2016 Mazda CX-5 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 510 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Mazda CX-5, filed between 2015-06-15 and 2026-08-05. The most common problem areas are the exterior lighting (161, 32%), electrical system (71, 14%) and service brakes (66, 13%). Owners reported 31 crashes, 10 fires and 13 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Mazda CX-5 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 161 | 32% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 71 | 14% | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 66 | 13% | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 57 | 11% | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 51 | 10% | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 42 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 39 | 8% | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Air bags | 19 | 4% | 9 | 0 | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 4% | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 19 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Seats | 16 | 3% | 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 13 | 3% | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| Suspension | 11 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Parking brake | 7 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Exterior lighting: 161 complaints
- 161 complaints of 510 (32%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 6 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Mazda CX-5; the recall, campaign 20V063000, says: “The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.”
Electrical system: 71 complaints
- 71 complaints of 510 (14%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 9 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 4 crashes, 5 fires and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 covers this system.
Service brakes: 66 complaints
- 66 complaints of 510 (13%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 9 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 6 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 covers this system.
Power train: 51 complaints
- 51 complaints of 510 (10%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 5 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 42 complaints
- 42 complaints of 510 (8%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 2 of them also name the air bags; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Mazda CX-5; the recall, campaign 16E002000, says: “The affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system.”
Engine: 39 complaints
- 39 complaints of 510 (8%) name the engine.
- 6 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 6 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 26 |
| 2016 | 50 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 61 |
| 2019 | 119 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 20 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names CX-5, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Mazda CX-5's most common problem areas are the exterior lighting (161 of 510 complaints), electrical system (71 of 510 complaints) and service brakes (66 of 510 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?
NHTSA has 510 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Mazda CX-5, including 31 reported crashes and 10 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Mazda CX-5's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-5; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.