2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls and problems

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 4 safety recalls and 512 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
512
Crashes / fires
31 / 10
Injuries / deaths
13 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls

Recall 20V-063: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 6, 2020 · 36,761 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.

Risk: If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlights, and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4320A.

Recall 16V-644: Structure

Reported Sep 6, 2016 · 580,455 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

Recall 16V-203: Steering

Reported Apr 11, 2016 · 578 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

Recall 16V-064: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 3, 2016 · 268,799 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Risk: A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 9216B.

2016 Mazda CX-5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting161
Electrical System72
Service Brakes66
Unknown or Other57
Power Train51
Visibility/Wiper43
Engine39
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Structure19
Air Bags19
Seats17
Vehicle Speed Control13

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 18
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
  • Visibility › Windshield — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Daytime Running Lights › Bulbs — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
  • Seat Belts › Rear/Other — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,939 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Mazda CX-5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 27, 2026
My windshield wipers stopped working completely. I am unable to see out my front window properly while its raining. Yes the dealership said that my front body control module needs to be replaced which is the same issue that other Mazdas from the same era have had safety recalls for (nhtsa campaign 19v272000). No it hasn't been inspected by anyone other than a Mazda dealership. The front wipers slowly stopped working. First the highest setting didn't work at all, then the wipers would work sporadically, and now they don't work at all.
Seats · reported Oct 21, 2026
I own a 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring and discovered two brown, burn-like marks on the lower seatback of a heated front seat. I suspect the seat heater overheated and damaged the upholstery. The discoloration is concentrated in the lower back/lumbar area, and I have photographs documenting it. I am concerned that continued use could cause further overheating, burns to an occupant, or a fire. I am reporting this as a seat-heater safety defect and requesting investigation.
Suspension · reported Aug 5, 2026
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 caused multiple failures of virtually every component of the rear suspension - control arms, rear springs, etc. The repair cost for JUST the subframe was $3813. Not repairing it was not an option - the vehicle had failed mandatory State of Maine inspection (a safety thing, if I'm not…
Suspension · reported Aug 5, 2026
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 caused multiple failures of virtually every component of the rear suspension - control arms, rear springs, etc. The repair cost for JUST the subframe was $3813. Not repairing it was not an option - the vehicle had failed mandatory State of Maine inspection (a safety thing, if I'm not…
Electrical System · at 84,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2026
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 on several different occasions. The contact expressed concern that the brakes could engage while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Other Mazda CX-5 years

Compare all Mazda CX-5 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-5: 20V-063 (exterior lighting), 16V-644 (structure), 16V-203 (steering), 16V-064 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (161 reports), followed by electrical system (72). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,939 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.