2017 Mazda CX-5 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Electrical4529.0%
- Driver assistance1811.6%
- Engine1610.3%
- Fuel system149.0%
- Brakes149.0%
- Visibility138.4%
- Body & structure127.7%
- Powertrain (other)117.1%
- Airbags42.6%
- Interior & seats31.9%
- Seat belts21.3%
- Exterior lighting10.6%
- Suspension10.6%
- Tires & wheels10.6%
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.
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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.
Coolant leak, caused engine failure
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
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)
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!
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Exact same issues as NHTSA Recall No.19V-272 -- Manufacturer Recall No. 3219D. -- Affected P/N: TK52-675XO B
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
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
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not an "incident" per se. Front passenger Seat Belt is difficult to clasp.
Unknown
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .