2016 MAZDA CX-5 Recalls, Complaints & Safety

Vehicle was taken to an authorized Mazda dealership for 60,000-mile service; coolant system drained and refilled. Immediately after service, check engine light illuminated (P011A – engine coolant temperature sensor correlation issue). Dealership retained vehicle, drove ~300 miles, performed a second coolant flush; issue persisted. Dealer determined heater core clogged, attributed to coolant contamination/corrosion introduced during service. Another CX-5 at the same dealership experienced the same issue. Safety Concerns: Heater and coolant system failure may affect cabin comfort and engine temperature monitoring. Occurred immediately after authorized service, suggesting procedural or system-related defect. Noted in Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 07-007/19 as a known issue. Attempts at Resolution: Mazda offered partial goodwill assistance (~$775–$875) and assigned partial responsibility to the customer. Multiple attempts to escalate with Mazda Customer Experience (Case manager Betty) have not resulted in a satisfactory resolution. Dublin Mazda dealership service department, Mr. Frank Gozales (866-502-9912) mentioned original coolant by Mazda has caused this issue on 2016, and 2017 Mazda CX5 and is Mazda problem. I am requesting NHTSA review of this issue for potential defect or safety investigation.

My screen begins to change the display without me touching it. It has interrupted my GPS directions, causing me to get lost. It has gotten worse over time, now causing my back up camera to either not display at all or become partially blocked by another application randomly starting on the screen. My emergency brake lights flash on my dash, and auto technicians tell me it is a malfunction with the electrical system, not something in my brake system that needs to be replaced. We have tried that. These problems I have been told are not the responsibility of the manufacturer. I don’t understand why. It is distracting, alarming, and because it is getting more frequent with more systems being affected, it puts the driver in danger. This is not due to wear and tear - it is due to a faulty electrical program.

The fuel pump system needed to be replaced completely, although the mileage is just around 60000 miles.

Airbag light is flashing. Independent shop found code B00C1:93-8B. OCS Sensor B. Shop sent owner to dealer for inspection & repair. Charged $57.24. Dealer found DTC B00C1 passenger seat occupant classification sensor b. Replacement cost for the part $1,110.13, plus shop fess and tax for a total repair cost of this critical safety item would be $1,197.29. I did not have this service performed due to the high price. This safety item should be covered by the manufacturer. I recently learned that a dealer may not sell a car with this safety issue so I want it fixed and covered by Mazda.

I noticed smoke filling the inside of my car. I looked over at the passenger seat, and my coat was on fire. I poured my drink on it, pulled over, and threw the coat out of the car. I saw a large hole in the lumbar area of the passenger seat, and it was glowing red and putting out a lot of heat. The seat heater was on, so I immediately turned it off. It was obvious that the fire has started inside the seat, and there was no other fire source in car--ie. lit cigarette, lighter, etc. If someone had been sitting there, they would have serious burns. The seat will need to be replaced.

Fire

I noticed smoke filling the inside of my car. I looked over at the passenger seat, and my coat was on fire. I poured my drink on it, pulled over, and threw the coat out of the car. I saw a large hole in the lumbar area of the passenger seat, and it was glowing red and putting out a lot of heat. The seat heater was on, so I immediately turned it off. It was obvious that the fire has started inside the seat, and there was no other fire source in car--ie. lit cigarette, lighter, etc. If someone had been sitting there, they would have serious burns. The seat will need to be replaced.

Fire

Leather heated seats .. safety put at risks because I suffered burns on my bottom (butt) from the driver seat getting too hot to the point where it burned the seat itself as well , and made a brown burn mark on the seat … Both of my cheeks got burned .. this can in the long run cause skin damage and worse case scenario cancer. No it hasn’t been inspected No warning lamps

1 injured

With no prior warning, just after turning into driveway, my car got stuck and would not move. It gave clicking sounds and would not move no matter which gear it was in. The towing service person needed a dolly in order to safely lift the vehicle onto the towing bed because the front, driver’s side tire would not move and was pushing into the fender. So far, the control arm and axel are completely separated from the car. Further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the spontaneous injury. This all happened without warning.

Passenger side seat heater overheated and burned upholstery.

I was driving down the road and started smelling smoke then looked over and my passenger seat was in flames.

Fire

I was driving down the road and started smelling smoke then looked over and my passenger seat was in flames.

Fire

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATING SYSTEM CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE FABRIC AND MY DOG'S SEAT. THE FUMES MADE ME AND MY DOG NAUSEOUS.I HAD TO SWERVE ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND STOP ON THE SHOULDER TO EXTINGUISH THE SEAT FIRE/BURN. THE FUSE WAS PULLED FOR SAFETY. THE SEAT IS IN STORAGE FOR INSPECTION. MAZDA WILL BE CONTACTED.

Fire 1 injured

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEATING SYSTEM CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE FABRIC AND MY DOG'S SEAT. THE FUMES MADE ME AND MY DOG NAUSEOUS.I HAD TO SWERVE ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND STOP ON THE SHOULDER TO EXTINGUISH THE SEAT FIRE/BURN. THE FUSE WAS PULLED FOR SAFETY. THE SEAT IS IN STORAGE FOR INSPECTION. MAZDA WILL BE CONTACTED.

Fire 1 injured

UNKNOWN Slowly driving into garage when suddenly the engine revved up loudly and unattended accelerated forward, causing extensive damage to front of car, a piece of furniture and garage wall

Crash

The airbag warning light is on. I’m concerned the airbag may not deploy in an accident. There was a recall on the airbag, but the dealership only reset the light and did not replace the airbag. I have taken my car to two different Mazda dealerships: One told me I would have to pay for the airbag replacement. The other said the airbag is functioning properly. I’m not sure which one is correct, but the warning light continues to come on. Sometimes it stays on for a couple of days; other times, it flashes on and off intermittently. The airbag light is clearly visible on the dashboard and continues to behave abnormally.

The vehicle's air conditioner expansion valve is defective/malfunctioning. While driving the vehicle with the air conditioning operating a loud whooting noise fills the interior of the vehicle. The noise sounds like the siren/hooting sound the police make when they want you to pull over or get out of their way. But the sound is loud and comes from inside the car jarring the driver and passengers. I purchased the car in early 2017 new. I first noticed the AC issue in the summer of 2018. I brought it up to Herzog-meir mazda (where i bought the car) when scheduling an oil change. they said they could not replicate it and so there was nothing they could do. I brought it to them at least 4 times with the same issue. Each time they sent me on my way and said they couldn't replicate it. I brought it up to Foothills Mazda in Spokane in 2023 and again they said that they couldn't replicate it and sent me on my way. This past august i had to schedule the car for an update covered by a class action lawsuit and had them look at the noise issue again. Prior to scheduling I has research online if others have had the issue and low and behold lots of mazda owners have. It is a known issue that mazda has created a "helpline" to deal with it. So I brought it up while scheduling it and asked to make sure they researched the AC expansion valve prior to my appointment (more than a month out). The Mazda lady that scheduled my appointment heard the noise several times with I was idiling the car and finishing scheduling the appointment. The first available appointment wasn't until Oct 1st so of course it wasn't hot enough outside to replicate the situation that causes the noise. Again, they charged my the diagnostic fee and sent me on my way. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Rear Shock mount deteriorated in 8 years, far quicker than industry standard. Mazda redesigned the part for 17' MY. Widely reported on Reddit. NHSTA service bulletin notice.

Our sunroof exploded while we were driving on the highway. Glass shattered on us and fell while we were driving with a very loud explosive noise.

Mazda issued a safety recall (Mazda safety recall 4320A, NHTSA campaign number 20V-063) to address daytime running light flickering/failure. At the time, only the passenger side daytime running light was replaced under the recall by Mazda, with a gasket/gas absorption sheet being installed on the driver's side. The driver's side daytime running light is now flickering/dim. Mazda did not repair the safety defect properly on the driver's side for the daytime running lights under Mazda safety recall 4320A, NHTSA campaign number 20V-063, because Mazda only installed the gasket/gas absorption sheets that have since failed, causing the daytime running lights to flicker, increasing the risk of crash. Mazda has refused to cover the cost for replacement of the daytime running lights per safety recall notice 4320A / NHTSA 20V-063, even though replacement of these lights is covered by the recall. Both a Mazda dealer and Mazda corporate customer service have been contacted regarding this issue and both have refused to provide the remedy as outlined in the safety recall. Mazda has provided an estimate of $1,466 to replace the daytime running lights. Attached Documents: -Correspondence with Mazda where Mazda's refuses to cover work -Estimate from Mazda to perform work -Original invoice from recall work performed (gasket kit on driver side only, not full light replacement)

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the side of the road before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine had failed due to a lack of maintenance. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an automatic reminder regarding the oil change. The contact stated that the oil change reminder failed to illuminate to indicate that the oil level was extremely low. The check engine warning light also failed to illuminate. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Only one headlight was addressed by dealer in repair for 4320A | NHTSA #20V-063 and they're refusing to cover the other side. The other DRL led light is now out from seemingly the same cause. They stated they did not fully follow the procedure in the documents I found regarding this recall when they repaired the first one because they "pre authorized" the swap of one side on "good faith" so there is not a record I can cite around the serial or lot numbers of the new or old lights on my own.

We had another CX-5 in the back that we used to test whether or not it was either the throttle body or the BCM ( Body Control Module ) or the PCM ( Power Control Module ) not working that is causing your vehicle to not wanting to turn on The throttle body passed we transferred it over from vehicle A ( Being the donor ) to vehicle B (Being your vehicle ) and it was still doing the same thing which it would crank but not fully turn on and that is how we ruled that part out The BCM we also transferred over from vehicle A to vehicle B and same thing it would crank but not fully turn on This is what the mechanic at Mazda Collision Center of Irving stated: The PCM has power and is communicating with everything else in the vehicle. If it was the PCM then nothing would work and we wouldn't be able to even cycle the power as if we were going to turn on the vehicle We brought this over to our Mazda Foreman and we showed him the codes it was throwing and what was going on and explained everything and he did tell us that it could be the main harness that is causing all of this he is not for sure just because he is not the mechanic involved in this but he said that is a good start. I am uncertain exactly what is wrong with the vehicle. When I took it in to be serviced, it worked. The mechanic then said he couldn't work on it anymore after trying to fix the body work because the electrical system had failed. I then had it towed to Mazda to see if they could fix the issue. I had originally took it in because of a minor fender bender. I am unclear as to why it has taken four months and my car still doesn't work and I do not know how to afford buying a car to replace it when I cannot trade it in since we cannot resolve the electronic portion through insurance.

Crash

The info uni in the car constantly resets itself. It happens when GPS is activated, parking, listening to directions, pretty much at all time especially in crucial moments. Nav center doesn't even load at times, this causes unknown information of speed limits and streets.

Keyless entry stopped working, key fob battery replaced as well as car battery. Coolant issues. Heater core and sensors

The engine light constantly appears along with the "Schedule Maintenance Soon" light. Taken to dealership many times within my 3 month warranty and no definite reason was given.The vehicle rides very bumpy though sway bar was inspected and supposedly repaired by dealership during my 3 month warranty.

my brake light and my emergency brake light stays on and they blink constantly while the engine is turned on. they have been like that for at least a year. both my brakes and the emergency brake both work but I cant get the lights to go out.

Water pump failed causing coolant leaked into engine causing major engine damage

from my service mechanic... "Rear brakes at 8mm/8mm on the right side, but 4mm/6mm on the left. These brakes were replaced 1500 miles ago and should not be showing this kind of wear. Examined brake pads, found evidence of overheating. Scanned vehicle, confirmed no codes from Electronic Parking Brake. Actuated parking brake and confirmed it is engaging and releasing as commanded. Found a Technical Service Bulletin related to parking brake drag on this vehicle. The brake pad damage pattern is consistent with what we observed today. Mazda recommends replacing the affect caliper(s) with an updated version to address this issue. Confirmed by lot number that current calipers are older version. TSB attached. Recommend replacing calipers and rear brake materials."

The front passenger seat warmer caught fire as i was driving the vehicle. No fuse tripped or anything when it over heated. The seat not just melted but actually caught fire and filled the vehicle with smoke.

Fire

My 2016 Mazda CX-5 has had ongoing issues with the infotainment. It freezes up in cold weather and the screen goes blank for long periods of time. This has been an ongoing issue with Mazda vehicles. I had to replace the SD Card in December 2024. The cost was $326.50. There is currently a class action lawsuit by Frederick Law Group 836 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, Pa 15701, Phone number 724-801-8555. When the infotainment goes out during phone calls or navigation, it is a distraction while driving. I called Mazda and chatted with Travius about this issue and forwarded by receipt for the part. He said Mazda would not reimburse me. Can the NHTSA help in getting the reimbursement do you have any suggestions?

The car engine is eating oil. There were no warning lights on the dash to indicate this. i happened to check the oil and it was 3 quarts low. This could have caused the engine to malfunction while driving if not caught in time. This started around 70K miles. Coffmans Service Center in Warminster, Pa has confirmed the car was spraying oil on [XXX] and performed a clean combustion chamber with iridium spark plugs, replaced intake manifold gaskets and PCV valve, and Ow-20 oil and new filter. I contacted the manufacturer on [XXX] case # [XXX] and it was dismissed. I did read online that this Mazda car has had a problem with eating oil around the 70K mile mark. The problem is still occurring. I read that there was a class action lawsuit against Mazda. [XXX] et al v. oil Mazda motor of America. However, the class action lawsuit doesn't include the 2016. I think it starts around 2021. I uploaded the receipt for the repair on an older complaint. the complaint number for that one is: 11627409. Currently there are over 450 complaints on the 2016 Mazda CX5 on the NHTSA website. Can we get a recall on this? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was driving on a city street and slowed to turn right onto a driveway at at a private residence. As my car entered the driveway and near the end of the right turn, my car had a sudden unintended uncontrolled acceleration, continued the turn, went over a low hedge of shrubs on the right side of the driveway, continued down a short rocky incline, and landed on a large rock where the car stopped.

Crash

I was driving on a city street and slowed to turn right onto a driveway at at a private residence. As my car entered the driveway and near the end of the right turn, my car had a sudden unintended uncontrolled acceleration, continued the turn, went over a low hedge of shrubs on the right side of the driveway, continued down a short rocky incline, and landed on a large rock where the car stopped.

Crash

I was driving on a city street and slowed to turn right onto a driveway at at a private residence. As my car entered the driveway and near the end of the right turn, my car had a sudden unintended uncontrolled acceleration, continued the turn, went over a low hedge of shrubs on the right side of the driveway, continued down a short rocky incline, and landed on a large rock where the car stopped.

Crash

The car engine is eating oil. There were no warning lights on the dash to indicate this. I happened to check the oil, and it was 3 quarts low. This could have caused the engine to malfunction while driving if not caught in time. This started around 70K miles. Coffmans Service in Warminster, PA has confirmed the car was spraying oil on [XXX] and performed a clean combustion chamber with iridium spark plugs, replaced intake manifold gaskets and PCV valve, and ow-20 oil and new filter. I contacted the manufacturer on 10/17/2024 case# [XXX] and it was dismissed. I did read online that this mazda has a problem with eating oil around 70K miles. The problem still is occurring at an extremely low rate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

About a month ago, started hearing a whining noise from the automatic transaxle when driving at different speeds. The more speed, the more noise you hear inside the vehicle. It occurs with all types of driving, acceleration, deceleration and steady speed. Took my Mazda CX-5 into auto experts and found there is a Service Bulletin regarding this issue in 2013-2016 Mazda CX-5's. There is a damaged bearing in the transaxle due to improper configuration of the transaxle case. There needs to be a recall for this issue, not just a service bulletin. I cannot afford a new transmission and replacing the transmission with a like for like or used transmission, there is no guarantee the issue won't come back.

Front windshield wipers stopped working, front windshield washer still working. Fuse was checked, fuse is good.Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk because of lack of visibility when driving in rain. The problem has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership. The vehicle and the components have been inspected by a Mazda dealership. No warning lights or messages appeared before or after the front windshield wipers stopped working. So if a person is driving the car, there is no indication that the front windshield wipers will not work if it starts raining and the driver would need to use the front windshield wipers. This is a safety hazard because the driver will not be able to see, possibly causing an accident. This Mazda CX5 does not have automatic front windshield wipers (they do not come on automatically when it starts raining).

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle he observed a small crack on the top left corner of the windshield. Over time the crack proceeded to progress across the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was not impacted by an object or projectile. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

The controls on the Windshield Wiper/Headlight Control Stalk are not visible when driving at night. The setting markings on the Control Stalk are completely dark at night. This creates a safety hazard when driving at night in the rain and turning on your windshield wipers or changing your headlight settings is needed.

Front windshield wipers not working, bcm failed