2019 Mazda CX-5 Electrical System Problems

Summary of Issue: The infotainment system in my 2019 Mazda CX-5 has been malfunctioning for a long period of time, and the issue has now escalated to the point where the system is unsafe and distracting while driving. Details: The infotainment screen intermittently “ghosts” and activates functions on its own—clicking through menus, changing settings, and moving erratically without any driver input. The system has also frozen and rebooted while the vehicle is in motion. This creates a serious distraction and safety concern. I previously reported this issue to the dealership, where they attempted a reset and told me to come back if the problem returned. The issue persisted and worsened. I recently returned, and the dealership diagnosed a communication failure between the CMU and the infotainment screen. However, they cannot identify any cause, and the screen itself has no physical damage and has never been struck. Mazda has declined to cover this under warranty, even though this appears to be an internal failure of components that should not fail at this mileage. Additionally, infotainment failures in Mazda vehicles have been the subject of prior complaints and service bulletins. Safety Concern: The malfunction causes the screen to operate unpredictably while driving, which distracts from the road and creates a risk of an accident. Because the system controls access to vehicle settings, Bluetooth, audio, navigation, and backup camera interfaces, the failure presents a potential safety defect. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this infotainment / CMU communication failure is a broader defect affecting 2019 Mazda CX-5 vehicles, as dealerships cannot identify the cause and the failure poses a clear distraction hazard.

My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.

When accelerating, the transmission feels jerky/stutters. The check engine light and traction control light are illuminated and on the instrument cluster the messages: "Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction", "Smart Brake System Malfunction" and "Front Radar Sensor System Malfunction" appear. The vehicle acts like it doesn't know which gear it should be in, it'll buck pretty hard and then it refuses to accelerate...it feels like it's in a "limp mode". A previous driver of the vehicle complained and said that it actually stalled in traffic on the highway and was of course difficult to steer due to loss of power. I took it to a dealership and they came up with a laundry list of things to fix...most of which wouldn't have any bearing on this issue. I did have the serpentine belt replaced and the belt tensioner replaced due to wear on the belt and loose tension. On 7/16/25, I scanned the vehicle with a code reader, the codes P0301 and P0506 appeared. P0301 is a generic "Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected" message and P0506 is a generic "IAC system RPM Lower Than Expected. The vehicle was taken to a shop where the spark plugs and the cylinder 1 coil was replaces and the IAC cleaned. On 7/24/25 the same vehicle behaviors were observed and the same warning lights and messages were activated. I scanned the vehicle and got "p0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected and P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire detected. There was a recall on this particular vehicle make, model and year and my vehicle was out of the VIN# range. I firmly believe that the recall needs to be expanded to include a larger number of vehicles...you can google about this vehicle and see many others with similar issues. Usually, the cure is a PCM reflashing/software update that seems to take care of the issue. Please expand the recall before someone dies in an accident because of this problem.

This is a complete electrical system failure. My screen continues scroll All Systems fails. At least it is not draining the battery again. I have had to replace the battery 2 times in the last 6 months. Maybe CarMax sold me a "lemon". . I received a recall notice, however when I spoke with the service department at the Bob Mazda dealership in Carlsbad and they told me that the recall on my vehicle is closed. I can come in for repairs, but at my own expense. I have only owned this vehicle for 6 months in which 2 months I was in the hospital recovering from a major surgery. When I get in my car and start it, if it starts the "blue" light is on every time, which is apparently Thermostat. After about 20 minutes or so the light turns off, sometimes 30 minutes. The next part is the scrolling malfunctions. It lists about everything on the car. I am [XXX] and live in Baja. I live in a very safe, gated with a security guard neighborhood, however I am scared of going any due to my car issues and being stranded. I also really need to cross the border to see my doctor but I am afraid. When you have to replace 2 batteries in 6 months and I have only driven under 5,000 since I purchased the car. Mazda needs to make me whole. My car also only has 24,000 and when I bought it had20,000 miles. There is something seriously wrong, actually multiple things are wrong with my 2019 Mazda. A person should never be afraid to get in the vehicle due to safety issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving, the infotainment screen went crazy! It randomly changed screens rapidly, and the navigation voice started talking loudly about changing volume level, and repeatedly. Very distracting and dangerous.

The touchscreen digitizer on the Mazda Connect infotainment system has developed a known defect causing constant phantom/ghost touch inputs. The screen registers random touches without any physical contact, causing the system to navigate through menus, change vehicle settings (including safety-related settings such as blind spot monitoring and heads-up display), exit navigation mid-route, change radio stations, and initiate phone calls to contacts without driver input while connected to Apple CarPlay. This is a significant driver distraction and safety hazard. When the system begins making random inputs, the driver must divert attention from the road to attempt to regain control of the infotainment system or end unintended phone calls. The issue occurs most frequently when the vehicle is stopped or at low speeds but also affects the system while driving. This is a well-documented hardware defect affecting 2017-2020 CX-5 models, acknowledged by Mazda under TSB 09-003/22. The cause is a failing touchscreen digitizer, not a software issue. Mazda has not issued a formal recall despite widespread reports. The component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer for this specific issue. No warning lamps or messages preceded the failure — the phantom touch inputs developed gradually and have worsened to the point that the infotainment system is nearly unusable. Current mileage is approximately 60,000-80,000 miles.

Infotainment screen malfunctions, pressing buttons by itself.

Mazda infotainment system experiences ghost touching. It would operate on its own and exit applications like navigation on its own. Mazda is aware of the issue but won’t issue a recall. This can be a safety hazard when the system exits out of navigation in the middle of nowhere. The system would also make calls on its own which would cause a panic to the driver who is distracted trying to end a call they never placed.

Just as the recall issued for the 2014-2016 the Mazda Connect Touch Screen continues to be an issue for most owners with this Infosystem. Mine for two years since I bought it will do the “ghost touch” on its own, literally operating on its own. My settings change on their own, doing such things as the volume on its own going from a normal tone to blasting, causing such alarm that I’ve nearly gone off the road. My back up screen brightness changes on its own, causing a real safety concern of running into something or someone. This is just two examples…all of the functions go “haywire” and just change at any unexpected time. This issue can be seen over and over online by Mazda owners. And I’ve reached out to Mazda themselves who state they are not aware of any issue, yet the dealerships are well aware of this dangerous issue and quickly know exactly what the issue is when you explain what the car is doing and let you know that for $1200 they can replace the info system. I just don’t see how they can have this issue since at least 2014 and continue to sell cars with the same issue a recall was issued for. It’s so dangerous.

The video display board does not work properly. It randomly changes settings while driving and is very distracting and does not allow the GPS to work properly. It changes radio and display settings and any setting prev set. It cycles through them and randomly changes them The dealer (Kings Mazda in Cincinnati Ohio) stated that this is happening frequently in Mazdas and will cost over $400 for an after market fix and over $1000 for a Mazda fix. It is VERY distracting while driving

The electrical system malfunctions repeatedly. The volume on the navigation will set to maximum by itself. This is alarming and poses a safety risk. It also randomly texts people detailed location information of the driver. This is a safety risk for minors and people in abusive relationships or with a PFA order. It appears to be a common problem with this car.

The infotainment system within the Mazda has a variety of issues. 1. Its CarPlay system is extremely slow to connect to the mobile device via a USB. 2. 'Mobile Device Error' message pops-up frequently and disconnects the infotainment system from the mobile device. 3. 'Ghost Touch' occurs when driving under 20 mph. The screen fritz's out, will randomly press buttons, turn settings on and off, and there is no control over it. 4. Screen freezes. System and screen will either lag extremely slowly, or will freeze entirely. In sum, these issues are not only annoying but also a safety concern. It is extremely distracting for this to happen while you are operating the vehicle. Furthermore, it suddenly removes your mapping/navigation directions that you might be using.

The display screen appears to initiate "ghost actions". It will change songs, put phone calls on mute/hang up, change display settings etc. on its own. I looked this issue up online and it seems to be very common with 2017 and newer Mazdas. I took it to the Mazda dealership and they wanted to charge me $150 for a diagnosis and another $500 for a screen repair. I decided not to do it because all of the threads online stated that this didn't fix the issue so no diagnosis was made. It doesn't put me at extreme risk but it is very distracting when I am using maps or CarPlay.

My Mazda connect touch screen operates by itself (ghost touch) while driving down the road. My safety is at risk trying to press button to get it turned off, while driving down the road. It is a huge distraction. The volume speakers at the high level and continues to beep and yell your audio will be at this volume level (the loudest). It is not listed as a recall foe this make and model, but should be. Doing further research this looks to be an issue with all of their vehicles and Mazda is not holding themselves accountable or trying to fix the issue in newer vehicles. There have not been any warning signs. I’ve had my car for 5 years come this August and my vehicles has been doing this for about 6 months now.

The infotainment screen is malfunctioning and acts on it own. Random parts of the screen are touched on its own creating a lot of distractions. Examples are changing of screens, settings, ending my navigation, calling contacts etcetera. This is a huge safety hazard and Mazda dealerships are charging for diagnosis for a commonly known issue, claiming the cause is unknown, despite numerous posts and threads online linking this to a screen delaminiation issue.

There is a known “ghost touch” issue with this vehicle. I did not realize that until recently but the infotainment screen will randomly activate when at low speeds and/or stopped. This has caused distractions while driving as sometimes it will actually initiate phone calls on its own. Mazda has a technical service bulletin on this but has issued no recall

Power folding mirrors do not fully close or extend during wet weather. This leaves the side mirrors visibility obstructed and could cause accident. This is a known issue and a recall should be immediately issued to remedy this dangerous defective part. Mazda technical service bulletin 09-011/20

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the recent service that occurred on November 14th, 2023. Due to the service's failure and negligence, Luther Brookdale Mazda has jeopardized the safety and well-being of my family members. On [XXX], my 2019 CX-5 was towed from Monticello, Minnesota, to the dealership in Brooklyn Center around 9 pm. While returning from [XXX] dinner in St. Cloud on [XXX] , a sudden warning appeared on the dashboard: "Engine Coolant Temperature High. Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place." Upon receiving this notification, we pulled over to the shoulder and observed smoke emanating from the engine bay. We promptly turned off the vehicle. Concerned for our safety, we contacted our family to pick us up and had the vehicle towed by AAA. As we awaited the tow truck's arrival, we noticed coolant had sprayed all over the engine under the hood, and the engine cover was missing. Furthermore, the coolant reservoir was below the minimum threshold. This particular issue is the reason I brought the vehicle in for service the week prior, regarding insufficient coolant temperature. It was evident from the state of the engine bay that the dealership failed to follow proper protocol. This lack of oversight likely resulted in damage to the engine and other essential vehicle components, leading to the total loss of the car. I am deeply disappointed by the lack of care and attention to detail in the service provided. This negligence also compromised my family's safety. Moreover, what was meant to be a festive holiday was marred due to the disregard for my property. I have been a loyal customer at Luther Mazda Brooklyn Park for several years, and I am shocked by the incident that has transpired. We have approached the dealer with the issue and they are continue to articulate that there is no engine damage, but with the ongoing class action lawsuit, I am extremely skeptical of their claims. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Mazda ships a defective touchscreen that will degrade and eventually register phantom inputs to the infotainment system. In my vehicle, the screen was able to randomly access my settings, including for safety (blind spot monitoring) and display (driving units, heads up display, etc) and start messing with my settings. When I was using maps, the screen would randomly zoom into different spots, or change my destination, or modify settings. This was an enormous distraction and rendered the screen useless. Also, I was never sure if I stopped the car from changing settings related to vehicle safety because I can't keep my eyes on the screen while I'm driving. It was just registering random inputs all over the screen while the vehicle was in motion.

The INFO touchscreen randomly activates itself (the commonly reported "ghost screen" problem that occurs due to defective coating on touchscreen) which cause settings and selections to change uncontrollably, including placing phone calls, etc. This is very distracting and hazardous for this to randomly happen while operating the vehicle.