Running lights, brakes and glass let it down
The 2016 CX-5 has the highest complaint rate of any CX-5. Most complaints are about LED daytime running lights that fail and cannot be replaced on their own. Owners also report rear brake calipers sticking, parking brake faults, windshield cracks and a few sunroofs shattering.
Updated November 2026 · based on 512 owner complaints and 5 recalls
456 2.6x the CX-5 average
5 free to fix at a dealer
Every CX-5 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2016 CX-5
Top problems and what they cost
Daytime running lights fail
The LED running lights go out, and the fix is usually a full headlight assembly.
Fix: Headlight assembly $600 to $1,400 per side.
Exterior lighting
Rear brakes stick
Rear calipers and parking brake seize, wearing pads quickly.
Fix: Caliper and pads $300 to $600 per axle.
Brakes
Windshield and sunroof cracks
Windshields crack without impact; a few sunroofs shattered.
Fix: Windshield $400 to $900.
Visibility
Recalls
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the...
If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Mazda CX-5
- Confirm recalls 16V644, 16V203 and 20V063 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 CX-5 has 5 recalls on record, listed below.
- Turn on the car and check both daytime running lights work.Lights fail on some of these cars because of failing LED boards, connectors or water in the housing. Brake and tail lights matter most, so use a helper to check them.161 of the 512 owner complaints about the 2016 CX-5 involve the lights (31%).
- Ask when the rear brakes were last serviced.Brakes should stop the car straight and quietly. Grinding, pulling or surging means worn parts or a fault in the brake system.69 of the 512 owner complaints about the 2016 CX-5 involve the brakes (13%).
- Check the windshield and sunroof glass for cracks.Large glass roofs can shatter on their own, and drain tubes can clog and leak water inside. A small chip at the edge can grow into a full shatter.19 of the 512 owner complaints about the 2016 CX-5 involve the glass and visibility (4%).
Questions
Is the 2016 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Running lights, brakes and glass let it down. The 2016 CX-5 has the highest complaint rate of any CX-5. Most complaints are about LED daytime running lights that fail and cannot be replaced on their own. Owners also report rear brake calipers sticking, parking brake faults, windshield cracks and a few sunroofs shattering.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?
5 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Mazda CX-5 problems?
Daytime running lights fail; Rear brakes stick; Windshield and sunroof cracks.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.