About this problem
Automatic emergency braking uses a camera, a radar sensor or both to watch the road ahead and brake hard if a crash looks likely. The problem owners report is "phantom braking": the system slams on the brakes for a shadow, an overpass, a parked car or nothing at all. That can startle the driver and risk a rear-end crash from the car behind. Software updates have reduced it on some models but not all.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Mazda CX-5 since 2012, 70 (2.9%) describe automatic emergency braking problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the CX-5. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 14. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 35,000 miles. 10 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners describe the CX-5 braking hard on its own, often at highway speed with nothing in the way: under bridges, past parked cars, in shadows or around curves. Some report the warning chime and a jolt; others report the car slowing sharply enough to risk being rear-ended. The complaints cluster in the 2016 to 2018 model years, the first years this system became standard on most trims.
How it gets fixed
Carmakers have released software updates for many of these systems, and some owners report the problem eased after a dealer update or a camera and radar recalibration. A dirty or misaligned windshield camera, or a replaced windshield that was not recalibrated, can also cause false alarms.
Typical cost: A software update is usually free under warranty. A camera or radar recalibration after windshield work typically costs $150 to $400 at a shop.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"According to consumer reports (aug. 2017, page 58, last paragraph) the Mazda's new CX-5's forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking standard should be applauded. These features malfunctions in las vegas during hot weather."
2017 Mazda CX-5, 740 miles
"The scbs (smart city brake support) system overreacts to other vehicles and forces my vehicle to stop suddenly (not slow down) when there is sufficient distance for me to stop or the vehicle in front is turning and no threat."
2018 Mazda CX-5, 10,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Pilkington North America, Inc.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Mazda has sent dealers 18 bulletins that mention this problem on the CX-5. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Some vehicles may exhibit that the SBS/SCBS warning light (amber) turns ON right after the engine is started with DTC U0420:68 [FSC] stored in memory.
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Some customers may complain about one or more warning lights ON when they start the vehicle during hot weather.
Some customers may experience a SBS/SCBS, LAS/LDWS and/or HBC warning light on.
Some vehicles may experience the TCS/DSC indicator light and the TPMS warning light both ON with DTC C0051:62 stored in memory.
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system alerts the driver of a possible collision using an indication in the display and a warning sound when the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects a vehicle ahead and determines that a col...
Before you buy a CX-5
- Drive the car on a busy road with parked cars, overpasses and shadows, where false braking tends to happen.
- Ask whether the braking software has been updated, and check for open recalls by VIN.
- If the windshield was replaced, ask for proof the camera was recalibrated.
Questions
Which Mazda CX-5 years have automatic emergency braking problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2018 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 14 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 15,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 35,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is usually free under warranty. A camera or radar recalibration after windshield work typically costs $150 to $400 at a shop.