2017 Mazda CX-5 problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Mazda CX-5, most often about electrical system. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
118
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Median mileage
45,500 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 39 of 118 complaints (33%).
  • Engine (16) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (14) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 45,500 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries.
  • The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has 1 recall on file.
  • It ranks 6th of 14 Mazda CX-5 model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 42% fewer complaints than the 2016 model year (204).

2017 Mazda CX-5 problems by category

  • 39 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    24 complaints
  • Engine · 1 crash
    16 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash
    14 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    11 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    10 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    8 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    7 complaints
  • Brakes
    6 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    5 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system39
Unknown or other23
Engine15
Fuel/propulsion system13
Visibility/wiper11
Power train8
Structure:body7
Service brakes6

When problems happen (mileage)

3Under 10k510k–30k1130k–60k760k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Mazda CX-5 complaints that list mileage.

2017 Mazda CX-5 recalls (1)

  • Recall 17V744000Nov 21, 20171,076 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · TRAILER HITCHES

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.

    Risk: Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1617K.

Recent 2017 Mazda CX-5 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 7, 2026NYFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11769737 · source
  2. Filed Jun 30, 2026OHElectrical System
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11747415 · source
  3. Filed Jun 28, 2026NCElectrical System
    There is a consistent issue with the “ghost touch“ and the electrical system so when you’re going down the road, the musical will change. The music will blast up or down randomly it’ll get stuck and it’s very distracting. It will hang up on people while you’re having a conversation through the car phone. This was a recall for Mazda 2014 through 2016 and they need to extend it because it was still happening with my 2017. This is my first experience with Mazda and it has not…
    NHTSA complaint #11746990 · source
  4. Filed May 30, 2026TXElectrical System
    Infotainment system randomly makes its own selections. Turns volume up and down, changes settings, changes stations... etc. Anything that can be controlled on the screen is at risk of being randomly hijacked. Once, my drivers assist volume was unexpectedly turned to full blast and randomly shouted "navigation assistant will be at this volume. " I jumped so badly I actually could have crashed if I hadn't been at a light.
    NHTSA complaint #11741077 · source
  5. Filed May 22, 202692,000 miOHEngine
    The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. While driving the vehicle, the engine overheat warning suddenly illuminated on the dashboard cluster panel. The contact pulled over immediately, restarted the engine, and coasted the vehicle to a local, independent mechanic shop. The independent mechanic diagnosed the issue as a blown head gasket. For a secondary inspection, the vehicle was transported to an authorized Mazda dealership. Dealership technicians determined that the engine…
    NHTSA complaint #11739578 · source
  6. Filed May 21, 2026NMAirbags
    Last week, the airbag warning light illuminated on my dashboard. Please be aware that this marks the fourth occurrence of this issue. Each time I bring the vehicle to the dealership, they provide a different explanation, and I am required to cover the repair costs. I have been informed that the vehicles were manufactured with a defect, causing the wiring harness to corrode at the junction where the temperature sensor connects to the engine, which measures the coolant…
    NHTSA complaint #11739407 · source
  7. Filed Mar 16, 2026COTransmission & Drivetrain
    My car only has 65k miles on it and the rear differential failed and needs to be replaced. I am seeing this posted online by many Mazda CX-5 owners well under the mileage this typically happenes but out of the warranty period. Mazda should start a recall or compensate owners for this. its never been in an accident simply a commuter car used around town
    NHTSA complaint #11724653 · source
  8. Filed Mar 5, 2026VAElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts
    During a one-hour car ride, the front passenger side seat heater burned a hole through the seat, damaging my wife's skirt and leaving a hole in the upholstery. The overheating definitely originated within the seat. We immediately turned the seat heater off and have not used it since. It could have started a fire, which is very scary, or burned my wife, which is a serious safety risk. This issue has been mentioned by other Mazda owners, but I cannot find any recall reports.…
    NHTSA complaint #11722180 · source

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Other 2017 Mazda models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology