Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Mazda CX-5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, squeaking noises were heard. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that both the rear brake pads were worn down to 20% and needed replacement. The mechanic informed the contact there was TSB 04-004/19 and 04-005/20 related to the failure and referred the contact to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that both the rear brake pads needed to be replaced from normal wear and tear; however, the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to schedule an appointment with a dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
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 brake caliper failure. The contact was unsure if the vehicle needed to be repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger's side inner CV joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be driven due to the severe failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,385.
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric parking brake module warning light was illuminated and the "Brake failure. Vehicle unsafe to drive," message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact expressed concern that the brakes could engage while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
* The Emergency Brake Module failed and it is available for inspection upon request. * The system failed and randomly turned on the parking break while I was actively driving and paused to make a left of a highway exit ramp. The parking break remained on for ~40 mins while I caused a significant disturbance to the traffic and safety of other around me as the exit ramp began to back up while awaiting a tow truck. Since it was the emergency break we were not able to put the car in neutral and push it out of the way. * Yes - Arlington Autocare confirmed the issue and has since replaced the part. * No there were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the parts failure. After the issue was identified I searched online and this seems to be an incredibly common issue with the Mazda 2016 CX5. …
I buy this car 2 years ago and 3 months later is starting having problem with rear passenger brakes I took the car to the mechanic and he change disc and brakes pads. A couple months later is starting having the same problem in the same area but this time is was smell burn coming through the wheel I'm stop the car to check was is going on when I check the brakes it was very very hot. I take the car to the mechanic and he told me the EPB is bad he changed everything disc, brakes pads,caliper and EPB motor. He said try to don't used the EPB too much or I'm going to see you again with same problem ... So I'm stop to use the EPB for long time. One day I put my car in the carwash one guy hit the EPB when he's done with the car Im get inside I turn on the car and the brake warning light is starting flashing I say fu** not again and yes EPB get stock. …
My EPB or Electronic Parking Brake started to Malfunction. It will lock up during parking, and driving and stay locked. It will flash Malfunction light, and the Parking Brake light on the dash will come on, and off. Sometimes If I turn off the vehicle for a while, it will again function. I have not been driving this vehicle, because of the issue I am very scarred my brakes will lock up when it is icy or wet, or slick, and I will injure myself or others Unintentionally. when I first had this issue, I decided to do research, and it seems to be a very common problem across all 2016 model Mazda Cx-5 with EBP. I suspect the EBP module is defective, and I cannot afford to pay the dealer 1500 to replace this part to correct the Safety Hazard Mazda originally created. This should never happen to me or the countless others whom own the 2016 model with EBP. …
from my service mechanic... "Rear brakes at 8mm/8mm on the right side, but 4mm/6mm on the left. These brakes were replaced 1500 miles ago and should not be showing this kind of wear. Examined brake pads, found evidence of overheating. Scanned vehicle, confirmed no codes from Electronic Parking Brake. Actuated parking brake and confirmed it is engaging and releasing as commanded. Found a Technical Service Bulletin related to parking brake drag on this vehicle. The brake pad damage pattern is consistent with what we observed today. Mazda recommends replacing the affect caliper(s) with an updated version to address this issue. Confirmed by lot number that current calipers are older version. TSB attached. Recommend replacing calipers and rear brake materials."
This vehicle has rear Electric Parking Brakes. Some time it's works sometimes it doesn't release the rear passenger side breaks. The rear passenger side brakes make to much noise and brakes pads destroy rotor earlier then others. Mazda dealers doesn't says to much on that and ask for above $1000 repair to change faulty EPB clipper. But my research says many people have same complaints with this model by mazda built-in around 2016. This is safety issue, if I replace brake pads every 4 or 5 months it cost me money. If I don't I cost me my safety.
Brakes make a jerking sound decelerating from 40 miles an hour or from coming off a freeway ramp. After two trips to the dealership, the jerking sound still persists, the dealership had mentioned it was either the ball bearings or the brake pads were worn out, but somehow the noise is still there. The vehicle still makes stop safely, but we feel that if this is not resolved that this may become a greater safety issue down the road.
Ebrake engages on its own when starting up the vehicle. You are unable to turn the ebrake off without restarting the car. The repair shop stated it is a problem with the computer module. A quick search of the internet shows that this is a common issue with this year's make and model. Luckily, the ebrake has not engaged itself yet while driving the vehicle.
Brake complaints in other CX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Mazda CX-5, 14% of the model year's 510 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › caliper (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Mazda CX-5 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2016 Mazda CX-5, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Mazda CX-5 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.