Electrical System Problems of Mazda CX-5 - part 1

Radio audio randomly stopped working and you have to disconnect the negative or you have to leave the car off essentially all night. It’s definitely unknown issue there’s videos all over youtube about it and there’s forms on read about it.

See all problems of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

The front passenger seat heating system caught fire and burned through the fabric and my dog's seat. The fumes made me and my dog nauseous. I had to swerve across the highway and stop on the shoulder to extinguish the seat fire/burn. The fuse was pulled for safety. The seat is in storage for inspection. Mazda will be contacted.

See all problems of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

Unknown the infotainment system started malfunctioning on its own.

See all problems of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

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. . .

My vehicle was damaged by an as yet determined electrical fire seemingly having originated in the passenger door speaker components.

See all problems of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Cx-5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over to the side of the road before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine had failed due to a lack of maintenance. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an automatic reminder regarding the oil change. The contact stated that the oil change reminder failed to illuminate to indicate that the oil level was extremely low. The check engine warning light also failed to illuminate. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The infotainment screen in the vehicle suffers from phantom/ghost touching, rending a safety hazard as while following navigation it can act on it's own, becoming a large distraction.

See all problems of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

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.

When accelerating, the transmission feels jerky/stutters. The check engine light and traction control light are illuminated and on the instrument cluster the messages: "forward Smart city brake support malfunction", "Smart brake system malfunction" and "front radar sensor system malfunction" appear. The vehicle acts like it doesn't know which gear it should be in, it'll buck pretty hard and then it refuses to accelerate. . . It feels like it's in a "limp mode". A previous driver of the vehicle complained and said that it actually stalled in traffic on the highway and was of course difficult to steer due to loss of power. I took it to a dealership and they came up with a laundry list of things to fix. . . Most of which wouldn't have any bearing on this issue. I did have the serpentine belt replaced and the belt tensioner replaced due to wear on the belt and loose tension. On 7/16/25, I scanned the vehicle with a code reader, the codes p0301 and p0506 appeared. P0301 is a generic "cylinder 1 misfire detected" message and p0506 is a generic "iac system rpm lower than expected. The vehicle was taken to a shop where the spark plugs and the cylinder 1 coil was replaces and the iac cleaned. On 7/24/25 the same vehicle behaviors were observed and the same warning lights and messages were activated. I scanned the vehicle and got "p0300 random/multiple cylinder misfire detected and p0304 cylinder 4 misfire detected. There was a recall on this particular vehicle make, model and year and my vehicle was out of the VIN# range. I firmly believe that the recall needs to be expanded to include a larger number of vehicles. . . You can google about this vehicle and see many others with similar issues. Usually, the cure is a pcm reflashing/software update that seems to take care of the issue. Please expand the recall before someone dies in an accident because of this problem.

I own a 2020 Mazda Cx-5 equipped with the Mazda connect infotainment system. The touchscreen display malfunctions regularly by randomly selecting menu items, jumping between screens, zooming in and out, and activating functions without any input from me. These “phantom touch” events occur even when the vehicle is in drive, which means the touchscreen should be disabled — yet the system behaves as if it’s receiving constant false touch input. When this happens, I cannot back out of screens or use the physical control knob or buttons, making it extremely distracting and unsafe while driving. The dealer initially diagnosed it as a screen laminate issue, which they said isn’t covered under warranty. However, this appears to be a known defect in the cmu (connectivity master unit) that Mazda has not properly addressed in many cases, even though there is an ongoing class action settlement about it. The cmu passed their diagnostic test, but the issue persists — and others have reported receiving full replacements despite passing those same tests. Mazda refuses to escalate or repair unless the screen kit fails first. I believe this is a defect affecting driver safety, especially since it continues while the vehicle is moving.

. . . . . On at least 5 seperate occasions our 2021 Mazda cx5 SUV accelerated to a high rate of speed (on it's own). It has done it to my wife and I both. I contacted two different Mazda service centers and was advised they have no knowledge of this and that there are no open recalls or TSB's and as intermittent as it is it would be almost impossible to duplicate. On July 18th the car accelerated (on its own) again but this time it drove my wife into a tree at aprox. 35/40 mph breaking her ribs. The body shop informed me this morning that the car is a total loss. Mazda needs to get to the bottom of this and resolve this issue ASAP. This time it was a tree, the next time it may be at a crosswalk or at an intersection. It's just a mater of time until someone is killed or at the very least badly hurt. I don't know how Mazda can be unaware of this problem, it's all over the internet. Our body shop pulled it up on line and was shocked at the amount of complaints/ concerns that existed related to this problem. Please investigate this because the next person may not be as fortunate. Thank you in advance.

Critical malfunction- causing parking brake malfunction, anti lock brake system malfunction, dynamic stability control malfunction, disabled blind spot monitoring, keyless entry system malfunction, front brake / and obstruction warning disabled, keyless entry system malfunction, air bag system and seat belt pre-tensioner system malfunction. Vehicle not starting. /dead. Sat at dealership service where purchased for 6 days saying they could not test bc they did not have a battery tester- magically when I complained they found one- and say everything checks out ok. Vehicle is not safe!!!! if this malfunction happened while driving I could have been killed. The dealership refuses to anything g but say it’s ok- and it’s not a lemon. I cannot put my life at risk and they will not guarantee it will not happen again- or say why it happened- other than check g the battery.

The vehicle reboots the screen/infotainment system while driving. The dealership has updated the software and replaced the screen (screen was at my cost). They reset the codes and it comes back. This is a safety hazard as it could cause non compliance with the fmvss in regards to rear-view cameras being required. There is currently a settlement in place under a class action.

While driving down highway the car suddenly will stop accelerating. Once this occurs the check engine light will turn on and shortly after the battery light will turn on. The car will not move and the ac will then stop working. The first time the car was brought to dealership (under warranty). They had to replace battery, fuel pump and fuel level indicator. They stated the fuel pump was broken as was the fuel level indicator. They were able to reproduce the problem prior to fixing it the first time. Less than a month after the car was repaired the exact same issue happened. This is a significant safety concern as I was driving on the highway with a [xxx] child in the back seat when the car stopped driving the second time. I was barely able to get over a lane and off the road before the car stopped driving. The ac then stopped working on a day where the feels like temperature was over 100. I had to lay wet cloths over my infant to prevent her from overheating while we waited for aaa and a family member to reach us. The inability to accelerate/sudden stopping of the car while driving on a highway with a speed limit of 70mph posed a significant safety risk to my life, my child’s life and potentially other cars if they weren’t able to stop. I had to wave frantically at the car in the lane next to me so that they wouldn’t hit me. No warning lights came on until after the issue (stopped accelerating) occurred. The dealership (Mazda) now has the car again and will be inspecting it. I have files from the first incident however they are in the car. Once I get my car back I can send over the reports of what they replaced/work completed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

Infotainment system went dark and I cannot get it to come back on. I’ve read that this has been an ongoing issue and is covered in Mazda cx5 models up to 2020 thru a class action lawsuit, but my one is a 2021 (manufactured we’ll before 2021 though) with a virtually identical system.

The info uni in the car constantly resets itself. It happens when gps is activated, parking, listening to directions, pretty much at all time especially in crucial moments. Nav center doesn't even load at times, this causes unknown information of speed limits and streets.

Car “died” while idling at a traffic light. It started but would not start several hours later and car was towed to mechanic. Diagnostics “determined “after several days that car needed an ecm. Ecm was ordered and replaced, along with the battery. This took several weeks, in the meantime, I had to rent a vehicle. Vehicle picked up on may 29th and driven 250 miles and car sputtered, hesitated, slowing down in heavy traffic at high speeds on highway, putting other drivers and myself in a very unsafe situation. Several days later this happened again while traveling back home, again, at highway speed putting other drivers and myself in high risk situation. (this happened several times during both trips. ) as I was focused on the road, I did not see if any messages were displayed. After returning home, the mechanic was informed via voice mail and again via telephone. The following morning (June 2), the car sputtered, hesitated to accelerate at low speeds and died while driving to repair shop (battery indicator illuminated as I was pulling over). Car has been towed again to repair shop.

Keyless entry stopped working, key fob battery replaced as well as car battery. Coolant issues. Heater core and sensors.

This is a complete electrical system failure. My screen continues scroll all systems fails. At least it is not draining the battery again. I have had to replace the battery 2 times in the last 6 months. Maybe carmax sold me a "lemon". . I received a recall notice, however when I spoke with the service department at the bob Mazda dealership in carlsbad and they told me that the recall on my vehicle is closed. I can come in for repairs, but at my own expense. I have only owned this vehicle for 6 months in which 2 months I was in the hospital recovering from a major surgery. When I get in my car and start it, if it starts the "blue" light is on every time, which is apparently thermostat. After about 20 minutes or so the light turns off, sometimes 30 minutes. The next part is the scrolling malfunctions. It lists about everything on the car. I am [xxx] and live in baja. I live in a very safe, gated with a security guard neighborhood, however I am scared of going any due to my car issues and being stranded. I also really need to cross the border to see my doctor but I am afraid. When you have to replace 2 batteries in 6 months and I have only driven under 5,000 since I purchased the car. Mazda needs to make me whole. My car also only has 24,000 and when I bought it had20,000 miles. There is something seriously wrong, actually multiple things are wrong with my 2019 Mazda. A person should never be afraid to get in the vehicle due to safety issues. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving, the infotainment screen went crazy! it randomly changed screens rapidly, and the navigation voice started talking loudly about changing volume level, and repeatedly. Very distracting and dangerous.

Summary of events: purchase date: 05/27/2023 coolant warning: in January 2025, I received a coolant temperature warning (code p0126) indicating insufficient coolant temperature. Repairs: I brought the vehicle in for repairs on 02/15/2025 for thermostat and related parts. The repairs were completed by 02/17/2025. New warning: on 03/18/2025, I received a high coolant temperature warning. Upon inspection, coolant was nearly empty, and I found coolant contamination in the engine bay. Notification to dealership: I emailed hennessy Mazda on 03/19/2025, but after no response, I filed a claim with Mazda headquarters on 03/20/2025. Only after that, they called me and instructed me to bring the vehicle in. They claimed that after replacing the faulty parts and cleaning the engine bay, the car was ready for pickup. (while they assert that all actions were completed on 03/22, based on the fact that the car door was opened approximately five times in April, it can be inferred that the necessary actions were likely completed in early April. ) concerns: coolant leak: the coolant leak persisted for nearly a month, likely causing damage to internal components due to engine overheating. Electronic contamination: the leaked coolant likely contaminated sensitive electronic systems, wiring, and connectors, potentially leading to long-term failures due to the conductive and corrosive properties of modern coolants like Mazda fl22. Long-term risks: hidden corrosion inside connectors and wiring. Potential for electrical failure, sensor malfunctions, and further degradation over time. Hennessy Mazda is currently addressing only the visible issues and claiming the car is now functioning properly, while attempting to shift the long-term and hidden risks onto me. I am requesting a vehicle replacement or compensation due to the safety and long-term reliability risks posed by the unresolved coolant leak and contamination.

See all problems of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

We had another Cx-5 in the back that we used to test whether or not it was either the throttle body or the bcm ( body control module ) or the pcm ( power control module ) not working that is causing your vehicle to not wanting to turn on the throttle body passed we transferred it over from vehicle a ( being the donor ) to vehicle b (being your vehicle ) and it was still doing the same thing which it would crank but not fully turn on and that is how we ruled that part out the bcm we also transferred over from vehicle a to vehicle b and same thing it would crank but not fully turn on this is what the mechanic at Mazda collision center of irving stated: the pcm has power and is communicating with everything else in the vehicle. If it was the pcm then nothing would work and we wouldn't be able to even cycle the power as if we were going to turn on the vehicle we brought this over to our Mazda foreman and we showed him the codes it was throwing and what was going on and explained everything and he did tell us that it could be the main harness that is causing all of this he is not for sure just because he is not the mechanic involved in this but he said that is a good start. I am uncertain exactly what is wrong with the vehicle. When I took it in to be serviced, it worked. The mechanic then said he couldn't work on it anymore after trying to fix the body work because the electrical system had failed. I then had it towed to Mazda to see if they could fix the issue. I had originally took it in because of a minor fender bender. I am unclear as to why it has taken four months and my car still doesn't work and I do not know how to afford buying a car to replace it when I cannot trade it in since we cannot resolve the electronic portion through insurance.

I purchased this vehicle as a used car from a dealership. On my way home, the infotainment panel began to shout at top volume that this is the volume that navigation would be set at. The volume was so loud that it was startling, and it continued on until I had to pull over. I contacted the dealer, but they offered no assistance. The car continues to control itself at the panel ferning with the use of android auto so that you can't use your phone gps for directions. The radio will control itself, changing stations, making loud beeps, and turning the volume up. There is no way to stop this feature because you can't turn the system completely off while the car is on. I can find no way to fix this on my own. I have tried resets, but have seen ample information about other people having this problem online. This does not seem to be an unknown problem and I don't know why there has not been issued a recall because it's very dangerous.

I bought this 2020 Mazda Cx-5 sport 2. 5l all wheel drive from a big dealership on July 31, 2023. I started having issues with epb (electronic parking brakes) in February 2024. When I put the e-brakes on, the yellow parking brake light and the red brake light would come on. Seems like they would engage and disengage just fine except those 2 lights would stay on no matter how many times I tried turning the e-brakes off. I put a new battery in because of some research I did to no avail. Tried putting it in service mode then taking it off service mode. . . . . . Which did work for a couple of months. Then the problem reappeared and the two lights came back on. Sometimes you hear the e-brakes retracting on the rear right side only. And you can smell the brakes from heating up. On 2/26/2025 after getting out of work, I got in my car, turned it on and boom the brake lights are on again. I tried to drive and noticed the e-brakes were engaged. I didn't do it because I don't use the e-brakes at all for fear it would get stuck on and leave me stranded. I have been dealing with this for months and I am so frustrated. This car is only 5 years old. It shouldn't be having e-brakes issues. I've been doing a lot of research and found out that a lot of Mazda owners are having this very same problem. Mazda is very aware of this issue and has known about it for some time, but refuses to do a recall. I’m afraid to drive the car for fear that the e-brakes would engage while I'm driving in the highway and cause me to have an accident. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. I don't know what else to do. One thing I do know. . . . . . If Mazda doesn't fix this issue, I will never buy a Mazda again and make sure my kids never buy a Mazda either.

Small amount of weight such as keys or phone is triggering the occupant sensor in the front passenger seat. This issue just started and I am finding a lot of complaints regarding this.

Forward braking safety sensor was on transmission after braking check engine light . Was driving car from work it lost all power . And those warning ?? light indicators where on . Car wouldn't go over 15mph . Took vehicle to Mazda and dropped it off as my husband requested information do so . Mazda called say diagnostic saying it needed plugs ,coil packs serpentine belt and adjuster pulleys replacement. I called my husband he's a mechanical engineer he said no way it needs a tune up that early. He requested information go get the car as he flew home from working outta town. We took it to scooter's place certified mechanic in indian head MD . Scooter's place diagnostic scan said completely the opposite. Say it was the cars brain aka cpu send false signals causing misfire to all components of vehicle . He change one spark plug and car ran normal. He told us it wasn't a fix it was cpu and no matter tune up or not . The computer was the issue. I went back to passport Mazda in suitland maryland to give them second opinion issues the gm wouldn't give my money back for false diagnostic readings and refused to listen or hear what I had to say I was to upset to continue and decided to leave . He kept saying he wasn't a technician so he doesn't know but was explaining technician issues that were incorrect I have both diagnostic detail paperwork which I will attach with report.

My infotainment display has a prevalent ghost touch issue that causes majors distractions while I'm driving, and no warnings on when it'll happen. The ghost touch will end my navigation, end my calls or put them on hold, call random people in my contacts, turns on/off the music, changes the volume, changes various settings (sometimes safety settings), switching back/forth to different things, etc. It used to only happen when the car was not moving or I'm parked (as the touchscreen is only supposed to be available then), but now it's happening even when I'm driving on the freeway. I used to try correcting/fixing whatever by using the knob control, but the problem can become so severe that even when I use the physical knob I can't gain control over it. I can't turn off the infotainment display because the ghost touch just turns it back on! I brought it into my local Mazda dealership for regular servicing and decided to ask about it, but they're quoting me over $800 to fix it. They said it's a common issue they get all the time and it's something to do with a faulty screen?? not too sure what exactly, but a friend of mine said he had the same issue and the issue was too sporadic he decided to disconnect the touch screen altogether. It's too much of a distraction to deal with while driving, even for quick trips to the store, etc. It causes cognitive, visual, and manual distractions. . . These faulty screens are putting us all at a higher risk of being involved in an accident by taking our attention away from driving, even for just a split second.

I have a sensitive key fob that releases my hatch without my knowledge or intention. Twice my hatch opened causing damage to my hatch inside my garage. I’ve have read many complaints about the same issue, dating back years and some having their hatch open while parked outside. I have contacted the dealership and the corporation all saying there was a nothing that can be done. This is a major concern since the key fob is so sensitive and can activate in only a second to touch.

See all problems of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

The engine light constantly appears along with the "schedule maintenance soon" light. Taken to dealership many times within my 3 month warranty and no definite reason was given. The vehicle rides very bumpy though sway bar was inspected and supposedly repaired by dealership during my 3 month warranty.

The cylinder head on my 2018 Mazda Cx-5 developed cracks on the exhaust side, leading to significant oil leakage onto the exhaust manifold. This has caused engine damage and safety concerns. The vehicle is currently at a Mazda dealership, where the issue has been inspected and documented. The component is available for further inspection upon request. The oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold creates a serious fire hazard due to the high heat generated in this area. Additionally, the vehicle experienced burning smells and visible smoke coming through the air vents, which could impair visibility or cause distraction while driving. These conditions place the safety of myself, my passengers, and others on the road at risk. The issue has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership. They provided a video showing oil actively dripping from the cracked cylinder head and stated that the engine requires a full replacement. Mazda dealership video: [xxx] this video contains the engine inspection findings conducted at the dealership during my recent visit. It clearly shows the damage and highlights the issues identified. The vehicle has been inspected by the Mazda dealership service team, who identified the cracks in the cylinder head and documented the oil leakage and related engine damage. There were no warning lamps or messages on the dashboard prior to the failure. The symptoms began with a noticeable burning smell inside the cabin, followed by a slight mist coming out of the air vents and smoke from under the hood. Oil leakage was later observed on the ground, and the coolant level appeared empty. I’ve received a video inspection of my vehicle from the service center on March 7, 2024 with no concerns at that time, which you can view here: [xxx] . This link leads to truvideo, a platform that many dealerships use to share service videos with customers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

The steering and braking systems on my vehicle malfunctioned after jumping my vehicle when the battery drained too far to start, or even power my cars baseline electrical systems. After jumping my car, I started backing out of my parking spot and when I turned the wheel it very violently jerked in a manner that could have hurt me if I'd been holding onto the wheel tighter. Around this same time I believe I recall the brakes automatically applying and halting the vehicle. I was too far out of my parking spot when this began occurring and had to try to maneuver into a different one, during this attempt both of the conditions described above reoccured several times. I eventually noticed that it only seemed to trigger when the wheel was at more extreme steering angles, by keeping the steering angle lower I was eventually able to maneuver into another spot without triggering the issues. After parking and letting the car run for a bit to recharge the battery I no longer experienced these issues. There were several warning lights related to roll stability control, lane departure monitoring before pulling out. The following warnings were present, but I'm unable to recall whether they displayed before I first hit the issues: Smart braking malfunction, power steering malfunction, transmission malfunction, check engine light. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone, however I was able to find evidence of other people complaining about what sounds to be the same issue going back several years online. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

With a heavy downpour of rain the bsm flashes off, then after sitting for a few hours the car battery dies and the key fob is not recognized in the vehicle. Took it to a dealership and it stopped doing it. Code that are thrown have to do with some computer communication failing. I have had the car die on me 4 times in the last year that I’ve had it.

See all problems of the 2015 Mazda CX-5 🔎.

"ghost touch" issue on my cars touch screen operates by itself or doesn't respond. I was driving down a dark road when it went black, the screen had adjusted its brightness down to zero! the radio will change stations then freeze and the manual controls won't even work.

Display went dark and did not display. This is not the only time it happens. It acts like someone’s touching the screen even when in motion. It prevents the reverse camera from displaying.

Twice now, my 2017 Mazda Cx-5 stalled on the highway with a check engine light popping up--both times was driving around 60-70mph for a couple of hours and had about a quarter tank of gas left. The first time, no code was found, but the second time, after a deeper diagnostic, the dealership found a p0192 code. After reading here and many other places online, based on the code and the car's behavior, it really sounds like the denso low-pressure fuel pump is to blame; that's the source of the recall for 2018 and 2019 Mazda Cx-5s experiencing this same issue [xxx] ). If the 2017 model also uses that fuel pump, why isn't it included in the recall? if this dangerous and erratic car behavior is due to a faulty part, it really should be covered by the recall. Shame on you, Mazda. Lives are at risk. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).