Mazda · CX-5 · 2016
2016 Mazda CX-5
5
Recalls
499
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 5 recalls and 499 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: exterior lighting (152 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is exterior lighting with 152 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2016 Mazda CX-5 reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Compare the recall list with the complaint mix to see whether the most reported issues overlap with formal NHTSA safety campaigns.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Mazda CX-5 currently shows 5 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 499 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are exterior lighting (152), service brakes (47), unknown or other (39).
- Vehicle
- 2016 Mazda CX-5
- Recalls
- 5
- Complaints
- 499
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
17.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 20V063000February 06, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 16V644000September 06, 2016
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 16V203000April 11, 2016
STEERING
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 16V064000February 03, 2016
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
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."
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 16E002000January 19, 2016
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Pilkington North America, Inc. (Pilkington) is recalling certain replacement windshields, model FW04026 GTY, manufactured November 23, 2015, to December 16, 2015 for use in Mazda CX-5 vehicles that are equipped with the Smart City Brake Support system. 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. These brackets were improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen.
Remedy Status
Pilkington will contact the wholesalers and retailers that purchased the windshields to try to identify the affected customers. The affected windshields will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact Pilkington at 1-844-278-7230.
Owner Complaints
499 totalSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “Smart Brake Malfunction” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnose...
Preview excerpt
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 31, 2026
High pressure fuel pump has been replaced twice in less than a year. Car has less than 100,000 miles. Both times the fuel pump went out while driving, causing loss of acceleration and stalling of vehicle. Had to be towed to shop both times.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 17, 2026
The fuel pump system needed to be replaced completely, although the mileage is just around 60000 miles.
ENGINE
Mar 5, 2026
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...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
FIREFeb 11, 2026
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...
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SEATS
1 injuryJan 31, 2026
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 c...
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SUSPENSION
Dec 29, 2025
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 fr...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
FIREDec 16, 2025
I was driving down the road and started smelling smoke then looked over and my passenger seat was in flames.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 15, 2025
Passenger side seat heater overheated and burned upholstery.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
FIRE1 injuryOct 29, 2025
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 ...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 499 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2016 Mazda models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Mazda CX-5 Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA has received 499 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are exterior lighting (152 reports), service brakes (47 reports), unknown or other (39 reports).
Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2016 Mazda CX-5. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.