What problems do Mazda CX 5 owners face? In this blog, we’ve covered all common problems of the Mazda CX 5 so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a used CX 5. Let’s start with the short Answer.
Most commonly, owners had to deal with failing daytime running lights (2016) and ‘ghost touch’ infotainment issues (2017 to 2021). Easily cracked windshields were an expensive problem to fix on the Mazda CX 5. The 2016 model also had premature brake wear problems. The 2013 and 2014 models suffered from improper shut off which would drain their batteries.
Now that we’ve highlighted the main problems, let’s get into them individually so you know exactly what to look for, how to fix it, and how much it’ll cost to fix. Let’s get to it.
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1. Failing Daytime Running Lights
Failing Daytime Running Lights (DRL) is a minor problem in the CX 5, but one that packs a punch. Consumers aren’t shy about criticizing this failure which is why we’ve seen so many complaints and sites covering it.
The daytime running lights on the 2016 Mazda CX 5 start flickering and eventually fail quite early in the life of the CX 5. That being said, they last just long enough to elude the 36,000 miles warranty.
After doing some research we found that the sealing gaskets were problematic; they released sulfur that corroded the circuit. The corroded circuit first resulted in the flickering of the DRL but most owners failed to notice this sign since there were no warning lights or other indications of the problem. Over time, the lights failed completely.
Probably the worst part of the problem is having to fix it. The daytime running lights have been integrated into the headlight assembly which means that you can’t simply replace the DRL, you have to switch out the entire headlight assembly. A task that costs $1,050 on average according to Carcomplaints.com.
Fortunately, after many complaints and a lawsuit, Mazda issued a recall for the 2016 CX 5 to rectify the problem. As part of the recall, the sealing gaskets or headlight assemblies will be replaced free of charge.
The recall was issued in February 2020 which is fairly recent so if you’re in the market for a 2016 CX 5, make sure to check if your prospective vehicle is part of the recall and if the replacement has been carried out.
The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 20V063000
2. Windshield Issues
Consumers have aired out their concerns about the CX 5’s easily cracked windshields. There have been complaints about windshields cracking with no apparent cause or cracking overnight and these cracks tend to grow quickly too.
This windshield problem has become somewhat common in modern cars and could be attributed to manufacturers opting for different materials to make lighter windshields, perhaps in hopes of increasing fuel efficiency or performance. Nevertheless, it troubles owners who have to pay out of their pockets to replace these windshields that magically break.
As one would imagine, the worst part of the problem is the cost of fixing it and its unavoidable nature, you can’t really make do with a spiderweb for a windshield. Consumers complained that since the cracks grew easily and quickly, the windshields impaired visibility.
According to Carcomplaints.com, the average cost of replacing the windshields is $510. Something that becomes pretty troubling if you have to do it more than once, which you might.
According to consumers, if you have a CX 5 or are planning on getting one, make sure your insurance covers the windshield replacement, better safe than sorry. Also, if at some point, you do get stuck with a cracked windshield, try your best to talk to management at the dealership to get it covered under warranty.
3. Vehicle Doesn’t Shut Off Properly
The 2013 and 2014 models of the CX 5 face a problem with improper turn-off. Owner complaints indicate that the engine shuts down but the battery remains on which can be noticed by the running clock and dashboard.
As you probably already know, this will drain the battery and leave you stranded. You might bear the necessary jump-start once or twice but having to pull out those jumper cables every other day will surely drive you crazy.
According to enginepatrol.com, the issue is caused by a faulty sensor on the transmission and so the electrical system fails to turn off the battery when the vehicle is turned off. Thankfully, this annoying problem can be fixed by replacing the censor for about $250.
You might find some unorthodox parking ways that include shifting into gears and more to power the batter off but we’d recommend getting the sensor replaced to properly rectify the problem. The other ‘hacks’ aren’t worth it.
4. ‘Ghost Touch’ Infotainment Issues
Similar to the Mazda 3, the CX 5 has issues with its infotainment system. This problem has been dubbed the name ‘Ghost Touch’ by owners who took to the net to complain about this issue.
Owners reported that the infotainment system would randomly act up on its own as if a ghost was operating it. It would scroll, click random buttons, and even dial-up numbers from contacts while you’re on the go, something that can be very distracting and could lead to accidents.
The complaints were mostly recorded for the 2017 to 2021 models of the CX 5 and included the infotainment system doing a number of things: changing radio stations, dialing phone numbers, exiting navigation, beeping, rebooting, and freezing.
If you have or do experience any of these problems with your infotainment system, you’re dealing with the troubling ‘Ghost Touch’.
We’ve come across two main solutions to the problem, neither of which is too pleasant. One option is to go ahead and buy a new display which will cost you around $1,000 or $1,200. Expensive, we know.
The second option, if you’re not willing to spend the cash, is to disable the touchscreen altogether which we’ve heard resolves the issue and eliminates the ‘Ghost Touch’. Unfortunately, Mazda hasn’t issued a recall and doesn’t fix the issue outside of warranty so you’re on your own on this one.
5. Premature Brake Wear
Premature brake wear isn’t a particularly widespread issue but we’ve seen some complaints about it on the 2016 CX 5. Owners complained that they had problems with brake pads and rotors, both of which needed early or premature replacements.
Some reported that for reasonable drivers the pads should last for 50,000 to 60,000 miles but with the 2016 CX 5, the replacement came at around 30,000 miles. Nearly half of the expected life.
In the reported complaints, the pads or rotors needed replacement under the 40,000-mile mark and most commonly at around 30,000 miles. According to Carcomplaints.com, it’ll cost you $580 on average to fix this problem.
6. Soy-Coated Wiring
Soy-Coated wiring has become a common issue for most brands including Mazda. Most automakers switched to soy-based coating for their wiring because it was more biodegradable and so more eco-friendly. Although it’s better for the environment, it’s also better for the automaker as these soy-based coatings are cheaper than their plastic counterparts.
The problem with these soy-based coatings is that they attract rodents who then like to chew on them and use them as nesting material. This could cause an array of problems, any system that utilizes wires that are accessible to these rodents is at risk of failing. This has become quite the problem since there is no easy solution and it’s a problem found in most vehicles by most automakers.
There are some simple steps to include in your routine to try and catch these rodents before they cause an expensive problem. This includes regularly opening the hood and looking for signs of rodent activity, looking for shredded pieces of wire where you park your cars, and cleaning out all the food in your car.
What’s The Worst Year Of The Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX 5 is an overall reliable vehicle that should last somewhere between 200,000 to 250,000 miles, provided you take care of it and keep it well maintained. The CX 5 began its run in 2013 and is still in production today giving us 10 years, 2 generations, and 2 facelifts. With so many models available on the market, we’d like to help you navigate which models stand out as less problematic and which are best avoided.
The worst model year of the CX 5 would have to be 2016, with 2014 coming in a close second. The 2016 model is riddled with problems that tend to cost quite a bit to fix, especially if you put all those repair costs together. With the 2016 model, you’ll have to worry about failing daytime running lights, expensive windshield replacements, and premature brake wear. It also has the most complaints according to Carcomplaints.com.
The 2014 model takes second place for being the worst model year of the CX 5 and for being the most complained about model. You’ll mainly have to worry about the vehicle not shutting down properly and so ending up with a drained battery.
All remaining model years serve as good options with models after 2017 having fewer overall complaints. You’ll have to worry about the ‘Ghost Touch’ on the 2017 to 2021 models but shouldn’t have any other widespread issues in these years. We’d also recommend avoiding the 2013 model since it comes in third for complaints and has already been on the market for 10 years so it might be ready to rack up some bills.
Closing Thoughts
The Mazda CX-5 is a generally reliable compact crossover SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its own set of issues that prospective owners need to be aware of. These problems represent critical points to inspect before purchase.
I can’t stress enough the importance of a detailed pre-purchase inspection – it’s a simple step that can save you from a costly mistake. Proper maintenance, including regularly checking your battery in older models, can help mitigate some of these issues.
For a broader perspective on potential Mazda ownership, I highly recommend our detailed analysis on other models like the Mazda 6, which sheds light on issues with Mazda’s midsize sedan or the Mazda 2 which dives into the compact car segment, highlighting what you need to be on the lookout for.
Equipped with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the used car market. So, happy driving!
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.