2013–2016 KE (1st generation)
2013–2016 Mazda CX-5 Common Problems and Years to Avoid
5 documented problems with the 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 1 of them are serious. 4 carry a recall or TSB number.
Last verified
Quick answer
2013–2016 Mazda CX-5 recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA 16V-644 (Mazda campaign 9916H) | Liftgate support strut corrosion (recall) | moderate |
| NHTSA 16V-203 (Mazda campaign 9316D) | Front strut-to-steering-knuckle bolt loosening (recall) | major |
| NHTSA 16V-064 (Mazda campaign 9216B) | Fuel filler pipe rupture risk (recall) | moderate |
| NHTSA 20V-063 (Mazda campaign 4320A) | LED daytime running light failure (recall) | minor |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
Liftgate support strut corrosion (recall)
moderateThe gas-charged struts that hold the power/manual liftgate open can corrode internally and lose pressure, allowing the liftgate to drop unexpectedly and strike someone underneath. Mazda recalled all 2013–2016 CX-5s built through December 2015 and replaces both struts free of charge, though replacement parts were on backorder for years after the recall began.
Front strut-to-steering-knuckle bolt loosening (recall)
majorThe lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle can loosen over time, which can let the steering knuckle separate from the strut and cause a loss of steering control. Mazda recalled 2014–2016 CX-5s (along with several other Mazda models) to inspect and retighten or replace the hardware.
Fuel filler pipe rupture risk (recall)
moderateOn certain 2014–2016 CX-5s, the fuel filler pipe's attachment to its bracket could allow the pipe to rupture in a crash, failing FMVSS 301 fuel-system-integrity requirements and raising fire risk. Mazda recalled the affected VINs to reinforce the filler pipe attachment.
LED daytime running light failure (recall)
minorOn certain 2016 CX-5s, the LED daytime running lights could fail while driving, reducing the vehicle's visibility to other drivers. Mazda dealers inspect and replace the sealing gasket or full headlight assembly as needed, free of charge.
Mazda Connect infotainment freezes and reboots (class-action settlement)
minorLate-KE-generation CX-5s with the Mazda Connect infotainment system are covered by a 2025 class-action settlement (Duffy et al. v. Mazda Motor of America) over units that freeze, reboot, get stuck in a boot loop, or lose audio/backup-camera function. The settlement offers reimbursement for prior repairs and, for some vehicles, an extended warranty on the head unit/CMU.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Mazda CX-5 model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Mazda CX-5 built from 2013 through 2016 — the KE (1st generation), compact suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5
- 2013US launch; 2.0L only at first, 6-speed manual or automatic, FWD or AWD
- 20142.5L SkyActiv-G added on Touring/Grand Touring; 2.0L remains standard on Sport
- 2016Facelift (styling, chassis stiffening, updated i-Activsense safety suite); mechanical specs (oil, filters, wipers) carry over unchanged
2013–2016 Mazda CX-5 problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5?
- The recurring ones are: liftgate support strut corrosion (recall); front strut-to-steering-knuckle bolt loosening (recall); fuel filler pipe rupture risk (recall); led daytime running light failure (recall); mazda connect infotainment freezes and reboots (class-action settlement). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5 years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by front strut-to-steering-knuckle bolt loosening (recall) (2014–2016). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5?
- 4 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 16V-644 (Mazda campaign 9916H) (liftgate support strut corrosion (recall)), NHTSA 16V-203 (Mazda campaign 9316D) (front strut-to-steering-knuckle bolt loosening (recall)), NHTSA 16V-064 (Mazda campaign 9216B) (fuel filler pipe rupture risk (recall)), NHTSA 20V-063 (Mazda campaign 4320A) (led daytime running light failure (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2013–2016 Mazda CX-5 repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: liftgate support strut corrosion (recall), Free under recall; front strut-to-steering-knuckle bolt loosening (recall), Free under recall; fuel filler pipe rupture risk (recall), Free under recall; led daytime running light failure (recall), Free under recall.
Sources
- Mazda global owner's manual, CX-5 KE lubricant quality and capacities
- NHTSA recall 16V-644, liftgate support struts
- NHTSA recall 16V-203, steering knuckle bolts
- NHTSA recall 16V-064, fuel filler pipe
- NHTSA recall 20V-063, LED daytime running lights
- Mazda Connect Infotainment Settlement, official settlement site (class definition, covered years)
- Mazda parts catalog, PE01-14-302 oil filter cartridge
- Wikipedia, Mazda CX-5 first generation engine/trim history
- Edmunds, 2016 Mazda CX-5 review and specs