2017 Mazda CX-5 Problems
Compared with other Mazda CX-5 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
26/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Mazda CX-5 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 31 of its 150 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Infotainment screen operates on its own ('ghost touch') (57 complaints, median 3,089 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 150filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 19,000miles, 55 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 CX-5 most often report problems with the infotainment touch screen, which can operate on its own, and with sunroof glass that has shattered while driving. Brake pulsation and vibration, stalling at highway speeds, and paint chipping on red exterior colors also come up repeatedly. Many of these reports arrive at low mileage, while stalling and engine complaints tend to appear later, often past 40,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Infotainment screen operates on its own ('ghost touch')
- 57 complaints (38%)
- median 3,089 mi at 1.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
The center touch screen changes radio channels, settings and navigation on its own, sometimes making calls or raising the volume without input. Owners describe the display rebooting in cold weather until the cabin warms up, and some note that driver-assist settings toggled themselves off. A later complaint notes a firmware update was performed and navigation later needed a SIM chip replaced. Dealers in some reports acknowledged a known screen issue, and a warranty extension for the Mazda Connect infotainment system appears in the bulletins. Reported across a wide mileage range, including under 5,000 miles, and often noted in cold weather.
What to check: Ask whether the infotainment firmware has been updated and whether the Mazda Connect warranty extension applies to the vehicle. Test the screen with the car cold and confirm the radio and navigation stay put.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The infotainment center has been randomly changing settings and radio channels. When it is taken over, I cannot regain control of it until it stops. I've seen online this called ghost controlling. It will increase the volume so lout, that I jump sometimes. Also, the rear camera mode of the system froze while I was backing up causing me to hit a vehicle parked across from me.”
NHTSA complaint #11506435, filed 2023-02“There is an electrical issue with the infotainment system. It changes settings/programmed setup on its own. It is a known issue that mazda owners call “ghost touch”. This is becoming a safety concern for me as it has toggled for the smart city brake support and blind spot monitoring to toggle to off randomly. Although it is not relied on by myself, it can cause an accident or death if does not engage. Additionally, it has changed my display (driver gages) to the lowest setting which is extremely difficult to see at night. …”
NHTSA complaint #11536800, filed 2023-08 - Engine
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 19 complaints (13%)
- median 48,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report the engine cutting out at highway speed or shortly after fueling, sometimes with no warning light and sometimes with the check engine light on. Several say the car would not restart and had to be towed, and one report notes the gauge read about a quarter tank when the car ran out of fuel. Dealers replaced fuel pumps in several cases and advised keeping the tank above a quarter full. Typically reported between roughly 20,000 and 80,000 miles, often at highway speeds with a low fuel level.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump has been replaced under warranty or service action, and have a pre-purchase inspection read stored codes. Note the fuel level behavior on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Without any warning, while driving on a highway at approximately 65 MPH, the car suddenly stalled. Thankfully, on both occasions, I was able to avoid an accident and pull over to the side of the road. Coincidentally, I also own a 2018 Mazda CX-5 and in october of 2019, I received a recall notice (3719f, NHTSA #19v-497) for the 2018 car. The description in the recall sounds like the exact issue I have faced with my 2017 Mazda yet there is no recall as of now on my 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11388676, filed 2021-01, 60,000 miles“Without any warning, while driving on a highway at approximately 65 MPH, the car suddenly stalled. Thankfully, on both occasions, I was able to avoid an accident and pull over to the side of the road. Coincidentally, I also own a 2018 Mazda CX-5 and in october of 2019, I received a recall notice (3719f, NHTSA #19v-497) for the 2018 car. The description in the recall sounds like the exact issue I have faced with my 2017 Mazda yet there is no recall as of now on my 2017.”
NHTSA complaint #11388675, filed 2021-01, 40,000 miles - Body and structure
Sunroof glass shatters while driving
- 12 complaints (8%)
- median 24,345 mi at 3.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2024
Owners report a loud pop followed by the sunroof glass breaking and glass falling into the cabin, typically on the highway with no other traffic or overpass nearby. Several say the glass appeared to blow outward and that a dash camera recorded no impact. Dealers in some cases attributed the break to a stone or pebble, which owners disputed. Most reports are between roughly 10,000 and 50,000 miles, on highway drives in mild weather.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof glass and frame for chips, cracks or prior replacement, and ask whether the panel has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving at 60mph on an open highway, no one in front, back or to the side of me when suddenly I heard an explosion sound and and the sunroof glass began to pour on my cousin, his wife and me. I pulled over to inspect the outside of the car. It was obvious by the way that the glass was blown outward that the glass exploded and was not caused by a rock (the dealer insisted it was caused from a pebble)”
NHTSA complaint #11163596, filed 2018-12, 12,400 miles“While I was driving down the road at approximaely 40 - 50 MPH my 2017 Mazda cx5 sunroof exploded. I was not near an overpass nor where there any vehicles around me. After the explosion, I check to make sure it was not my tires, next I checked m windows and pulled on the shoulder of the road. I exited the vehicle and walked around checking to see if anything was broken. When I looked on my roof, I saw the sunroof had exploded. Thankfully, I had my sunroof visor closed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11241590, filed 2019-08, 21,500 miles - Brakes
Brake vibration and pedal that sinks or glides
- 22 complaints (15%)
- median 8,372 mi at 2.0 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2023
Owners describe vibration and shaking through the car when braking, and in some cases a caliper leak that damaged the rotor and pads. Others report the brake pedal bleeding down toward the accelerator or the car gliding forward with the pedal applied at low speed. Dealers in some reports called the vibration normal wear, while others replaced calipers, rotors and pads. Mostly reported under about 25,000 miles, including within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Brake firmly from highway speed during a test drive and feel for pulsation, and check pedal feel at a stop. Ask for brake service records, including any caliper replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle was on a city street behind a car which was at a stop sign. I stepped on the brake pedal, but my cx5 did not slow to a stop, but kept going at a steady speed toward the car ahead. My car suddenly stopped about 5 feet from the car ahead. My foot was on the brake pedal the whole time. This happened twice. Another time I was stopped behind a car making a left turn . With my foot n the brake pedal my vehicle moved about 3 or 4 feet and stopped before hitting the car in front.”
NHTSA complaint #11122006, filed 2018-08, 1,900 miles“Yesterday my wife tried to stop our cx5 in our driveway but it kept a slow glide for a few yards thus crashing into our garage door. Shifting into park a 2nd time (1st time didn't work) and pounding the brake pedal finally stopped the vehicle after pushing in the garage door a few feet. Engine remained in low idle (no acceleration) and brake feedback was normal (not mushy) the whole time. This is 2nd occurrence. First occurrence was about 6 months ago as the cx5 glided part way into an intersection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11154258, filed 2018-11, 7,000 miles
Buying note. Check the infotainment screen and sunroof carefully on a test drive, and ask for service records covering brake work and any fuel pump replacement. A pre-purchase inspection that reads stored codes is worthwhile, since stalling complaints often show up at higher mileage.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 150 consumer complaints for the 2017 Mazda CX-5. 55 of the complaints include a mileage, and 80% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 19,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 572 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Mazda CX-5 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 26 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system44 29%
- Other or unknown35 23%
- Engine16 11%
- Fuel system16 11%
- Brakes14 9.3%
- Body and structure12 8.0%
- Transmission and drivetrain11 7.3%
- Vehicle speed control7 4.7%
- Lane departure5 3.3%
Also reported: Air bags (4), Forward collision avoidance (4), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (3), Seats (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seat belts (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Two weeks after I got the vehicle, I was driving on a highway doing speeds of 45 to 74. The drivers land change assist was not working as a car was right beside me several times I noticed and the light was off. My son mentioned it. Dec 22, 2017 2) I was driving at dusk on cruise control 74 MPH and the car suddenly braked and a warning brake! Was on the dash. I was in the fast lane with no objects or car in front.”
NHTSA complaint #11081901, filed 2018-03, 250 milesOther or unknown: “Takata recall: unintended acceleration- while pulling into a parking spot going under 5 MPH, my gas petal accelerated without my foot on it, and I believe that the only thing that stopped me was the bushes I slammed into. It was a very dangerous situation due to a tree in front of me I could of slammed into as well as people could of been on the sidewalk walking. This is a very serious matter and I hope this is looked into fully. I just got the car 3 months ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11076314, filed 2018-03, 3,100 milesEngine: “The car stalled while in motion on the highway with 56 miles left in the gas tank. This caused a very dangerous situation due to the fact that I could not accelerate at all, as the traffic was speeding past. I had to coast through traffic to the safety of the shoulder of the road. Once the vehicle came to a stop, it wouldn't restart and it seemed as if it never actually stopped trying to restart. I noticed a few things during this situation. 1. The check engine light came on 2. All the dash board lights appeared to come on 3. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403642, filed 2021-03, 79,000 milesFuel system: “While driving southbound on I-75 north of north ft. Meyers, fl the vehicle stuttered slightly and stalled, with just enough time to pull to the right shoulder and park. It would not restart and appeared to be out of fuel, though the gauge indicated approx. 1/4 full. The Mazda emergency road service number was called and they dispatched a service vehicle. At the same time the mechanic arrived, a fl road ranger also arrived and put one gallon of gas in the vehicle. We were able to restart the vehicle then and drive to the next exit where we put in just 10 gallons to fill the tank completely. …”
NHTSA complaint #11231550, filed 2019-07, 21,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
80% of the 55 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,858 and 40,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Mazda CX-5. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-5 · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
| CX-5 · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: 4–5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Mazda CX-5 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-5 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,500 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 17V744000Nov 21, 2017Trailer hitchesCovers: Mazda CX-5 2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler…
Recall details for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 572 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037899Sep 11, 2026Electrical system. DESCRIPTION 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 diagnosis by asking if…
- 11036688Aug 10, 2026Engine. This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 01-012/22 10/06/22 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit accumulation of dried coolant (1)…
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026Electrical system, Engine. This 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, dead battery, engine…
- 11032003May 1, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and…
- 11032104Apr 30, 2026Body and structure, Other or unknown. DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026Engine, Brakes, Other or unknown, Transmission and…. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended…
- 11032101Apr 16, 2026Engine. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a…
- 11032019Apr 11, 2026Fuel system. This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-003/22 03/02/22 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about a tapping or knocking…
- 11032100Apr 4, 2026Body and structure, Electrical system. This 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 experience one or more…
- 11028133Jan 26, 2026Other or unknown. There are currently 2 methods for cutting a new auxiliary key blank. A. Auxiliary Key Trace Cut Method • B. Auxiliary Key Code Cut Method 2019 and newer models require a 10-digit key code to…
Other model years of the Mazda CX-5
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 615 | 0 | — | 26 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 29 | 3,518 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 46 | 20,828 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 67 | 10,064 | 0 | 5 | 26 | 22 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 65 | 20,482 | 0 | 5 | 26 | 12 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 148 | 26,450 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 108 | 3,200 | 0 | 5 | 28 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 272 | 17,000 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 57 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 352 | 14,700 | 3 | 4–5 | 28 | 77 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 150 | 19,000 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 511 | 30,939 | 4 | 4 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 133 | 27,000 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 60 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 377 | 42,200 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 194 | 39,000 | 1 | 4 | 29 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
All Mazda CX-5 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mazda CX-5?
Owners of the 2017 CX-5 most often report problems with the infotainment touch screen, which can operate on its own, and with sunroof glass that has shattered while driving. The issues reported most often: Infotainment screen operates on its own ('ghost touch'); Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Sunroof glass shatters while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Mazda CX-5 have?
NHTSA recorded 150 consumer complaints for the 2017 Mazda CX-5 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 44 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 35.
Has the 2017 Mazda CX-5 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Mazda CX-5 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Mazda CX-5 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Mazda CX-5 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Mazda CX-5 (CX-5 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 24 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Mazda CX-5 reported?
Among the 55 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 19,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,858 and 40,000 miles; 80% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.