Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
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.
19
+4 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
1
Overview
Our database contains 19 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Mazda CX-5, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and visibility categories. 83 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
Monthly complaints peaked at 4 in May 2026. Most recent month: 2.View as table
Monthly owner complaints for the 2026 Mazda CX-5
Month
Complaints filed
Cumulative
Apr 2026
2
2
May 2026
4
6
Jun 2026
3
9
Jul 2026
2
11
Aug 2026
2
13
Sep 2026
1
14
Oct 2026
3
17
Nov 2026
2
19
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Electrical630.0%
Driver assistance525.0%
Visibility315.0%
Brakes210.0%
Interior & seats15.0%
Airbags15.0%
Exterior lighting15.0%
Powertrain (other)15.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Whenever we are driving, the sign says "pass airbag off". Even though my wife is in the passenger seat. I have taken the car to the dealer several times, and they tell me my wife doesn't weigh enough to trigger the sensor. My wife weighs 97 pounds. I feel this is a very serious safety issue. I have filed a complaint with Mazda USA and have a case number 00498222 .
NHTSA ID
11775066
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 1, 2026
I own a 2026 Mazda CX-5 (Premium Plus) experiencing critical, cascading safety defects involving the vehicle's telematics and driver-assistance systems. I have video evidence of the defect. Unintended Acceleration / Adaptive Cruise Control Failure: While using the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go in traffic, the system silently drops tracking of the lead vehicle (the cluster icon shifts from active green to white without warning or audio alert). Failing to recognize that traffic ahead is still stationary, the vehicle commands unexpected acceleration toward stopped cars, creating an immediate collision hazard requiring manual braking. Inoperative Emergency SOS System: The vehicle's in-cabin SOS Emergency Call (eCall) button is completely inoperative and malfunctioning due to internal telematics communication failures, disabling critical emergency response capabilities. These concurrent failures of active safety controls and emergency communication systems present a severe risk to public safety. The vehicle has already undergone multiple software updates and repair visits with no resolution.
NHTSA ID
11774937
Incident
Oct 25, 2026
Filed Oct 24, 2026
Safety concern. Climate control change is not easy to access while driving from the digital screen. Climate control controls should near the least fixed on the screen for easy access. It is a distraction for the driver.
NHTSA ID
11773366
Incident
Oct 24, 2026
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 15, 2026
SEVERE SAFETY DEFECT involving sudden, unprovoked vehicle braking; While driving my 2026 Mazda CX5 at approximately 10-15 MPH or less, the smart brake support-automatic emergency brake system suddenly activated without any warning or obstacle present. The vehicle violently braked and prepared for impact, causing the wheels to lock up and rendering the car temporarily unmovable. This has occurred already on 4-5 separate occasions on dry roads during daylight. This is a severe, recurring safety defect that nearly caused a rear end collision on all 4-5 occasions. My 2 small children are scared every time we have to get in the car and drive, as i am also. The dealership has been notified, but the safety issue persists. I am looking to get out of this UNSAFE and UNRELIABLE car in fear of my familys life.
NHTSA ID
11771319
Incident
Oct 14, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 5, 2026
Crash reported
I purchased the card week ago, and by Sunday (09/04) it had only about 100 miles on it. I had just pulled out of my parking spot and came to a stop. I cannot say with certainty whether my foot was still on the brake at that exact moment, but I do know the vehicle was stopped. I was trying to adjust the A/C. The Mazda salesperson had previously told me that the climate controls on the screen could be a little finicky. I pressed a button marked with a “+,” believing it was related to the A/C. Immediately afterward, the vehicle suddenly began moving forward very quickly from a stopped position. The acceleration felt extremely fast—faster than I had ever experienced in the vehicle before. I remember seeing something green appear on the display in front of me, but because everything happened so quickly, I cannot accurately recall what my foot was doing at that moment. That is one of the main reasons I would like the vehicle’s event data/“black box” information reviewed. I do remember activating the emergency/parking brake and swerving in an attempt to stop or avoid the other vehicles. The vehicle struck one car, continued moving, and then struck another before it ultimately came to a complete stop. In total, three other vehicles were involved in addition to mine. I contacted Mazda and the dealership regarding obtaining the vehicle data, and I was told that I may need to have law enforcement obtain it through a subpoena. The car was assessed and the cost is too great for repair.
NHTSA ID
11769170
Incident
Oct 4, 2026
Filed Sep 3, 2026
While driving, a "telematics error" message displayed, a single red light on the SOS button turned on, and it started beeping loudly while driving. In this state the vehicle cannot automatically summon emergency help following a crash, and I cannot manually trigger an SOS call. We are scheduled to have this repaired on September 15th. We previously submitted a similar case 11744809, which was a similar "telematics error", which also caused the touchscreen to fail to turn on, preventing other safety features from operating.
NHTSA ID
11761913
Incident
Sep 2, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 19, 2026
The Mazda cx5 2026 I purchased has a white film behind both headlights. Mazda refuses to replace headlights stating this is normal. However it is a manufacturing defect. This is a structural problem from outgassing causing a permanent haze on inside of each lens which is considered to be a night visibility hazard. I bought vehicle second week in XXX.Took it back to service dept on XXX. They said no to replacement . Contacted corporate XXX to no avail. Same story. Mazda will no replace even though under full warranty. contacted attorney general and he said to make report here. In process of retaining lawyer because at this point I don’t know what else to do. I expect perfect vehicle for my money plus expect Mazda to be honest and do the right thing. Never had anything like this happen in my life buying a new car. Thank You. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11758032
Incident
Jul 25, 2026
Visibility
Filed Aug 7, 2026
Have a cracked windshield from a chip near the wiper area Mazda says needs to be replaced But they are on National back order Was told that when the windshield caves in or collapses Then an emergency order can be put in
NHTSA ID
11755455
Incident
Jun 23, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
Dlr Claim Resp
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
SSPE2_MSP67 Repair a
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subject: Announcement of Special Service Program (SSPE2) Ethernet Communication – Over The Air (OTA) Update Concerns and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP67 ) – Battery Depletion - 2026MY CX-5 vehicles URGENT - STOP DELIVERY OF AFFECTED VEHICLES: MAZDA SALES AND SERVICE TEAMS - ACTION ITEM: Between both campaigns there are approximately 27,565 vehicles (for both campaigns) in stock at U.S. Mazda dealers. All Mazda dealers must quarantine any affected New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned in-stock vehicles until the repair is completed. The affected dealer inventory list will be available to each District Service Manager with the notification of this dealer email. Once completed, the vehicle can be delivered, and the Warranty claim can be submitted later without penalty since the vehicle has been repaired. Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct two service programs Special Service Program (SSP) and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP) on certain 2026MY CX -5 vehicles sold in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Vehicles also produced by Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) and Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) are affected and should be repaired if presented to your dealership. Please see the description, model, model year, and VIN ranges below for all vehicles in these two campaigns. There are 70,225 vehicles affected by SSPE2 and 53,653 vehicles affected by MSP67. All vehicles in MSP67 are also affected by campaign SSPE2. Please read this complete letter for all the repair information . Special Service Program SSPE2 – Ethernet Communication and OTA Update Concerns - SSPE2 addresses two concerns: 1) Ethernet communication (CDC -DCM communication) concern: Communication in the Cockpit Domain Controller (CDC) and Data Communication Module (DCM), may be interrupted, making the connected services unavailable. The interruption may cause the master warning light to illuminate and audible warning from the emergency call speaker. 2) OTA software update concern: Due to an improper communication control program in the CDC and DCM, may prevent OTA software updates to be completed. In addition, if an OTA software update is successfully completed, the vehicle's software configuration status may not be correctly transmitted to the server, which may prevent notification of subsequent software update successfully completed OTA software updates may not properly sync with Mazda’s servers potentially preventing future OTA updates. Repair Outline: Reprogram the DCM and CDC software, using a USB memory stick with modified software. Manufacturer Service Program MSP67 - Battery Depletion Concern - MSP67 addresses two concerns: On certain subject CX-5 vehicles, the vehicle may fail to start due to battery depletion after IG OFF. 1) Data Communication Module (DCM): Remote Diagnostics software may reset and fail to close a CAN communication channel after ignition OFF and the battery may drain over time. Note: Vehicles for Puerto Rico and Mexico markets are not affected by this factor as they are not equipped with the DCM. 2) Body Control Module (BCM): The Body Control Module (BCM) may intermittently reset during sleep mode operation. Vehicles may cycle between wake-up and sleep states, leading to battery depletion. Repair Outline: Reprogram the BCM software with M-MDS, using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software II (MDARS II). The DCM software is being re-programed by SSPE2. Note: When the BCM is reprogrammed, the Central Gateway (CGW) will also be updated automatically.
SSPE2_MSP67 Warr f
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subject: Announcement of Special Service Program (SSPE2) Ethernet Communication – Over The Air (OTA) Update Concerns and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP67 ) – Battery Depletion - 2026MY CX-5 vehicles URGENT - STOP DELIVERY OF AFFECTED VEHICLES: MAZDA SALES AND SERVICE TEAMS - ACTION ITEM: Between both campaigns there are approximately 27,565 vehicles (for both campaigns) in stock at U.S. Mazda dealers. All Mazda dealers must quarantine any affected New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned in-stock vehicles until the repair is completed. The affected dealer inventory list will be available to each District Service Manager with the notification of this dealer email. Once completed, the vehicle can be delivered, and the Warranty claim can be submitted later without penalty since the vehicle has been repaired. Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct two service programs Special Service Program (SSP) and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP) on certain 2026MY CX -5 vehicles sold in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Vehicles also produced by Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) and Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) are affected and should be repaired if presented to your dealership. Please see the description, model, model year, and VIN ranges below for all vehicles in these two campaigns. There are 70,225 vehicles affected by SSPE2 and 53,653 vehicles affected by MSP67. All vehicles in MSP67 are also affected by campaign SSPE2. Please read this complete letter for all the repair information . Special Service Program SSPE2 – Ethernet Communication and OTA Update Concerns - SSPE2 addresses two concerns: 1) Ethernet communication (CDC -DCM communication) concern: Communication in the Cockpit Domain Controller (CDC) and Data Communication Module (DCM), may be interrupted, making the connected services unavailable. The interruption may cause the master warning light to illuminate and audible warning from the emergency call speaker. 2) OTA software update concern: Due to an improper communication control program in the CDC and DCM, may prevent OTA software updates to be completed. In addition, if an OTA software update is successfully completed, the vehicle's software configuration status may not be correctly transmitted to the server, which may prevent notification of subsequent software update successfully completed OTA software updates may not properly sync with Mazda’s servers potentially preventing future OTA updates. Repair Outline: Reprogram the DCM and CDC software, using a USB memory stick with modified software. Manufacturer Service Program MSP67 - Battery Depletion Concern - MSP67 addresses two concerns: On certain subject CX-5 vehicles, the vehicle may fail to start due to battery depletion after IG OFF. 1) Data Communication Module (DCM): Remote Diagnostics software may reset and fail to close a CAN communication channel after ignition OFF and the battery may drain over time. Note: Vehicles for Puerto Rico and Mexico markets are not affected by this factor as they are not equipped with the DCM. 2) Body Control Module (BCM): The Body Control Module (BCM) may intermittently reset during sleep mode operation. Vehicles may cycle between wake-up and sleep states, leading to battery depletion. Repair Outline: Reprogram the BCM software with M-MDS, using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software II (MDARS II). The DCM software is being re-programed by SSPE2. Note: When the BCM is reprogrammed, the Central Gateway (CGW) will also be updated automatically.
SSPE2 Owner Ltr a
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subject: Announcement of Special Service Program (SSPE2) Ethernet Communication – Over The Air (OTA) Update Concerns and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP67 ) – Battery Depletion - 2026MY CX-5 vehicles URGENT - STOP DELIVERY OF AFFECTED VEHICLES: MAZDA SALES AND SERVICE TEAMS - ACTION ITEM: Between both campaigns there are approximately 27,565 vehicles (for both campaigns) in stock at U.S. Mazda dealers. All Mazda dealers must quarantine any affected New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned in-stock vehicles until the repair is completed. The affected dealer inventory list will be available to each District Service Manager with the notification of this dealer email. Once completed, the vehicle can be delivered, and the Warranty claim can be submitted later without penalty since the vehicle has been repaired. Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct two service programs Special Service Program (SSP) and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP) on certain 2026MY CX -5 vehicles sold in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Vehicles also produced by Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) and Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) are affected and should be repaired if presented to your dealership. Please see the description, model, model year, and VIN ranges below for all vehicles in these two campaigns. There are 70,225 vehicles affected by SSPE2 and 53,653 vehicles affected by MSP67. All vehicles in MSP67 are also affected by campaign SSPE2. Please read this complete letter for all the repair information . Special Service Program SSPE2 – Ethernet Communication and OTA Update Concerns - SSPE2 addresses two concerns: 1) Ethernet communication (CDC -DCM communication) concern: Communication in the Cockpit Domain Controller (CDC) and Data Communication Module (DCM), may be interrupted, making the connected services unavailable. The interruption may cause the master warning light to illuminate and audible warning from the emergency call speaker. 2) OTA software update concern: Due to an improper communication control program in the CDC and DCM, may prevent OTA software updates to be completed. In addition, if an OTA software update is successfully completed, the vehicle's software configuration status may not be correctly transmitted to the server, which may prevent notification of subsequent software update successfully completed OTA software updates may not properly sync with Mazda’s servers potentially preventing future OTA updates. Repair Outline: Reprogram the DCM and CDC software, using a USB memory stick with modified software. Manufacturer Service Program MSP67 - Battery Depletion Concern - MSP67 addresses two concerns: On certain subject CX-5 vehicles, the vehicle may fail to start due to battery depletion after IG OFF. 1) Data Communication Module (DCM): Remote Diagnostics software may reset and fail to close a CAN communication channel after ignition OFF and the battery may drain over time. Note: Vehicles for Puerto Rico and Mexico markets are not affected by this factor as they are not equipped with the DCM. 2) Body Control Module (BCM): The Body Control Module (BCM) may intermittently reset during sleep mode operation. Vehicles may cycle between wake-up and sleep states, leading to battery depletion. Repair Outline: Reprogram the BCM software with M-MDS, using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software II (MDARS II). The DCM software is being re-programed by SSPE2. Note: When the BCM is reprogrammed, the Central Gateway (CGW) will also be updated automatically.
SSPE2_MSP67 Warr e
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subject: Announcement of Special Service Program (SSPE2) Ethernet Communication – Over The Air (OTA) Update Concerns and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP67 ) – Battery Depletion - 2026MY CX-5 vehicles URGENT - STOP DELIVERY OF AFFECTED VEHICLES: MAZDA SALES AND SERVICE TEAMS - ACTION ITEM: Between both campaigns there are approximately 27,565 vehicles (for both campaigns) in stock at U.S. Mazda dealers. All Mazda dealers must quarantine any affected New, Used or Certified Pre-Owned in-stock vehicles until the repair is completed. The affected dealer inventory list will be available to each District Service Manager with the notification of this dealer email. Once completed, the vehicle can be delivered, and the Warranty claim can be submitted later without penalty since the vehicle has been repaired. Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to conduct two service programs Special Service Program (SSP) and Manufacturer Service Program (MSP) on certain 2026MY CX -5 vehicles sold in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Vehicles also produced by Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) and Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) are affected and should be repaired if presented to your dealership. Please see the description, model, model year, and VIN ranges below for all vehicles in these two campaigns. There are 70,225 vehicles affected by SSPE2 and 53,653 vehicles affected by MSP67. All vehicles in MSP67 are also affected by campaign SSPE2. Please read this complete letter for all the repair information . Special Service Program SSPE2 – Ethernet Communication and OTA Update Concerns - SSPE2 addresses two concerns: 1) Ethernet communication (CDC -DCM communication) concern: Communication in the Cockpit Domain Controller (CDC) and Data Communication Module (DCM), may be interrupted, making the connected services unavailable. The interruption may cause the master warning light to illuminate and audible warning from the emergency call speaker. 2) OTA software update concern: Due to an improper communication control program in the CDC and DCM, may prevent OTA software updates to be completed. In addition, if an OTA software update is successfully completed, the vehicle's software configuration status may not be correctly transmitted to the server, which may prevent notification of subsequent software update successfully completed OTA software updates may not properly sync with Mazda’s servers potentially preventing future OTA updates. Repair Outline: Reprogram the DCM and CDC software, using a USB memory stick with modified software. Manufacturer Service Program MSP67 - Battery Depletion Concern - MSP67 addresses two concerns: On certain subject CX-5 vehicles, the vehicle may fail to start due to battery depletion after IG OFF. 1) Data Communication Module (DCM): Remote Diagnostics software may reset and fail to close a CAN communication channel after ignition OFF and the battery may drain over time. Note: Vehicles for Puerto Rico and Mexico markets are not affected by this factor as they are not equipped with the DCM. 2) Body Control Module (BCM): The Body Control Module (BCM) may intermittently reset during sleep mode operation. Vehicles may cycle between wake-up and sleep states, leading to battery depletion. Repair Outline: Reprogram the BCM software with M-MDS, using Mazda Diagnostic and Repair Software II (MDARS II). The DCM software is being re-programed by SSPE2. Note: When the BCM is reprogrammed, the Central Gateway (CGW) will also be updated automatically.
SA-038-26c
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.