2016 Mazda CX-5 power train problems
51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 Mazda CX-5 — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Any time the vehicle has been sitting with the engine off and has been given enough time to “cool down”, upon starting the vehicle and switching from PARK to DRIVE, the vehicle will violently lurch forward while attempting to reach 2nd gear. This is dangerous behavior that is not normal for any…”
filed May 23, 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “Smart Brake Malfunction” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic…”
filed Apr 9, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the…
01-008-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance…
SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2026
Power Train problems in other CX-5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 CX-5 | 2 | 8% |
| 2024 CX-5 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 CX-5 | 3 | 5% |
| 2022 CX-5 | 5 | 8% |
| 2021 CX-5 | 16 | 11% |
| 2020 CX-5 | 8 | 8% |
| 2019 CX-5 | 29 | 11% |
| 2018 CX-5 | 41 | 12% |
| 2017 CX-5 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 CX-5 | 19 | 14% |
| 2014 CX-5 | 50 | 13% |
| 2013 CX-5 | 38 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Mazda CX-5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.