RoadVitals

2017 Mazda CX-5 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
148
Latest Jun 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Mazda CX-5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

45
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The radio is uncontrollable by driver. The radio the self dial from Bluetooth. Even if not connected, the radio surprises this driver by playing the radio unexpectedly at the highest rate. Due to the buttons not working, driver cannot turn down the radio causing safety concerns for being scared and distracted. There are no warnings. Mazda is unwilling to assess without pay.

NHTSA ID 11747415 · filed Jun 30, 2026

There is a consistent issue with the “ghost touch“ and the electrical system so when you’re going down the road, the musical will change. The music will blast up or down randomly it’ll get stuck and it’s very distracting. It will hang up on people while you’re having a conversation through the car phone. This was a recall for Mazda 2014 through 2016 and they need to extend it because it was still happening with my 2017. This is my first experience with Mazda and it has not been a good one as far as this goes. I do a lot of driving and phone calls and music are very important and stuff randomly changing or getting stuck while you’re driving and then trying to fix it is very dangerous.

NHTSA ID 11746990 · filed Jun 28, 2026
All 45 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. Multiple warning lights all at once. This issue has been reported on multiple Mazda vehicle years. Took to Delker Auto repairs. Is electrical problem. Stated that so far nothing wrong with components. Will have to hunt for. Mazda has known electrical issues. In addition, your file upload will not let me upload picture even though it's in correct format. I can send separately.

NHTSA ID 11702925 · filed Dec 4, 2025

The rear camera dose not always display on the LCD screen, likely due to the ghosting issue with the infotainment system which randomly cuts in and out. This poses a safety hazard when backing up. Despite repeated complaints from other owners as well regarding the LCD screen, Mazda will not cover cost of replacing the LCD screen. I had a 2014 Mazda 3 for which there was a recall for the same issue and they covered it. So I don't understand why they won't do it for this vehicle. Being able to see what is behind the vehicle when backing up is a safety concern. I provided date of most recent occurrence, but this has happened multiple times before.

NHTSA ID 11645571 · filed Feb 28, 2025
All 18 reports naming driver assistance

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. While driving the vehicle, the engine overheat warning suddenly illuminated on the dashboard cluster panel. The contact pulled over immediately, restarted the engine, and coasted the vehicle to a local, independent mechanic shop. The independent mechanic diagnosed the issue as a blown head gasket. For a secondary inspection, the vehicle was transported to an authorized Mazda dealership. Dealership technicians determined that the engine cylinder was actually cracked and recommended a full engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID 11739578 · filed May 22, 2026

Coolant leak, caused engine failure

NHTSA ID 11631652 · filed Dec 19, 2024
All 16 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Twice now, my 2017 Mazda CX-5 stalled on the highway with a check engine light popping up--both times was driving around 60-70mph for a couple of hours and had about a quarter tank of gas left. The first time, no code was found, but the second time, after a deeper diagnostic, the dealership found a P0192 code. After reading here and many other places online, based on the code and the car's behavior, it really sounds like the Denso low-pressure fuel pump is to blame; that's the source of the recall for 2018 and 2019 Mazda CX-5s experiencing this same issue [XXX] ). If the 2017 model also uses that fuel pump, why isn't it included in the recall? If this dangerous and erratic car behavior is due to a faulty part, it really should be covered by the recall. Shame on you, Mazda. Lives are at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11619748 · filed Oct 14, 2024

18-20 year same model and trim were recalled for fuel pump. Mine a 2017 has same symptoms died on highway going 75 almost life threatening. SEVERAL threads online with 2017 models are stating same case. I believe should be included in recall - very dangerous. Please please escalate so no one gets hurt on the highway!

NHTSA ID 11576104 · filed Mar 7, 2024
All 14 reports naming fuel system

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I got my rear brakes replaced. Within a few days I noticed drag on each of the rear brakes would seize up at times causing excessive heat and a burning smell. When I took it into my local Mazda Service Center, I was told by the Service Manager and the Service Tech that this is a known issue with Mazda CX5s, that when the Mazda is not put into “maintenance mode” when replacing the rear brakes, it can cause damage to the parking brake motors and calipers. They said my vehicle was allegedly put into maintenance mode before brake service and that the issue can still happen even when the precautions are taken. Upon doing some brief online research I am finding that I am far from the first person to experience this unsafe defect. My safety and the safety of those on the road with me are at an extreme risk as my brakes could overheat and fail, causing a deadly accident. I believe this needs to be addressed by the manufacturer on all 2016/2017 CX5 models immediately as more and more are needing rear brake replacements, causing more and more risk on the roadways. Please hold Mazda accountable for this defect in their parking brake mechanism and require them to replace calipers and parking brake motors when performing rear brake replacements, and even better would be to recall all CX5 models to ensure a safe parking brake mechanism is on every vehicle Mazda sells. I was a huge fan of Mazda and planned to purchase more of their vehicles in my lifetime until this incident happened. I always service at authorized Mazda Service Centers to ensure I get expert level service and avoid mistakes or shortcuts being made.

NHTSA ID 11552140 · filed Oct 26, 2023

My Mazda has a feature called SBS (Smart Brake Support). It is touted as a safety feature, as it will brake the car when it approaches an object without driver braking. It can be disabled by the driver via the navigation panel; however, it automatically engages again upon engine start up. On a few occasions, when approaching a vehicle, I have braked and release, upon seeing the vehicle ahead begin to move. On such occasions, my Mazda's SBS activated, screeching my car to a near stop, scaring me and the vehicle behind me nearly rear-ended me. This action scared me, which affects my ability to control the situation and conduct appropriate action. I have contacted Mazda to ask for a permanent deactivation of this dangerous feature. They have been unable/unwilling to assist. They have concern that if a different driver should drive my vehicle, it would be problematic. I explained that this is my vehicle and I fear their SBS feature will cause me to be rear-ended and seriously injured. I have requested that the Mazda Customer Service rep submit a safety complaint on this issue. An Internet search finds that there are other customers with the same safety concern on Mazda's SBS feature. It is time that this be addressed.

NHTSA ID 11474061 · filed Jul 15, 2022
All 14 reports naming brakes

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Exact same issues as NHTSA Recall No.19V-272 -- Manufacturer Recall No. 3219D. -- Affected P/N: TK52-675XO B

NHTSA ID 11583185 · filed Apr 15, 2024

The sunroof exploded. Exploded. Sound was shocking. I did not know what it was. The sound of the outside from the sunroof clued me in. The "shade" underneath the sunroof was closed so I did not see it happen.

NHTSA ID 11580941 · filed Apr 3, 2024
All 13 reports naming visibility

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving on the freeway, going about 65 mph at 7:30 am. I heard a loud BANG sound and my sunroof glass exploded into pieces. I had the inside cover closed so the glass did not get in the car. The sound was frightening, loud and caused me to pull to the side of the highway. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives and I had used the sunroof the day before - it worked fine.

NHTSA ID 11484135 · filed Sep 12, 2022

The vehicle has a poor quality of paint which chips quite easily upon the slightest impact by road debris. I purchased this SUV brand new in Soul Red color, newly launched for 2017, and soon discovered that the paint was chipping away in various spots exposing the clear coat. This started happening immediately after buying the car and continues to this day at 20,000 miles. Every time we would go on a highway trip (not off-roading), the paint would chip in new spots (hood, fenders etc.) upon the slightest impact with small, everyday highway debris. The dealer dismissed it and stated that this is “normal”, as if I was new to driving and maintaining cars. I have always kept the car clean, washed, and waxed so I was terribly disappointed when this started happening. It has reduced the resale value of the car without a doubt, and will certainly initiate body corrosion in places where the paint has chipped. I have been forced to use paint touch-up in different spots just to maintain the cosmetic look and stop corrosion.

NHTSA ID 11451587 · filed Feb 11, 2022
All 12 reports naming body & structure

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My car only has 65k miles on it and the rear differential failed and needs to be replaced. I am seeing this posted online by many Mazda CX-5 owners well under the mileage this typically happenes but out of the warranty period. Mazda should start a recall or compensate owners for this. its never been in an accident simply a commuter car used around town

NHTSA ID 11724653 · filed Mar 16, 2026

Rear differential failed around 97,000 miles. We were three months past our certified pre-owned warranty. Total cost to repair was around $4400 after a discount on parts and labor through our Costco membership. Contacted Mazda to see if they’d be willing to provide any assistance to cover the repair, they declined. Service advisor told us that it was a catastrophic failure that we did not cause. We purchased this car in 2020 and have always had it serviced at the dealership and at no point did they bring it up as it being an issue. The rear differential should not fail.

NHTSA ID 11691959 · filed Oct 7, 2025
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Last week, the airbag warning light illuminated on my dashboard. Please be aware that this marks the fourth occurrence of this issue. Each time I bring the vehicle to the dealership, they provide a different explanation, and I am required to cover the repair costs. I have been informed that the vehicles were manufactured with a defect, causing the wiring harness to corrode at the junction where the temperature sensor connects to the engine, which measures the coolant temperature. Additionally, on two occasions, I was told that the wire had disconnected from the airbag connector. During my most recent visit to the dealership on 5/21/26, I was informed that an item in my glove compartment had dislodged the wire from the passenger side airbag module. This situation is extremely concerning, as it suggests that the wire can easily fall out or become loose from the airbag, given that there is no barrier between the glove compartment and the airbag. It is important to note that this issue arises each time I start the vehicle while it is stationary, and this vehicle has never been involved in an accident nor have the airbags been deployed.

NHTSA ID 11739407 · filed May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the air bag connector. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 9,000 miles later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who again diagnosed a failure with the air bag connector. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 24,000.

NHTSA ID 11649339 · filed Mar 19, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

During a one-hour car ride, the front passenger side seat heater burned a hole through the seat, damaging my wife's skirt and leaving a hole in the upholstery. The overheating definitely originated within the seat. We immediately turned the seat heater off and have not used it since. It could have started a fire, which is very scary, or burned my wife, which is a serious safety risk. This issue has been mentioned by other Mazda owners, but I cannot find any recall reports. There were no warnings prior to the burning. The component is being taken to the dealership to be examined today.

NHTSA ID 11722180 · filed Mar 5, 2026

While driving my driver airbag warning light started blinking. When I took it to the dealership to be inspected they said the sensor for the driver airbag is in the seat cushion and was not getting enough power for it to turn on, therefore if the light is blinking the airbag is disabled and I would need to replace the entire seat cushion to fix this issue. If the airbag is disabled then I could be seriously injured in the event of an accident when the airbag does not deploy.

NHTSA ID 11564269 · filed Jan 8, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Not an "incident" per se. Front passenger Seat Belt is difficult to clasp.

NHTSA ID 11692299 · filed Oct 9, 2025

Unknown

NHTSA ID 11688707 · filed Sep 21, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR BUMPER MARKER IS NOT DONE PROPERLY BECAME DETACHED WHILE STATIONARY. MY FRIEND HAS THIS CX-5 2017 AND SAME THING HAPPENED TO HIS CAR.

NHTSA ID 11375199 · filed Nov 18, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

RATTLE/ KNOCKING SOUND AS FRONT SUSPENSION MOVES UP/DOWN. NOISE COMES FROM AROUND THE UPPER FRONT STRUTS. THIS SOUND CAN IS BE HEARD CLEARER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

NHTSA ID 11331419 · filed Jun 29, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A low tire pressure indicator light warning /beep came on the display panel. Soon after, while driving on a busy street, the driver's side front tire suddenly went completely flat all the way to the rim, causing a safety issue.There was no nail or other foreign object in the tire, just very worn out tread. With only 28,346 miles, all four Yokohama Geolandar G 91A P225/65 R17 100H tires have worn tread with the two front tires the worst. I had the two front tires replaced with Advanta 225/65 R17 102H because I didn't want the same Yokohama Geolandar low quality tires. I didn't have at the time, and still don't have the funds to replace the two rear tires, even though the rear tires are losing pressure the same way, which I'm keeping watch on, as the indicator warning doesn't seem to alert me until it is at a critical level. I'm asking for a refund of the two front tires replaced and replacement of the two back tires.Thank-you

NHTSA ID 11556416 · filed Nov 22, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .