2023 Mazda CX-5 Exterior lighting Problems

My 2023 Mazda CX-5 (48,000 miles) is experiencing a loud mechanical whirring/grinding from the driver-side headlight assembly, a documented manufacturing defect involving foreign matter contamination of the internal LED cooling fan bearings (TSB 09-029/25). Despite the manufacturer acknowledging this factory-installed defect, Mazda has refused to proactively remedy the issue because the vehicle is nominally past its 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper period. I have been explicitly advised by service personnel to continue operating the vehicle until the headlight unit 'entirely fails' before further assistance may be considered. This 'fail-first' directive is a reckless disregard for public safety; the internal cooling fan exists specifically to prevent the high-intensity LED from overheating. A failure of this fan leads directly to the sudden burnout of the main headlamp while the vehicle is in motion. Mazda is essentially requiring me to drive a vehicle with a known, ticking-clock lighting defect and wait for a total loss of visibility at night before they will address a part that was contaminated during their own production process. This is a critical safety hazard that places myself and other drivers at risk of a collision due to sudden headlamp failure.

NHTSA ID

11730353

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

I am reporting a safety defect in my 2023 Mazda CX-5 involving the right headlight assembly. The internal LED cooling fan has failed, causing loud noise and excessive vibration. This is a confirmed manufacturing defect (documented in Mazda Service Alert SA-013-23). Safety Risk: The cooling fan is essential to prevent the LED from overheating. A failure of this component can cause the headlight to dim or shut off completely without warning while driving at night, creating a severe visibility hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Repair Details: An authorized Mazda dealer confirmed the internal failure and verified no external damage. Despite being a 2023 vehicle and a known safety issue, Mazda North American Operations has refused to cover the repair.

NHTSA ID

11724195

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Just out of warranty passenger headlight is making a humming noise. Many other owners are having same malfunctions. Cost to replace at dealership is around $2,000.00. LED headlight has a cooling fan that is failing. Many have been replaced under warranty. Mine started just outside of the warranty mileage. It’s a known issue that should have a recall issued.

NHTSA ID

11722090

Incident

Feb 15, 2026

Adaptive headlight motor does not work. It makes a huge noise. Unfortunately it is not under warranty but Mazda dealerships have informed me that this is a known issue. This is a concern because the headlight does not function properly and does not work. The issue is a motor that fails, however you cannot just replace the motor. The entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced and is over 2,000. I strongly believe Mazda should be looked into and a special recall should be issued due to this. There should not be. $2 part that fails continuously causing a $2,000 repair.

NHTSA ID

11719606

Incident

Dec 21, 2025

Loud fan noise coming from the passenger side headlight. Noise continues when car has been turned off and stops when the light shuts off. Dealer said that replacement of the passenger headlamp assembly needed but would charge because it was not longer under warrant due to mileage. No warning lamps, messages nor other items appeared. The symptoms began around 40,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11698648

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Humming or moaning noise from the passenger side headlamp. Inspected by dealer mechanic and mentioned the TSB 09-015-23B bulletin. Dealership replaced headlamp covered under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11692853

Incident

Sep 20, 2025

The adaptive headlight system and motor in 2023 Mazda CX-5 has defect and it makes buzzing noise and vibration. It was recognized by Mazda and its known defect. They should replace the defective headlight system even after the warranty period since this is not normal wear and tear part.

NHTSA ID

11684911

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

When the vehicle light position is on Off at night the daytime running lights on the front of the vehicle come on which appear to be the same as the normal headlights, but the back lights are completely out. The brake lights work, but the back tail lights and licence plate light are out. The car's light switch is on the turn signal arm and can be moved inadvertently when using the turn signal. At this point you assume you have all around vehicle lights because the front headlights are on which are really the Day TIme Running Lights (DTRL). The DTRL are as bright as the normal headlights at night. This gives you the false impression that all of the outside vehicle lights are on. When this happens you are driving with no back vehicle lights which is a major saftey issue.

NHTSA ID

11601756

Incident

Jul 9, 2024