Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Mazda CX-5 problems

Owners filed 150 complaints about the 2017 Mazda CX-5 with NHTSA between Jun 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (44).

Complaints
150
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system44
  2. Engine16
  3. Fuel/propulsion system15
  4. Service brakes14
  5. Visibility/wiper12
  6. Structure12
  7. Power train11
  8. Vehicle speed control7
  9. Lane departure5
  10. Air bags4
  11. Forward collision avoidance4
  12. Seats3
  13. Back over prevention3
  14. Seat belts2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20174
201821
20196
202016
202116
202219
202323
202416
202519
202610

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

44 reports1 crash
“The radio is uncontrollable by driver. The radio the self dial from Bluetooth. Even if not connected, the radio surprises this driver by playing the radio unexpectedly at the highest rate. Due to the buttons not working, driver cannot turn down the radio causing safety concerns for being scared and distracted. There are no warnings. Mazda is unwilling to assess without pay.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2026Electrical systemODI 11747415

Engine

16 reports1 crash
“My 2017 Mazda CX-5 has experienced a recurring condition more than six times involving sudden jerking, rapid deceleration, and loss of normal accelerator response during extended highway driving, often while cruise control is engaged. On multiple occasions the engine has also shut down. On 09/11/2026, while traveling south on I-35 at approximately 80 mph with cruise control engaged, the vehicle suddenly began jerking violently and rapidly losing speed. Normal accelerator response was lost and a vehicle behind me nearly struck my vehicle. I was able to reach the shoulder just before the engine shut down. The vehicle would not restart and required towing. There was little or no meaningful warning before the loss of power. The vehicle was inspected by a Mazda dealer. I specifically reported the recurring highway jerking, deceleration, loss of throttle response, and shutdown concern. An aftermarket OBD-II device was removed after the dealer identified parasitic battery draw. The dealer subsequently stated in writing that the battery and alternator were healthy and that the vehicle was “operating as intended.” On 10/09/2026, with that device no longer installed, the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11770671

Fuel/propulsion system

15 reports1 crash
“My car started to smell like gas. I brought it to a shop and there was a leak in my high pressure pump in which the gas was leaking on to my engine. I paid $1600 to have this replaced and there is only 88,000 miles on the car.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11769737

Service brakes

14 reports1 crash
“I got my rear brakes replaced. Within a few days I noticed drag on each of the rear brakes would seize up at times causing excessive heat and a burning smell. When I took it into my local Mazda Service Center, I was told by the Service Manager and the Service Tech that this is a known issue with Mazda CX5s, that when the Mazda is not put into “maintenance mode” when replacing the rear brakes, it can cause damage to the parking brake motors and calipers. They said my vehicle was allegedly put into maintenance mode before brake service and that the issue can still happen even when the precautions are taken. Upon doing some brief online research I am finding that I am far from the first person to experience this unsafe defect. My safety and the safety of those on the road with me are at an extreme risk as my brakes could overheat and fail, causing a deadly accident. I believe this needs to be addressed by the manufacturer on all 2016/2017 CX5 models immediately as more and more are needing rear brake replacements, causing more and more risk on the roadways. Please hold Mazda accountable for this defect in their parking brake mechanism and require them to replace…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2023Service brakesODI 11552140

Visibility/wiper

12 reports
“The sunroof exploded. Exploded. Sound was shocking. I did not know what it was. The sound of the outside from the sunroof clued me in. The "shade" underneath the sunroof was closed so I did not see it happen.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 3, 2024Visibility/wiperODI 11580941

Structure

12 reports
“I was driving on the freeway, going about 65 mph at 7:30 am. I heard a loud BANG sound and my sunroof glass exploded into pieces. I had the inside cover closed so the glass did not get in the car. The sound was frightening, loud and caused me to pull to the side of the highway. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives and I had used the sunroof the day before - it worked fine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 12, 2022StructureODI 11484135
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.