2016 Mazda CX-5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 14%of 511 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,900miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Mazda CX-5, 14% of the 511 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,900 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Body: about one month after I purchased the vehicle, the paint became brittle. There is a large rock chip, scratches on the hood, and chips on the door. Electrical: the seat heater on the driver's side turns on intermittently without the power being turned on. Transmission: the rmss continue to increase when I take my foot off of the gas at high speeds (interstate). I do not have the cruise control on. They rev about 10,000 and then come back down.”
NHTSA complaint #10971770, filed 2017-04, 8,000 miles“Electric parking break (epb) warning light start blinking after the release of the brake. I lived in a warm tropical weather. In my understanding this function works on cold weather.problem persists intermittently. If vehicle turned off, problem disappears but appears again when the break button was released. Weeks later the car started to activate the smart city break alarm when moving in my neighborhood and in a city street with no reason, suddenly, and bringing a safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11245369, filed 2019-08, 33,000 miles“I would like to express that this is now the second time I have had to take my car in for service and repairs due to the soy-based components they use in the electrical harness that have been continuously eaten thru by squirrels. My car's horn and headlights no longer work again and this is now the second time. I ask that these elements are recalled immediately for safety reasons. Wire harnesses are a critical component to vehicle safety. Wires that can degrade during the normal service life of a vehicle can be deadly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11310285, filed 2020-02, 40,000 miles“While on a recent highway road trip, my 2016 Mazda CX-5's driver side daytime running LED lights, which come equipped with the technology package, stopped illuminating properly. The daytime running lamp LED lights in question will flicker or not illuminate at all. I found this to be a safety issue as daytime running lights are equipped on vehicles to enhance visibility and safety. A flickering daytime running lamp can cause serious safety concerns resulting in distracted driving related collisions. …”
NHTSA complaint #11098120, filed 2018-05, 35,792 miles“On 07/28/2017, air bag light on instrument cluster began to flash while driving also the passenger side was occupied. Lasted until vehicle was turned off. Mazda dealer found code b00a0 for passenger occupant detection system. They reset the code and tested air bag system, they stated that all systems pass test. On 10/16/2017, air bag light on instrument cluster began to flash and the warning beeping start up while driving also the passenger side was not occupied. I considered this is a serious safety issue and need to be reported. I recorded videos.”
NHTSA complaint #11033965, filed 2017-10, 19,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g…
- 11032100Apr 4, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs and bulletin(s) listed below: The changes are noted below in red. SA-010/23 02/09/23 DESCRIPTION Some customers may…
- 11026917Dec 17, 2025If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11024999Oct 2, 2025For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
- 11007029Aug 26, 2024For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of…
- 11007019Aug 15, 2024If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 11006987Aug 8, 2024In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by…
- 11006917Aug 6, 2024Some customers may complain that their liftgate does not open. This can mean a range of things, from the liftgate not unlatching to the power liftgate (PLG) not opening…
- 11006998Aug 5, 2024Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 29% |
| 2025 | 6 | 21% |
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 9 | 13% |
| 2022 | 6 | 9% |
| 2021 | 12 | 8% |
| 2020 | 31 | 29% |
| 2019 | 46 | 17% |
| 2018 | 29 | 8% |
| 2017 | 44 | 29% |
| 2016 | 71 | 14% |
| 2015 | 8 | 6% |
| 2014 | 132 | 35% |
| 2013 | 58 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2016 Mazda CX-5
161 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
47 complaintsEngine
39 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSuspension
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Mazda CX-5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology