This page covers 5 recalls, 501 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
26 mpg combined
9 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, while the side pole test also achieved five stars. Rollover resistance received a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the 2016 CX-5.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Exterior lighting draws by far the most complaints for the 2016 CX-5, with owners consistently describing headlights that they find inadequate, poor illumination distance and dim output are the recurring themes. Brake-related complaints are the second-largest named category, with owners reporting unexpected behavior including sudden unintended acceleration events when applying gas from a stop, caliper failures, and dashboard warnings for the automatic emergency braking system. The powertrain category covers a range of issues: a recurring pattern involves the high-pressure fuel pump failing while driving, causing loss of acceleration and stalling that requires a tow. A smaller number of owners report a front suspension joint separating during low-speed turns. Coolant system and engine temperature sensor issues appear in a handful of reports, often connected to dealer service visits rather than spontaneous failures.
501
Total Complaints
31
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a steering knuckle that can separate from the strut assembly and cause a sudden, complete loss of steering control.
The fuel system carries a separate fire risk: the fuel filler pipe can rupture in a crash, spilling fuel near ignition sources and raising the risk of a fire. On the body side, the liftgate's gas struts can lose holding force and allow the hatch to drop without warning, striking anyone standing in its path. The daytime running lights round out the list with two related concerns: the LED daytime running lights can flicker or fail outright, reducing how visible the vehicle is to other drivers in daylight conditions. A corroded wiring connector gasket is one path to that failure, while a separate issue can cause the lights to cut out during normal driving.
At a glance
What can fail
The gasket sealing the LED daytime running light wiring connector uses a material that can cause corrosion of the circuit board, potentially causing one or both lights to flicker or stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the sealing gasket and apply anti-corrosion material inside the headlights. Failed headlight units will be replaced if necessary.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The LED daytime running lights may stop working while you're driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your headlights and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assembly as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lift gate support struts can corrode and break, causing the lift gate to drop suddenly without warning.
What the fix does
Mazda will replace both lift gate support struts at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lower mounting nuts and bolts connecting the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, potentially allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the lower mounting bolts and nuts, replace any loose ones, and tighten them securely at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel filler pipe may rupture during a crash, potentially leaking fuel.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify how the fuel filler pipe attaches to the bracket to prevent rupture.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
