CarModelProblems.com

2016 Mazda CX-5 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Exterior Lighting — runs 5.0× the fleet median for that category across the 720 model-years tracked on this site.
507Complaints
5Recalls
31Crashes
10Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Exterior Lighting (30.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Exterior Lighting complaints here are 5.0× the median for that category across the 720 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Exterior Lighting156 · 30.8%RecalledRecall 20V063000
Electrical System70 · 13.8%not available
Service Brakes65 · 12.8%not available
Power Train50 · 9.9%not available
Visibility/wiper42 · 8.3%not available
Engine39 · 7.7%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING156 · 30.8%
SERVICE BRAKES65 · 12.8%
Unspecified / other57 · 11.2%
POWER TRAIN50 · 9.9%
VISIBILITY/WIPER42 · 8.3%
ENGINE39 · 7.7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM19 · 3.7%
AIR BAGS19 · 3.7%
STRUCTURE:BODY18 · 3.6%

Percentages are the share of the 507 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · 2016 · reported 09/06/2016

If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering

NHTSA campaign 16V203000 · 2016 · reported 04/11/2016

If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

NHTSA campaign 16V064000 · 2016 · reported 02/03/2016

A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:windshield

NHTSA campaign 16E002000 · 2016 · reported 01/19/2016

If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 20V063000 · 2020 · reported 02/06/2020

If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS WITH THE TURN SIGNAL. FIRST AND FOREMOST, ON VEHICLES THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH LED HEADLIGHTS AND LED DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS, IT…”NHTSA complaint 10983424 — filed 05/04/2017 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
“HEADLIGHT CLEAR LENS IS MELTING FROM INSIDE. CLEAR LENS THAT COVERS HEADLIGHT HAS COATING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. IT IS THE INSIDE COATING THAT IS FLOWING…”NHTSA complaint 10778543 — filed 09/29/2015 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

3320155720166920177520181322019572020502021322022292023302024342025262026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

Exterior lighting issues are the most-reported category, cited in 156 of 507 NHTSA complaints (30.8%), followed by electrical system (70), service brakes (65), unspecified/other issues (57). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?

507 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 31 involved a crash, 10 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V644000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Mazda CX-5's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.