Mazda CX-5 Complaints (2024)

47 consumer complaints on file.

#11774238October 28, 2026
WHEELS
The rear wheel well liner and mud guard on my Mazda CX-5 were becoming detached because the retaining clips have not stayed secured. During normal driving, the liner and the mud guard were separate from its mounting points and were hanged down near the tire. This creates a potential safety hazard because the loose liner and the mud guard may contact the tire while the vehicle is moving, which could damage the liner, affect vehicle handling, or create road debris. In addition, if the liner, the mud guard, or any portion of it becomes fully detached while driving, it could be projected into traffic and strike a following vehicle. This presents a risk of property damage, driver distraction, loss of vehicle control, or a secondary collision involving other motorists. The vehicle has not been involved in a collision, and the condition appears to be related to the design or durability of the retaining clips and attachment points rather than accidental damage. I believe this issue may affect other vehicles of the same model and should be investigated for its potential safety implications.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773467October 25, 2026
SEATS
I am extremely concerned about the safety of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 due to the failure of the seat adjustment mechanism, which prevents the seat from moving forward or backward. This is a serious safety hazard, particularly for passengers who may be positioned dangerously close to the dashboard in the event of a collision. This is not a minor inconvenience; it is a potential life-threatening safety issue. Mazda and federal safety regulators must take these complaints seriously, investigate the problem, and determine whether a safety recall is necessary. With numerous complaints reportedly coming from other owners, this issue deserves immediate attention before someone is seriously injured or killed. We should not have to wait for a tragedy before action is taken. Thank for looking into this matter
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770928October 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLETELY COMPROMISED BY UNEXPECTED ENGINE STALL IN TRAFFIC. For over one week, my 2024 Mazda CX-5 exhibited severe engine sputtering and erratic idle RPM fluctuations (RPMs surging high, then dropping dangerously low) while stopping. while completely stopped in a parking lot with the transmission engaged in DRIVE, the engine lost all propulsion and suffered a hard stall. The vehicle failed to automatically restart when my foot was removed from the brake pedal. This bypasses the parameters of the i-stop feature and represents a complete powertrain shutdown. I was forced to put the vehicle in Park and manually cycle the push-button ignition to restart the engine. This unpredictable loss of engine power while positioned in active traffic poses an immediate accident and safety hazard. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Mazda dealership for immediate evaluation. The service department stated they "could not replicate" the stalling behavior during their road test and returned the vehicle without a repair. However, I have documented the severe RPM fluctuations and the complete engine stall on a clear dashboard video recording, proving the failure mode exists. I also have a case number with Mazda
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763326September 10, 2026
STRUCTURE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered that rodents had chewed through the soy-based wiring and created a nest inside the vehicle. The dealer replaced the headliner, wiring harness, both front air bags, A-pillar molding, and C-pillar molding. The failure mileage was 17,655.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762181September 4, 2026
STEERING
Component failure: potential thermal (heat-related) breakdown of the EPS control module, steering rack electronics, or associated wiring harness. Description: After approximately two hours of continuous highway driving, a critical Red Steering Wheel Warning Light illuminates intermittently in the center dashboard. This indicates a severe system fault and imminent threat of total loss of power steering assist while operating at highway speeds presenting an extreme safety hazard. The vehicle is under the bumper-to-bumper warranty and was brought to authorized Mazda service for the warranty repair. The dealership refused to perform a deep electronic diagnostic of the EPS module. The service manager released the vehicle back to me, claiming the issue cannot be duplicated unless it is driven for two hours and no active codes are showing. He is claiming this is a lane assist issue and the vehicle is safe. This is not a lane assist issue as it was occurring for the complete two hour trip and not on a specific road area that the lane assist could not detect. By refusing to escalate a critical steering failure to manufacturer engineers, the dealership has forced me to continue driving a potentially unsafe vehicle with a known steering defect in order to “prove” the malfunction occurs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760715August 30, 2026
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
After vehicle has been parked for awhile, for example over night, there is a Popping sound or Clunking from front of vehicle after moving vehicle and applying brakes at first stop. Noise has been there since 2024. Popping, Clunking sound only when when vehicle parked again. There is also a loud Clunking sound sometimes, sounds like it is from the right front suspension, when driving on irregular, or bumpy road surface where i live. Sounds like something is not secured properly , tightened enough, or dampened enough. Like the Coil Spring flopping around in its holder. Have complained to the dealer numerous times. Was told that they could not duplicate the problem, even when vehicle was left there for about a week. Right front lower control arm was replaced on last visit, but noise is still there.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747755July 1, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745775June 22, 2026
SEATS
Driver side seat rocks back and forth when braking and cornering. Feels loose
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745244June 19, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES
On 06/18/2026, the vehicle displayed multiple safety warnings, including ABS malfunction, dynamic stability control/traction control malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and airbag/seat belt pre-tensioner malfunction. These warnings involve braking, stability control, collision avoidance, airbag, and seat belt safety systems. This was not the first occurrence. On 04/24/2025, the vehicle displayed similar warnings, including critical brake system/Electronic Brake Force Distribution malfunction, ABS malfunction, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning disabled, possible forward sensing camera malfunction, and keyless entry malfunction. The vehicle was towed at that time. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer in June 2026. The dealer replaced the battery under warranty, but I was not provided diagnostic trouble codes, a root-cause explanation, or written confirmation that the braking, ABS, airbag/seat belt, stability control, Smart Brake Support, Forward Obstruction Warning, and forward sensing/camera systems were fully diagnosed and verified safe. The dealer inspection report also listed the mileage as “No Mileage.” The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I do not feel safe driving it because the repeated warnings involve braking, collision avoidance, stability control, airbags, and seat belt systems. I am concerned that an electrical, braking, or safety-control defect may disable safety systems while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742330June 5, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Faulty headlights. One was replaced at 35,678 miles (passenger side) The other one is going bad (driver's side) (approximate mileage: 55,000) A dealer has confirmed the problem. Quoted 19223.93 for the replacement on 04/21/26. Manufacturer informed. No help. No warning messages for faulty headlights.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739827May 24, 2026
ENGINE
My car caught on fire on [CCC] and it's completely burned down, a total loss. Following is information about my car and some summary of what happened. Car information: - Mazda CX5 2024 - Bought in June or July 2024(car payment only made 22 times so far) - Odometer 24,445mi(as of 05/15/2026) What happened: - In [XXX] Friday afternoon, I was in Bellevue and noticed an engine overheat warning. So, I stopped immediately to cool down and called Mazda Dealership(Lee Johnson Mazda) to schedule a service. - Then after 20-30 minutes, I started the car again and the warning was gone. So I drove slowly and got on [XXX] to head home in Kirkland. I was already driving slowly. - After a few minutes, overheat warning as well as engine warning started firing and noticed that smoke coming out of bonnet. - So, I pulled over on the shoulder near [XXX] and called roadside assistance. But even before I get connected to the roadside service, engine caught on fire and I had to call 911. - The car is completely burned down and it's a total loss. - State patrol wrote me a "Exchange of Information" and "Tow/Impound and Inventory Record". Why I am submitting this form: - This car is less than 2years old and has been seeing Mazda service regularly. The odometer checked by dealership on 05/15 is 24,445mi which is slightly more than 24,000 which is stated in the Lemon LAW. But still, the car is pretty brand new and around 24,000 ish. So, I'm wondering if this still qualifies for Lemon Law. - Even before this happened, I had a service history for engine warning and get the engine checked on 05/15/2026 which is exactly a week ago before the accident. Also, they said the engine thermostat had an issue and replaced and covered by Mazda's warranty. - Overheat and engine warning was on and off. As soon as I pull over, it caught on fire. - This happened on [XXX]. It was very dangerous and lucky that we pulled over on right before it caught on fire INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739528May 22, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the check engine light illmiunated. The contact mention when depressing accelerator pedal, the RPM's get suck independently and the vehicle fails to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, however the dignanoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,381.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738271May 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof glass failure that occurred on my 2024 Mazda CX-5. While driving to work on May 9th at 11:16 pm going 67 miles per hour on route XXX in [XXX] , I suddenly heard a very loud popping/explosive sound from above the vehicle. Upon safely pulling over, I discovered that the sunroof glass had shattered unexpectedly. There was no known object strike that I or my two passengers observed, no prior cracks or chips visible before the incident, and no warning signs of damage beforehand. The glass appeared to have exploded outward/ upward and appeared curved upward. Most of the glass we believe hit the vehicle behind us as it was gone by the time we were able to safely pull over. It was approximately 58 degrees outside with no inclement weather. The vehicle currently has approximately 53,000 miles and has been properly maintained. The incident was extremely startling and created a significant safety concern while driving. Luckily, the interior sun visor was closed when this incident occurred, preventing the glass from entering the vehicle and injuring myself or my two passengers. Because the vehicle is relatively new and the damage appeared sudden and unusual, I would sincerely appreciate Mazda reviewing this matter for possible warranty or goodwill assistance. I have always valued Mazda’s quality and reputation, and I am hopeful the company can help support resolution of this unexpected issue. I have attached photographs of the damage and would be happy to provide any additional information needed. I would also appreciate the dealership documenting whether any definitive impact point or external strike evidence was identified during inspection. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to working together toward a resolution. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733510April 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger side headlight was making a loud noise. When it began, it happened sporadically, but in ~two weeks, it happened consistently whenever the car was on and could often be heard while driving. The sound was consistent with other reports of the headlight assembly failure and those covered by TSBs for 2019–2023 models. The vehicle was brought to the dealership, the noise was verified as being the headlight failure, and it was replaced under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731945April 17, 2026
ENGINE
While driving on the freeway, the car stopped having the ability to accelerate. The engine light came on, and I received a notification on the Mazda app stating there was an "engine malfunction." I took it to Mazda, and they told me nothing was wrong. Flash forward a month and the same exact situation occurred. I took it to Mazda, and they told me the same thing. This is incredibly dangerous, as losing the ability to accelerate on a very busy freeway is life-threatening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729735April 7, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact leased a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the yellow electronic emergency brake light was displayed. The cruise control and rear brakes were inoperable. The brake pedal was pulsating while depressed. There was smoke coming from the front brakes. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who replaced the brakes, and the module was inoperable, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics, who determined that the rear brakes were firm. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727169March 26, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
headlight fan motor went out in both lights in under 3 years
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726252March 23, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
Incident Description: On multiple occasions in January and February 2026, while operating a 2024 Mazda CX-5 in reverse on low-friction surfaces (snow/ice) with a slight incline, the vehicle suffered a total systemic failure. System Failures: While reversing at low speeds, the engine spontaneously shut off without warning. This resulted in an immediate loss of power braking and power steering. Simultaneously, the electronic gear selector (shifter) became non-functional, preventing the vehicle from being placed into 'Park' to stop the uncontrolled rearward slide. Safety Risk: The vehicle became a "runaway" object on several occasions. In one instance, the vehicle narrowly avoided crushing a pedestrian against another parked car, stopping only when the tires reached a different surface texture. In a separate incident, the vehicle slid uncontrolled down a residential hill, striking snowbanks. There is a grave concern regarding whether the Supplemental Restraint System (airbags) remains functional during these engine-stall events, as the dealer could not confirm occupant protection status during a total power loss. Inspection & Reproduction: The vehicle was presented to an authorized Mazda dealer on March 3, 2026. The service department attempted to replicate the issue by reversing over soapy water on a gravel surface. However, due to the high friction of the gravel, they were unable to induce the specific tire-slip/low-traction conditions required to trigger the malfunction. No error codes were found during an informal scan, and no warning lamps or messages appeared prior to or during the failures. Component for Inspection: The vehicle is available for inspection. I believe the failure is rooted in the traction control or engine management software, which appears to improperly shut down the powertrain when it detects specific wheel-spin patterns in reverse, subsequently disabling critical safety systems including brakes and transmission locks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718109February 15, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Premature failure of headlight assembly unit, (buzzing sound, known issue) completely unacceptable for this to happen right out of warranty. I don't think I will touch another Mazda in the future.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717052February 10, 2026
ENGINE
Timing Chain cover leaking
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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