Wiper problems of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 - part 1

42 problems related to wiper have been reported for the 2016 Mazda CX-5. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 based on all problems reported for the 2016 CX-5.

1 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 10/25/2024

Front windshield wipers stopped working, front windshield washer still working. Fuse was checked, fuse is good. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk because of lack of visibility when driving in rain. The problem has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership. The vehicle and the components have been inspected by a Mazda dealership. No warning lights or messages appeared before or after the front windshield wipers stopped working. So if a person is driving the car, there is no indication that the front windshield wipers will not work if it starts raining and the driver would need to use the front windshield wipers. This is a safety hazard because the driver will not be able to see, possibly causing an accident. This Mazda cx5 does not have automatic front windshield wipers (they do not come on automatically when it starts raining).

2 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 10/09/2024

The controls on the windshield wiper/headlight control stalk are not visible when driving at night. The setting markings on the control stalk are completely dark at night. This creates a safety hazard when driving at night in the rain and turning on your windshield wipers or changing your headlight settings is needed.

3 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2024

Front windshield wipers not working, bcm failed.

4 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2023

In September of 2023, while driving I attempted to use the windshield wipers, and they would not function. We live in a rainy part of the country, so having non working wipers is a major safety issue. Research for possible causes pointed to the body control module which had been recalled on Mazda 3s in recent years. I took the car to the dealership, and they traced the problem to an internal failure of the body control module. I do not have the component to inspect, and I do not know what the dealership did with it after removal. We filed a complaint with Mazda in October of 2023. They gave us case #001-463-33. They were not receptive to feedback, and simply stated many times that there was not a current recall for our vehicle. There were no warning signs/messages/ lights before the wipers stopped working, and they had worked normally the day before.

5 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 08/04/2022

1. The airbag sensor is not working. The warning signal continually flashes. My shop had airbag system analyzed. Test results showed it is not calibrated correctly. My Mazda dealer, luther premier Mazda, said it is an electrical problem, and I will have to pay for analysis. I paid for this analysis when sallas had it diagnosed. 2. Due to problems with the windshield, I paid for a replacement myself, not knowing there was a recall. I want Mazda to install a Mazda windshield and calibrate the safety systems.

6 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2022

Rear video camera / back-up camera display malfunction: the display in the dashboard continuously resets, causing the view from the back-up camera to disappear completely or dim to to the point where it is not viewable. This causes a safety hazard when backing up and often occurs once the vehicle is already in motion. Mazda dealer's service center reports Mazda is aware that this is a new, widespread problem, but to check for updates in 4 weeks.

7 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2021

2016 Mazda Cx-5 windshield wipers - correctly operating windshield wipers have four modes: single wipe, intermittent wipe, slow continuous wipe, high speed continuous wipe. One morning (September, 2021) used the single wipe mode to clear overnight accumulated moisture (car parked outside) but wiper made five passes instead of one and then stopped in an 'up' or 'non-parked' position. Tried the other three modes and all three behaved the same way, five wiper passes and then the wipers stopped, sometimes upright blocking forward vision, sometimes at an angle, but never in the 'parked' position. Driving in rain or snow requires activating the wipers every 30 seconds or so (approximate time of 5 wipes). Have had the wiper motor (which includes a circuit board) replaced twice to no avail. Today had wiper switch replaced, again to no avail. This problem seems to be similar to windshield wiper problem reported regarding 2016-2018 Mazda cx-3's.

8 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2021

This is a follow up to NHTSA complaint id number 11442992: after doing a fair amount of research the problem was deemed to be the front body control module. A new replacement was ordered (about $250). It took about 1-1/2 to 2 weeks for the module to be received and about an hour for its installation. So far the wipers seem to be working correctly although they have yet been 'used', only tested. Googling "Mazda wiper problem" you will find others reporting similar problems with the body control module. . Read more...

9 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 07/26/2021

Driving on the interstate. Driver plus 3 passengers,fair amount of luggage. Listening to a book on cd. Windows up, air-conditioning on. Driving 70 mph smooth road. No cars in immediate vicinity. Suddenly there is a loud bang which scared the crap out of me. Pulled off the roadway to see what had happened. Turned out the moon roof had exploded. Fortunately the inside cover was closed otherwise the occupants would have been shredded by a glass grenade.

10 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 08/09/2020

There was a large crack on my front windshield that spanned from the driver's side to the passenger side. When I went to locate the possible point of the crack I couldn't locate one. I took my vehicle to an windshield repair shop to get it replaced and was told that this was a stress crack that is pretty common in Mazda Cx-5's.

11 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 05/26/2020

A small chip was on found on the front of the windshield and I was notified by the dealer that the chip was small and that they the repair would fix it with resin. The next day a crack around 18 inches formed along the windshield. . After the crack was formed they stated they weren't responsible for the windshield after the repair. This is a defect in the quality of the windshield Mazda won't hold themselves responsible for. This new windshield has been quoted for $500 to replace.

12 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 06/11/2019

My allstate rep told me that I have 4 recalls.

13 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2019

Large fish hook shaped crack on windshield of my 2016 Mazda Cx-5 with 23000 mles. The crack appeared on a 55 degree morning after I pulled my vehicle out of the garage and drove half a block to a stop sign and I watched the crack appear. The crack starts at the top center edge of the windshield goes down about 6 inches, then goes into the view of the driver. It was about 18 inches that morning and has grown to about 30 inches and a huge fish hook shape in the view of the driver. I went to the dealer and was told it was caused by a stone impact. It was not an impact, I should know, I was driving. The dealer also told me that it was not covered under warranty, even if it is a defective windshield or installation at the factory. With a little research I am seeing a lot of Cx-5 owners are reporting similar issues with the windshields cracking for no apparent reason. This is a safety concern the NHTSA needs to investigate.

14 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2018

The vehicle was parked in a driveway when a basketball bounced off the hood of the car and then hit the windshield. There was no damage to the hood but when the basketball hit the windshield it shattered the right top side of the windshield.

15 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2018

I recently bought a used 2016 Mazda Cx-5. Five days later, I went to get in it after work (not a hot day) and found a crack running from under the top seam straight down and then feathering out. No impact damage. Parked in a secured lot. It didn't look right, so I looked up Mazda windshields and found out others had the same issue. I found the crack distracting as I drove, especially if I needed to look over to the right side. Took my car to Mazda the following day. They agreed it looked strange, but said they were unaware of any windshield issues. And yet I found many others on line had the same issue.

16 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 03/16/2018

Front passenger window completely shattered when driving on the highway. No apparent rock or debris hit the window before the glass completely disintegrated. A loud bang was heard as the glass shattered from the center. Unsure as to longevity / durability of the Mazda oem glass windows as car model is relatively new. So far have not had any other issues with the other windows of the car. The tempered glass, however, did shatter as correctly designed, no injuries.

17 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/13/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2016 Mazda Cx-5. While driving 65 mph, the front windshield shattered. The contact called a local dealer (john hine Mazda, 1545 camino del rio south st, san diego, CA 92108) and was informed to schedule a service appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to the local dealer and NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

18 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/29/2017

First occurred on 9/29/2017 and more often after 2/3/18 battery drains, no start have had the vehicle battery jumped 5-6 times, replaced battery same occurrences, have taken battery to be charged twice. Further inspection a week later on battery and a draw test 1, came back good. Couple of weeks battery had drained again. No start noticeable signs of drain. Airbag light on and off, have had it serviced previously. Heat and a/c not projecting like normal. Stains on windshield. Design error there is no key entry on trunk when car malfunctions. Dashboard and/or display screen will occasionally stay on when car turns off. Driver window rattles. Command switches for display screen replaced still sticking. Seat belt has scared stomach.

19 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 05/14/2017

2 weeks old vehicle windshield cracked after parked in the sun for 3 hours.

20 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 05/02/2017

After two months of ownership the windshield cracked due to a rock strike. The windows was replaced with an oem windshield. Three months later the windshield cracked randomly without any damage (rock etc).

21 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2017

2016 cx5 developed spontaneous stress fracture in windshield running from top right edge of screen across to middle of glass. It was not being driven at the time, nothing hit the windshield, it just cracked.

22 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/25/2017

During daylight hours, the chrome around the vents reflects onto the side windows. This causes a distraction, making it very difficult to look into the side mirrors. I contacted Mazda about this, they do not appear to plan to do anything about it. Nothing yet has happened to me about this, but I am concerned that it might happen to me or someone else. An easy fix would be to replace the shiny chrome trim with a darker trim. I attached some pictures to show this. The pictures do not show exactly how bad it is, but it will show that there is a problem.

23 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2016

Windshield cracked when driving at highway speed with no immediate traffic in the area. Crack occurred during morning transition from cool temperatures to about 20 degree warmer. Heard a small pop and then saw the crack grow until it extended from the frame to about half way across the passenger side. If the the crack was caused by an impact the rock or debris was incredibly small as there is only a slight depression in one part of the crack.

24 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2016

My 2016 Cx-5 was parked in my driveway when I noticed a crack in the middle of my windshield starting at the bottom under the seal and going up and to the left. There was no crack when I parked it. I took it to the dealer where I bought it and had the warranty mechanic and a salesman look at it,they found not sign of impact. They advised me to take to the Mazda dealer for the factory warranty. I took it to the Mazda dealer and after numerous gouges with a fine point pen in the middle of the crack the service manager says no look there is a rock chip so it is not covered under the factory warranty. I also pointed out that there was an air bubble in another part of the windshield which is obviously a factory defect and he said that it didn't matter because there was a sign of impact not anywhere close to the crack the factory warranty would not cover it.

25 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 08/13/2016

Second time windshield cracked (more than dollar size) and needed replacement in less than six months of owning vehicle. Vehicle was stationary/parked on driveway first time and was in motion on city street second time. None were caused by car accidents or objects,such as rocks, hitting the windshield.

26 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 07/28/2016

My 7 month 2016 cx 5 with 15,000 miles was parked at work. When I got in my car to go home, my windshield had a large crack down the middle from the top spreading out on both driver & passenger sides into the viewing area like a spider web. It started right where the black plastic housing is for the tech pkg sensors behind the mirror. I stopped at techniglass on my way home & damon checked it out & said there was no sign of a rock chip, it was a stress crack and it should be covered under factory warranty & that he has seen it a lot on Cx-5¿s. Also told me the windshields were on back order & they cost $1100. The following day I took it to dahle Mazda in slc for 15,000 mile service & showed them the crack & asked them to replace it under the factory warranty. They came back & told me they did fine point pen trick & there were two rock chips & it is not warrantable. I showed them techniglass note showing there were no rock chips & their diagnosis of a stress crack. Asked for the service manager & shared this info & 30+ complaints from online NHTSA & Mazda247. Com websites confirming the defect with other cx 5 owners. Made him document their refusal to replace on my service record & told him it was unacceptable & that I was going to file a complaint with Mazda USA & NHTSA. He said he would also check with Mazda USA to see if he could do anything & that he would call me back¿. . He never did. I also learned that techniglass and other 3rd party windshield replacement companies cannot get these replacement ws from their suppliers, they must order them direct from the Mazda dealer, which I find concerning. This is clearly a manufacturers defect & needs to be addressed by Mazda USA.

27 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 05/24/2016

Was driving to work when I heard a succession of loud popping noises coming from the windshield area. As I was on a divided interstate with no vehicles in front or beside me, it was a bit strange that I had two cracks appear in the center of my windshield and another one running from the bottom right side of the windshield under the wiper blade. I pulled over immediately to see if there was anyone around because it was clearly not caused by another vehicle. I phoned the sheriff's department to report the incident, as I was unsure what had happened. A deputy met me at work (18 miles from where the incident happened) to look at the damage, the latter of which now stretched about 4 inches past the center of the windshield, and told me that the area where I was driving had been checked immediately by officers, that there was no one in the area, and that no other complaints had been reported. Even the officer was baffled by the unexplainable occurrence of the breaks, especially since there were no other vehicles either in front, behind, or beside me for as far as I could see (long, flat stretch of interstate, so visibility was excellent). The vehicle had less than 16000 miles on it when this happened.

28 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 04/22/2016

While driving to work on a clear day without any influence from an outside source, rock/debris, a crack formed on passenger side of my front windshield. It originated from the very bottom/base of windshield and is currently about 20" long - almost to exact middle of window. The car has less than 3000 miles on it. It is a 2016. 5 year. I took delivery of car on Feb. 13.

29 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2016

On multiple occasions, when temperatures are 25 f or lower and it is snowing or raining it is impossible to keep the windshield clear of ice. While driving at normal speeds 25 to 50 mph on local roads and highways, the snow would melt on contact with the windshield, refreeze, and the wipers would freeze solid and not make contact with the windshield over the majority of the windshield. I had to stop every several minutes and use a scraper to remove the windshield ice to see safely. This condition makes for very difficult and dangerous winter precipitation driving. The only chance of of getting minimal viewing area was to keep the function selector on full defrost, the temperature selector on full heat and the fan on high. This was still a losing battle and extremely uncomfortable in the vehicle. The fan noise is incredibly loud, the wipers are loaded with ice and thumping on the windshield and your face gets ridiculously hot because on the defrost function more air is directed back at the side windows than is directed at the windshield. What an extremely poor design and function of a basic defrost system. Even during cold weather with no precipitation the poor function of the defrost system cannot keep the windshield free of fogging over unless the selectors are set on full fan, heat and defrost. Now we have to live with a car that should be a great, safe all wheel drive, all weather vehicle in new england that can't handle defrosting the windshield during our winters.

30 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/14/2016

I've only had my Mazda for 2 months and noticed a crack originating from the bottom of the windshield. It occurred after a hot day coupled with a cold night so I suspect there was a small crack that happened when I leased the car and it grew due to weather conditions. I've read that there are tons of similar incidences with this vehicle and its concerning (especially since the replacement is $1,000).

31 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 02/13/2016

Only got my car for a month :( as I was driving on the freeway notice the windshield cracked started from the top middle where the rare mirror is. The crack is now longer and longer day by day. Maybe got hit by a tiny tiny little rock but the dot of the hit was so small that it could hardly be seen. I believe that it's cheap windshield that Mazda is using. All the bs how safety this car is. . . . . .

32 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2016

2016 Cx-5 is less than a year old and already on its third windshield. The filed complaint list for this car is just one cracked windshield after another and definitely needs to be investigated further.

33 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2016

I have a new 2016 Mazda cx 5 grand touring. I am about to have to get my windshield replaced for the second time due to it cracking. The first occurance happened while I was driving on the freeway. I heard a "crack" and looked over and noticed a shatter like crack on the passenger side the size of a silver dollar that quickly cracked out to the middle of my windshield. The windshield was on back order due to none being in stock. I had to drive around for 2. 5 months with a cracked windshield until one finally became available. The second time it occurred was about three days ago. I had just parked my car in the garage and went inside for a few minutes and came back out to grab some things and noticed a crack on the drivers side on the brand new windshield I had just paid to get replaced about 2 months ago. There is a small chip in the glass, however, I feel like if a rock or something did hit my windshield, the glass should not crack that easily. I have owned previous vehicles where rocks have hit the windshield with no issues at all. I have read that many other cx5 owners have had windshield issues as well which makes me think there must be some type of manufacture defect. It is definitely a safety issue since the windshield is the only front protection between the driver and the road.

34 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/05/2016

Car had a total of 145 miles, only driven 4 days since new and there is a large crack in the windshield, on the passengers side starting at the very top and extending down past the rear view mirror and curved toward the center. No rock hit or chips caused this.

35 Wiper problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2016

On 2 January 2016, while travelling northbound on interstate 880, at approximately 3 pm, approaching the hegenberger exit. I heard a a "crack sound", followed by another "crack sound", at which time the crack became visible. Glass crack emanating from passenger side windshield edge towards the center of the vehicle, approximately 14 inches in length.


Other Visibility related problems of the 2016 Mazda CX-5


Safety Ratings of CX-5 Cars
Fuel Economy of CX-5 Vehicles
CX-5 Service Bulletins