaking
13complaintsHigh severityOtherWindshields cracked or broke without any apparent cause, often within the first few months of ownership.
- 6
Unintended Acceleration Issues
11complaintsSafety riskFuel systemThe car suddenly accelerates without driver input, posing a serious safety risk.
Related recall: 16V064000
- 7
Unexpected Acceleration
9complaintsSafety riskTransmissionVehicle experiences unexpected and uncontrolled acceleration, posing a significant safety risk during driving.
- 8
Engine Acceleration Without Warning
8complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine of 2016 Mazda CX-5 suddenly accelerated without warning, leading to accidents and injuries.
- 9
Windshield Cracking Without Impact
7complaintsLow severityOtherWindshields of 2016 Mazda CX-5 cracked without any apparent impact or external force.
- 10
Severe engine stalling or hesitation
6complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalled or hesitated when attempting to start or accelerate, especially from a stopped position.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Steering Wheel Issues
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering wheels of 2016 Mazda CX-5 experienced peeling and recurring issues despite replacements.
Related recall: 16V203000
- 12
Brake overheating
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe rear brakes can overheat during driving, leading to dragging and uneven wear of rotors and pads.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Severe Seat Heating System Malfunction
3complaintsHigh severityElectricalPassenger seat heating system catches fire, burning through fabric and causing smoke and potential skin damage.
- 14
Brake Pad and Caliper Issues
2complaintsMedium severityOtherBrake pads and calipers wear out quickly, leading to reduced braking performance.
$250–$700est. brake caliper replacement · 1–2.5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.