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2016 Mazda CX-5: common problems and reliability
One of the worst CX-5 years.
One of the Mazda CX-5 years to avoid. All CX-5 years
510 owner complaints, most about exterior lighting. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 CX-5?The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 510 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other CX-5 years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the CX-5?
Across the 15 CX-5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2012) to 510 (2016). With 510 complaints, the 2016 CX-5 sits above the model's median of 120.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 CX-5
structure:body:hatchback/liftgate
Campaign 16V644000Mazda 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.
steering
Campaign 16V203000Mazda 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Campaign 16V064000Mazda 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."
visibility:windshield
Campaign 16E002000Pilkington North America, Inc. (Pilkington) is recalling certain replacement windshields, model FW04026 GTY, manufactured November 23, 2015, to December 16, 2015 for use in Mazda CX-5 vehicles that are equipped with the Smart City Brake Support system. The affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system. These brackets were improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen.
Show 1 more recall
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 20V063000Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment is predominantly positive, with the CX-5 consistently praised for its reliability, premium interior feel, and engaging driving dynamics. It is frequently cited as a top recommendation for buyers seeking a dependable, well-built compact SUV.
Owner insights cover all generations of the CX-5. See the full CX-5 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used CX-5 listings typically run $17,362–$24,820.
Other CX-5 model years
Compare every CX-5 year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the CX-5 against its rivals
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