2017 Mazda CX-5 Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/30/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/15/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/01/2024

Infotainment system randomly makes its own selections. Turns volume up and down, changes settings, changes stations... etc. Anything that can be controlled on the screen is at risk of being randomly hijacked. Once, my drivers assist volume was unexpectedly turned to full blast and randomly shouted "navigation assistant will be at this volume. " I jumped so badly I actually could have crashed if I hadn't been at a light.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 05/08/2026

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/15/2026

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/11/2026

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS — Filed 11/07/2025

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/10/2023

UNKNOWN The infotainment system started malfunctioning on its own. Changes channels on radio, goes into settings and makes changes. Calls phone numbers etc. Does it more in the cold weather

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/30/2025

The infotainment system suffers from ghost touching. It has gotten out of control even after a “recall” fix at the dealership. Without being touched the volume changes, the stations change, the presets change, the car makes calls to my contacts. I am often unable to control the screen as it turns the car to max volume while driving. It is extremely unsafe, distracting and alarming.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/20/2025

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/01/2025

CX-5's infotainment system RANDOMLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING STARTS BEEPING AND CHANGING OPTIONS WHILE DRIVING, A VERY DISTRACTING EVENT. I TRIED TO SHUT THE SCREEN OFF BUT IT COMES BACK ON RANDOMLY AND CAUSES CONCERN AND DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING, IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS NOW AND OF WHAT I READ MAZDA WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/01/2023

The infotainment system in my 2017 Mazda CX-5 exhibits dangerous behavior consistent with known defects described in the Mazda Infotainment Class Action Settlement (Case No. 8:21-cv-01355). The infotainment system and touchscreen repeatedly activate critical functions on its own (“ghost touches”), sometimes going black, changing critical settings, disengaging phone calls as well as unexpectedly activating phone calls, and navigation features engage or freeze unpredictably. These malfunctions distract from safe vehicle operation, requiring driver attention to manage the malfunctioning display. The vehicle’s display is integrated with backup camera, audio, and Bluetooth controls, so these repeated malfunctions cause safety concerns while driving. Mazda and the dealership have refused to repair the defect under the Limited Warranty Extension established in the settlement, incorrectly claiming the issue is unrelated to the CMU (connectivity master unit). However, these symptoms are identical to those described in Mazda’s internal service bulletins (CSP13 and TSB 09-022/17) and covered by the settlement. I believe Mazda is failing to properly address a continuing safety-related defect that impacts infotainment stability and driver concentration. These issues have occurred for years and are continuing nearly every time I operate the vehicle.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 12/01/2023

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

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/27/2025

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.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 09/08/2025

Unknown

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/11/2025

I purchased this vehicle on the 10th of September. BY the 12th I I noticed the infotainment system was doing its own thing without me touching anything. The next day it did the same thing I E.changing stations on its own,volume going up or down etc...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/12/2025

Unknown The infotainment system started malfunctioning on its own

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/11/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/14/2023

On February 14, 2023 around 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. (EST), I drove to the local WAWA. Upon entering the driveway of WAWA at a very low speed and depressing the brake the car failed to come to a complete stop. I pressed down on the brake as hard as I good, but the car did not come to a stop until hitting the security/safety bollard in front of the WAWA store. I did not get injured and no one else was injured. The front end of my car sustained over $4000 worth of damage. The insurance company repaired by car. I was asked by the insurance company what caused the front end damage. As I played the accident over and over in my head, I just could not see what I did wrong. My foot was on the brake. Also, I entered the entrance of WAWA at a very slow/low speed. After a few weeks I took the car to the Mazda dealer to let them know the car accelerates and engine revs. Also, the car jolts forward while decelerating from about 20mph to 10mph. The car dealer/repair shop could not replicate the problem. Was told to bring the car back in, if problem continues.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/03/2023

The infotainment center has been randomly changing settings and radio channels. When it is taken over, I cannot regain control of it until it stops. I've seen online this called "ghost" controlling. It will increase the volume so lout, that I jump sometimes. Also, the rear camera mode of the system froze while I was backing up causing me to hit a vehicle parked across from me.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 01/30/2021

Blind spot monitoring system warning appears on dashboard of vehicle after driving for about 50-60 miles. This occurs only when I drive >50-60 miles in one trip without shutting off my vehicle. Speed does not matter. My sensors will not work until I turn off my car and turn it back on. This started as soon as I purchased my vehicle in July 2020. 1 previous owner (lease) before I purchased the vehicle. No prior accidents. Got the vehicle at ~30,000 miles. In January 2021, I drifted off the freeway and hit a tree going 35 mph during a snow storm. It was only myself (driver) and a passenger in the front seat at the time of the incident. Both were wearing seatbelts. The seat belts locked up, but airbags never deployed for myself or the adult passenger in the front seat. Driver sustained no injuries, but the passenger smashed their knee into the glove compartment and smacked their head on the window/seatbelt holder on the side of the interior wall. The passenger was asleep during the incident, which may have explained why they did not brace themselves. One minute we were on the freeway, then we hit a slippery spot, and within seconds we were head on with a tree. Drove away to avoid the possibility of any vehicles following my path and smashing into us. Car was still driveable somehow. Car was repaired after 3 weeks at Caliber Collision and looked great. Sensor issue persists still, but unrelated to accident. Mentioned it to Caliber Collision when vehicle was being repaired and they had a Mazda service person come out with a sensor machine and they could not find the issue.

SEATS — Filed 06/05/2020

DRIVERS SEAT FEELS LIKE SPRINGS OR COILS PUSHING ON MY TAIL BONE AND LUMPS THAT HURT THIGH PART OF LEG. FEELS LIKE SOMETHING COULD BE LOOSE AS THE LUMPS GO FROM TAIL BONE, WHOLE BOTTOM LIKE A BAR ACROSS SEAT TO THIGHS TO JUST TAIL BONE. THIS IS THERE ALL THE TIME FROM JUST GETTING INTO CAR AND GETS WORSE BECAUSE IT REALLY IS PUSHING ON BOTTOM. SEEMS LIKE SEATING COIL OR FRAME COULD BE PROBLEM. I DID RETURN TO DEALER BUT NO ONE THERE COULD FEEL IT. IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NO PICTURES AS NOT VISIBLE HAPPENS ONLY WHEN SEATING ON IT. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE INJURY TO MY SPINE/BACK. *TR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/26/2018

YESTERDAY MY WIFE TRIED TO STOP OUR CX5 IN OUR DRIVEWAY BUT IT KEPT A SLOW GLIDE FOR A FEW YARDS THUS CRASHING INTO OUR GARAGE DOOR. SHIFTING INTO PARK A 2ND TIME (1ST TIME DIDN'T WORK) AND POUNDING THE BRAKE PEDAL FINALLY STOPPED THE VEHICLE AFTER PUSHING IN THE GARAGE DOOR A FEW FEET. ENGINE REMAINED IN LOW IDLE (NO ACCELERATION) AND BRAKE FEEDBACK WAS NORMAL (NOT MUSHY) THE WHOLE TIME. THIS IS 2ND OCCURRENCE. FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AS THE CX5 GLIDED PART WAY INTO AN INTERSECTION. ALL SYMPTOMS LISTED ABOVE WERE EXACTLY THE SAME.

STRUCTURE — Filed 05/31/2018

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, MY SUNROOF COMPLETELY SHATTERED WITHOUT BEING HIT OR TOUCHED BY ANYTHING. IT WAS COMPLETELY SPONTANEOUS WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE, WHICH MAKES ME FEEL LIKE THE GLASS WAS FAULTY. THE SHADE TO THE SUNROOF WAS OPEN, SO GLASS FELL ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE CAR, ON THE FRONT SEATS, CANTER CONSOLE, AND THE SECOND ROW - AS WELL AS ALL OVER ME WHILE DRIVING. WHEN IT SHATTERED IT MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE, COMPLETELY SCARING ME WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY THERE WEREN'T ANY CARS CLOSE TO ME TO CAUSE ANY DAMAGE TO. I DID CUT MY FINGER OPEN WHILE CLEANING GLASS OFF OF ME. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO A PARKING LOT TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE AND TAKE PHOTOS. AGAIN, I DIDN'T SEE OR HEAR ANYTHING HIT MY CAR AND THERE WAS NO CAR DRIVING IN FRONT OF ME AT THE TIME. THERE WAS JUST A LOUD POP NOISE WHEN THE ENTIRE PANE SHATTERED.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/25/2018

TAKATA RECALL: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION- WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT GOING UNDER 5 MPH, MY GAS PETAL ACCELERATED WITHOUT MY FOOT ON IT, AND I BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED ME WAS THE BUSHES I SLAMMED INTO. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION DUE TO A TREE IN FRONT OF ME I COULD OF SLAMMED INTO AS WELL AS PEOPLE COULD OF BEEN ON THE SIDEWALK WALKING. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER AND I HOPE THIS IS LOOKED INTO FULLY. I JUST GOT THE CAR 3 MONTHS AGO.