Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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 upon approaching the vehicle he observed a small crack on the top left corner of the windshield. Over time the crack proceeded to progress across the windshield. The contact stated that the windshield was not impacted by an object or projectile. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
2016 Mazda CX-5 windshield wipers - Correctly operating windshield wipers have four modes: single wipe, intermittent wipe, slow continuous wipe, high speed continuous wipe. One morning (September, 2021) used the single wipe mode to clear overnight accumulated moisture (car parked outside) but wiper made five passes instead of one and then stopped in an 'up' or 'non-parked' position. Tried the other three modes and all three behaved the same way, five wiper passes and then the wipers stopped, sometimes upright blocking forward vision, sometimes at an angle, but never in the 'parked' position. Driving in rain or snow requires activating the wipers every 30 seconds or so (approximate time of 5 wipes). Have had the wiper motor (which includes a circuit board) replaced twice to no avail. Today had wiper switch replaced, again to no avail. …
Front windshield wipers stopped working, front windshield washer still working. Fuse was checked, fuse is good.Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk because of lack of visibility when driving in rain. The problem has been confirmed by a Mazda dealership. The vehicle and the components have been inspected by a Mazda dealership. No warning lights or messages appeared before or after the front windshield wipers stopped working. So if a person is driving the car, there is no indication that the front windshield wipers will not work if it starts raining and the driver would need to use the front windshield wipers. This is a safety hazard because the driver will not be able to see, possibly causing an accident. This Mazda CX5 does not have automatic front windshield wipers (they do not come on automatically when it starts raining).
In September of 2023, while driving I attempted to use the windshield wipers, and they would not function. We live in a rainy part of the country, so having non working wipers is a major safety issue. Research for possible causes pointed to the body control module which had been recalled on Mazda 3s in recent years. I took the car to the dealership, and they traced the problem to an internal failure of the body control module. I do not have the component to inspect, and I do not know what the dealership did with it after removal. We filed a complaint with Mazda in October of 2023. They gave us case #001-463-33. They were not receptive to feedback, and simply stated many times that there was not a current recall for our vehicle. There were no warning signs/messages/ lights before the wipers stopped working, and they had worked normally the day before.
This is a follow up to NHTSA complaint ID Number 11442992: After doing a fair amount of research the problem was deemed to be the Front Body Control Module. A new replacement was ordered (about $250). It took about 1-1/2 to 2 weeks for the module to be received and about an hour for its installation. So far the wipers seem to be working correctly although they have yet been 'used', only tested. Googling "mazda wiper problem" you will find others reporting similar problems with the Body Control Module. I found this (https://www.mazda3revolution.com/threads/for-those-suffering-wiper-motor-issues-here-is-the-fix.232623/) forum entry when I did the aforementioned google search. And finally, post replacement I have visually inspected the original module and can easily see one of the components marked "2741" with corrosion around its mounting.
(I am the owner of the car and am filling this out for my daughter who was driving it at the time, I was not with her during the incident) While driving down the road in the rain the wipers just stopped working. I have not had any dealers ID the specific problem yet. We replaced the wiper 20amp fuse and it did not fix the problem. There were no warning lamps and there are still no warning lamps. My safety was put into danger when I could not see out the window. I was nearly at work so I waited for the rain to slow down some was able to make it to work. The rain cleared while I was at work and it has not rained since. It is available for inspection upon request.
1. The airbag sensor is not working. The warning signal continually flashes. My shop had airbag system analyzed. Test results showed it is not calibrated correctly. My Mazda dealer, Luther Premier Mazda, said it is an electrical problem, and I will have to pay for analysis. I paid for this analysis when Sallas had it diagnosed. 2. Due to problems with the windshield, I paid for a replacement myself, not knowing there was a recall. I want Mazda to install a Mazda windshield and calibrate the safety systems.
Driving on the interstate. Driver plus 3 passengers,fair amount of luggage. Listening to a book on CD. Windows up, air-conditioning on. Driving 70 mph smooth road. No cars in immediate vicinity. Suddenly there is a loud bang which scared the crap out of me. Pulled off the roadway to see what had happened. Turned out the moon roof had exploded. Fortunately the inside cover was closed otherwise the occupants would have been shredded by a glass grenade.
Rear Video Camera / Back-up Camera Display Malfunction: The display in the dashboard continuously resets, causing the view from the back-up camera to disappear completely or dim to to the point where it is not viewable. This causes a safety hazard when backing up and often occurs once the vehicle is already in motion. Mazda dealer's service center reports Mazda is aware that this is a new, widespread problem, but to check for updates in 4 weeks.
The controls on the Windshield Wiper/Headlight Control Stalk are not visible when driving at night. The setting markings on the Control Stalk are completely dark at night. This creates a safety hazard when driving at night in the rain and turning on your windshield wipers or changing your headlight settings is needed.
Window & Wiper complaints in other CX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2016 Mazda CX-5, 9% of the model year's 510 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Mazda CX-5 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles, and 87% before 25,000 miles.
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.