2021 Mazda CX-5

[FIELD: DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED] Severe ongoing safety defects uncorrected after 2 dealer repair attempts ([XXX] & [XXX]). LIGHTS: High beams failed [XXX], requiring continuous manual hold to function. ADAS/HUD: HUD failed to project Nov 3. Cameras cut out with false "sensor blocked" error (Oct [XXX] & [XXX]. Infotainment screen turns off while driving (multiple dates). ENGINE: Stalls in traffic/drive-thrus and fails to restart. MIRROR: Power side mirror glass/folding intermittently does not fold out and glass does not move/adjust. Dealership reportedly ordered part during Sept [XXX] repair window, has not been repaired yet with no update from dealership. [FIELD: HOW WAS SAFETY AFFECTED?] High-beam failure forces single-handed steering at night. Sudden ADAS/screen shutdowns cause driver distraction and lose safety monitoring. Engine stalling creates severe collision risks at intersections and on active roads.Mirror issue prevents ability to safely monitor changing road conditions/other drivers. [FIELD: WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES] Cluster displayed "System Disabled: Poor Outward Camera Visibility" in clear weather with clean windshield (Oct [XXX] & [XXX]). No warnings for engine stalling, HUD loss, or headlight failure. [FIELD: REPRODUCTION & INSPECTIONS] Dealer failed to reproduce due to brief test drives. Inspected only by Jim Shorkey Kia and 1 independent mechanic (who diagnosed earlier resolved oil leak/solenoid timing belt issue). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11775766

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

During hard or emergency braking at higher speeds, the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) activates and pulsates normally for approximately 1 to 2 seconds, then abruptly fails and stops pumping. Immediately after the ABS cuts out, the wheels lock up completely, causing the vehicle to skid with loss of traction/stability control, reduced steering control, and extended stopping distances. At the exact moment the ABS stops pumping and the wheels lock, the dashboard displays a "Smart Brake System Malfunction" warning message and illuminates both the ABS warning light and the TCS/DSC (Traction Control / Dynamic Stability Control) indicator light. However, as soon as the braking event ends, all warning lights and the error message turn off automatically on their own without needing to restart the vehicle. Because the fault clears itself immediately during the drive, there is no active warning on the dashboard showing that the ABS, TCS/DSC, and Smart Brake systems are compromised until the next high-speed emergency braking situation occurs. Vehicle diagnostic scans recorded error codes U3003-16-68 (Circuit voltage below threshold), U0316-09-08 (Error signal received from DSC/ABS module), and B13D3-16-8A. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced twice by an authorized Mazda dealership for this exact safety defect: on 8-Sep-2026, the dealership replaced the 12V vehicle battery, and on Oct-5-2026, the dealership replaced the ABS module. Neither repair resolved the issue, and on both occasions the dealership returned the vehicle claiming it was fixed. Testing the brakes confirmed the defect persists: under hard braking, the ABS still cuts out after 1 to 2 seconds, locks the wheels, and momentarily triggers the ABS light, TCS/DSC light, and "Smart Brake System Malfunction" warning before clearing itself again.

NHTSA ID

11774876

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driving approximately 40 - 50 MPH. The contact stated that due to the crash, the driver's seat unexpectedly reclined, and the driver's head restraint detached and landed in the car seat in the rear seat. The contact also stated that the air bags failed to deploy during the crash. A Police report was filed. The contact was transported to a local emergency room and was treated for a fractured right fibula and whiplash. The vehicle was towed to a service center for an insurance claim and inspection. The contact was concerned that the air bags did not deploy and stated that the failure could have resulted in more catastrophic injuries. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11769574

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

Mileage

50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in cylinder#1. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where the OBDII scanner discovered a misfire in one of the engine cylinders and diagnosed the vehicle with an engine failure. The contact was then referred to the dealer who confirmed that there was a defect with cylinder#1. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle and that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA ID

11766753

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Mileage

124,000 mi

Differential went and generated a cascading chain reaction destroying the coupler and breather and axles. Car is undrivable. This. Defect has a TSB

NHTSA ID

11766438

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

2021 Mazda CX-5 2.5L non-turbo. While driving at approximately 8 mph, I removed my foot from the accelerator, but the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated on its own. I did not press the accelerator pedal. I had to apply the brake to slow the vehicle down. This issue has occurred three separate times, on August 25, September 4, and September 18, 2026, at approximately 70,060 miles. The same unintended acceleration behavior occurred during all three incidents.

NHTSA ID

11765445

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

Twice while making left turns from a stop into faster cross traffic, the accelerator was pressed but the vehicle barely moved (coasting) for roughly 2 - 3 seconds, then suddenly accelerated normally, creating a near-collision risk as cross traffic quickly approached. No warning lights were observed on the dash.

NHTSA ID

11763398

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

My CX-5 has 25,000 miles and recently the a/c failed culminating in a distinct chemical smell in the cabin. The issue was identified as a leaking/failed evaporator which apparently is located behind the dashboard and in turn “dump” the leaking refrigerant into the cabin! The total cost of repair due to the location of the evaporator is between $3000-$4500 in my area, seems a high cost to be poisoned by a vehicle that only has 25,000 miles on the clock!

NHTSA ID

11756577

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

Subject: Update – Campaign Warranty Claim Response Enhancements – Modules Not Repaired for Certain Campaigns Dear Mazda Dealer Colleagues, On October 28, 2026, a change was implemented in the warranty claim response screen to provide precise information for all campaigns requiring module programming or module replacement subject to the LECS system software checks. As previously announced, some claims were automatically rejected with the Edit code JN1 – One or More Modules Are Not Updated when submitting a campaign warranty claim. This response was based on the session file received from MDARS or MDARS II at the dealership and the VIN on the claim submitted. This change provides additional Related Information which enhances the edit code information. This information allows the dealer to correct the error without contacting Warranty or Hotline. Edit code JN1 now contains the actual module name and the software version that was collected from the car and what the minimum required software needed to be for the claim. Using this information, the technician can now identify the exact error or errors and correct the concern.

Some customers may complain about any of the following 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App Connected Vehicle enrollment. 2. Remote function(s) inoperative.

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted below in Red. 09-038/24 08/08/24 NOTE: This service information is NOT applicable to 7th generation Mazda vehicles because the odometer data is stored in the BCM. DESCRIPTION In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.

Mazda Connected Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SAs listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-042/26 06/30/26 DESCRIPTION Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Index General Questions MAZDA CONNECT Indication Setup and Getting Started Dealer Processes Registration / Enrollment / Take-Over Customer Subscription Status WI-FI General Informatio Opening the TCU Communication Line WI-FI How-To Conditions for Remote Engine Start Will Not Function WI-FI Trial Period Conditions for Remote Engine Start Function Will turn engine OFF Interacting With The App TCU Communication Line Status Service Issues Educational Videos Troubleshooting Resources MyMazda App Error Codes Customer Opt-Out

DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued service alert listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. SA-038/26 08/18/26 and 06/15/26 DESCRIPTION Some customers may complain about any of the following: 1. Infotainment Center Display does not provide the Authorization Code (OTP) during the MyMazda App