2016 Mazda CX-5 Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 511 owner complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-5. The EPA rates it 26 to 29 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
5
Owner complaints
511
Crashes / fires reported
31 / 10
EPA combined
26–29 MPG

2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls

  • Exterior LightingFeb 6, 2020 · NHTSA 20V063000+

    Risk: If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.

  • StructureSep 6, 2016 · NHTSA 16V644000+

    Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

    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.

    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.

  • SteeringApr 11, 2016 · NHTSA 16V203000+

    Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

    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.

  • Fuel System, GasolineFeb 3, 2016 · NHTSA 16V064000+

    Risk: A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

    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.

    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."

  • VisibilityJan 19, 2016 · NHTSA 16E002000+

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: Pilkington will contact the wholesalers and retailers that purchased the windshields to try to identify the affected customers. The affected windshields will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact Pilkington at 1-844-278-7230.

    Pilkington 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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2016 Mazda CX-5 problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Exterior Lighting161
  • Electrical System71
  • Service Brakes69
  • Unknown or Other57
  • Power Train51
  • Visibility/Wiper42
  • Engine39
  • Fuel/Propulsion System19

2016 Mazda CX-5 gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
CX-5 2WD2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)263329$2,200
CX-5 2WD2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd263429$2,200
CX-5 4WD2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6)242926$2,450

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-5, most recently for the exterior lighting (Feb 6, 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-5 problems?

Owners filed 511 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are exterior lighting (161), electrical system (71), service brakes (69).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Mazda CX-5 at 26 to 29 MPG combined (best version: 26 city / 33 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.