2016 Mazda CX-5: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
4 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 32% about lights.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2016 Mazda CX-5
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Mazda CX-5. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Fuel systemFire risk
A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Details 16V064000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 9216B.
- Lights
If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 20V063000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlights, and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4320A.
- Steering
If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 16V203000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
- Body structure
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Details 16V644000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
1 aftermarket-part notice (parts sold for this model, not the car)
If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the risk of a crash. 16E002000
2016 Mazda CX-5 safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Screen and audio: MAZDA CONNECT INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION As a result of a Mazda Connect Infotainment Class Action settlement, Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to implement a Customer Service Program (CSP13).
- Warranty extension: Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct a Special Service Program (SSP) on certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles built from November 1, 2014 through May 13, 2016.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2016 Mazda CX-5 safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
510 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2016 Mazda CX-5 is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 80,000 mi | $10,000 |
| 160,000 mi | $8,563 |
Other Mazda CX-5 years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator