Mazda CX 5 Problems – Causes, fixes & Replacement Cost

Mazda CX 5 is a combo of performance, style, and practicality. This SUV won the driver’s heart with its sleek design and engaging driving performance. Despite having excellent ratings from automotive critics, Mazda CX 5 owners faced some electrical and mechanical issues. 

Here is a list of the 9 most common Mazda CX 5 Problems that you should be aware of:

1. Infotainment system error
2. Broken sunroof
3. CX-5 won’t turn off properly
4. Windscreen defrost
5. DRL (Daytime Running Lights) failure
6. Windshield cracking
7. Transmission errors
8. Premature brake wear
9. Excessive wind noise

A few problems occur due to manufacturing faults, while some appear over time. Stay informed and empowered by understanding potential Mazda CX 5 problems what causes them and how to fix them..

Read also >> 5 Most Common Mazda CX 9 Problems By Year

9 most common Mazda CX 5 Problems

Whether you’re a current owner or considering purchasing a Mazda CX 5, it’s important to learn the errors that may arise.

troubleshooting Mazda CX 5 Problems

Here I shared in detail the problems with solutions and replacement costs. Be remindful the cost of repairs may vary depending on the nature of the problem and the model’s year

#1. Infotainment Issue

Error in the infotainment system in Mazda CX-5 is common, as many owners have experienced it. Owners reported that they faced it both while driving and parked. Hardware failures or software bugs are the prime reason for this problem. The most common symptoms are as below,

• Exiting navigation
• Freezing and rebooting continuously
• Changing the display of the system to night mode
• Selecting random buttons
• Dialing mobile number
• Changing radio stations

Although this is not a life-threatening problem but a pesky one. Infotainment system issue is mainly found in 2107 to 2021 CX-5 models.

So, what is the solution?

Some owners resolved this error by turning the touchscreen off. Here is what you need to do.

• Step 01: Get a trim removal kit. This will help remove the dashboard. Thus, accessing the display will be easier.
• Step 02: Use a 10mm socket to remove the right and left bolts below the LCD.
• Step 03: Now, take the screws off positioned beneath the bolts.
• Step 04: Store the bolts and screws in a container securely.
• Step 05: The wires within the rear unit must be unclipped. This way, the whole radio device should come out.
• Step 06: After taking the radio device out, look for a tiny yellow-colored ribbon.
• Step 07: Once identified the ribbon, cut it out. Finally, reinstall the device following the reverse direction from how you disassembled it.

#2. Broken Sunproof

Sunroof is an excellent feature to have for any vehicle. Happily, Mazda CX-5 features a sunroof. A few Mazda CX-5 owners of 2016 to 2022 models reported that the glass of their CX-5 sunproof has broken quickly and spontaneously. More importantly, such things didn’t happen due to collisions or falling objects from above.

The sound of the broken glass was compared to gunshots. As a result, unwary drivers were startled by it. Some passengers have had facial injuries.

Mazda investigated this problem and reported that this unsettling problem occurs especially in the summer and on hot days.

In fact, a broken sunroof is a design flaw. The glass is disallowing heat expansion since most incidents occurred on hot days. In this case, you have nothing to do to prevent it, while Mazda will need to modify clearances.

Also, fixing your vehicle sunproof is not legally mandatory; it would be best if you do so. Check whether your vehicle is still under warranty. Some owners claimed that Mazda reimbursed their insurance deductible.

#3. Won’t Turn off Appropriately

Mazda CX-5 owners frequently stated that their vehicles failed to turn off appropriately. They said after turning the vehicle; the battery provides accessory power continuously. As a result, the engine remains turned on. This problem occurred with the 2013 and 024 Mazda CX-5 model years.

Generally, when you turn the car engine off, the ignition/electrical system switches off the battery. But it is not happening in this case. It indicates that the dashboard and clock are still on. This problem drains the battery, prevents your Mazda CX-5 from starting, and leaves owners stranded.

Contacting your dealer is the best solution. They should replace the defective sensor, which is responsible for the issue. The replacement cost will be roughly $250.

#4. Windscreen Defrosting Errors

A few Mazda CX 5 SUV owners are dissatisfied with the windshield defrost. According to them, the car only defrosts the center of the windscreen, significantly impairing visibility when driving at low temperatures.

This problem happened for the 2016 to 2021 models. You mustn’t ignore it when driving your CX-5 SUV in the severe winters. As per the owners, keeping the windscreen ice-free becomes nearly impossible when the temperature drops below 25°F.

There is an easy fix to this problem, but not permanent because this is how the CX-5 has been manufactured. Many owners spoke to Mazda regarding the error. Mazda recommended keeping an ice scraper in the car so the accumulated ice could be cleaned immediately and easily.

#5. Failure of the Daytime Running Lights

Defective performance from the LED daytime running lights is commonly found in the 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV. However, it didn’t affect the functioning of the high and low-beam headlights.

DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) are an incredible safety feature, increasing the vehicle’s visibility during the day. This feature helps drivers to identify other cars instantly. If these headlights perform poorly, drivers and pedestrians may face unwanted accidents.

According to the investigation of Mazda, incorrect specifications of the gasket that seals the wiring connector are the root cause of the error.

As a result, the circuit that manages the LED gets rusted or corroded. This way, the LED receives inconsistent power. In this case, replacing the sealing gasket is the only solution. At the same time, the whole headlamp needs to be checked occasionally and needs replacement if you identify any gasket failure.

Manufacturing fault is responsible for this issue. Mazda recalled a 36,761+ CX5 SUV from the market as it can endanger people’s safety. Since it is a recall, your dealer is bound to resolve the issue without extra bucks.

If you fixed the problem by paying a mechanic, contact Mazda to get the money back. However, you must prove that this problem occurred with your vehicle and that you already paid for the fix.

conclusion – mazda cx5 complaints

To recap, Here is a list of the 9 most common Mazda CX 5 Problems:

1. Infotainment system error
2. Broken sunroof
3. CX-5 won’t turn off properly
4. Windscreen defrost
5. DRL (Daytime Running Lights) failure
6. Windshield cracking
7. Transmission errors
8. Premature brake wear
9. Excessive wind noise

You will barely find a faultless vehicle in the market. The Mazda CX 5 is also no exception. This SUV is well-known for its reliable performance and style, and many customers reported Mazda CX 5 issues. The good news is Mazda took several steps to eliminate the problems in the newer models.

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Not-So-Handy Car Guy

Rasel

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Education: Mechanical  engineer

Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA

Rasel is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.