2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 511 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mazda CX-5.

4
recalls
511
owner complaints
31
complaints mentioning a crash
10
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls

Exterior lighting: headlights

NHTSA campaign 20V063000 · reported February 6, 2020 · Mazda North American Operations · 36,761 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
The risk
If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Structure: body, hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · reported September 6, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 580,455 vehicles potentially affected

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

Steering

NHTSA campaign 16V203000 · reported April 11, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 578 vehicles potentially affected

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

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and cap

NHTSA campaign 16V064000 · reported February 3, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 268,799 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 21, 2026 · Seats

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…

Aug 5, 2026 · Suspension

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…

Aug 5, 2026 · Suspension

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…

Jul 30, 2026 · Electrical system · 84,000 miles

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…

Jun 22, 2026 · Unknown or other

Repeated Failure and Rebooting of Mazda Connect Infotainment System I am the owner of a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The factory Mazda Connect infotainment system has developed a recurring defect in which the system repeatedly reboots to the Mazda logo while driving. Prior to complete failure, the navigation system became…

CX-5 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 119461
2014 337770
2015 3133110
2016 45113110
2017 115050
2018 3352191
2019 227272

Across all years, the 2016 CX-5 has the most complaints (511). All Mazda CX-5 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-5, the most recent reported on February 6, 2020 (Exterior lighting: headlights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
Owners have filed 511 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is exterior lighting (161 complaints), followed by electrical system (71).
How many 2016 Mazda CX-5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
31 of 511 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 13 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2026.