Seat complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. The front driver's side seat belt restraint did not function as intended. The contact's daughter was pushed forward out of the front driver's seat without restraint. The contact stated that the driver's side headrest detached due to the impact, and the back of the front driver's side seat fractured and detached. In addition, the air bag did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. The contact's daughter was transported by ambulance to the local medical center. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to the right arm and right leg, severe back pain, massive headaches, and whiplash. …
Since the day we purchased our new 2024 Mazda CX-5, two issues have become apparent. Firstly, there is a clicking noise emanating from the rear passenger seats behind the driver whenever the vehicle is in motion. Secondly, there is a noticeable rumbling in the drivetrain during idle or stop-and-go traffic. I have visited the Mazda showroom twice regarding the seat back noise. Together with a Mazda technician, we determined that the rear passenger seat indeed makes a clicking noise even after being properly latched. We tested several new cars on the dealer lot and found that all of them exhibit this noise. It is quite bothersome while driving, and I request Mazda's immediate attention to resolve this issue by fixing the latch bracket to securely hold the seat and eliminate the noise. The drivetrain rumbling has become increasingly noticeable as I use the car daily for work and errands. …
We were at a stop light and we were rear ended by a Lexus SUV. We're assuming she was going 45mph + but we're not too sure yet. I couldn't figure out why myself, the drive of the car that was hit, had such a horrendous neck ache after being hit. I turned around & saw that my headrest had been completely ripped out of the seat itself, providing no support for my head and/or neck on impact. I can't find any information of if this is on purpose, as a safety feature, or if the headrest failed.
Today I was using this vehicle and the cars my pocket got stuck in between the car seat dial for the movement of the car seat and the door and as I was in reverse the car seat started to move and pushed me all the way to the steering wheel as I was in a drive situation mode so I had to break it all off disconnected and everything
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. There were no warnings prior to the burning. The component is being taken to the dealership to be examined today.
While driving my driver airbag warning light started blinking. When I took it to the dealership to be inspected they said the sensor for the driver airbag is in the seat cushion and was not getting enough power for it to turn on, therefore if the light is blinking the airbag is disabled and I would need to replace the entire seat cushion to fix this issue. If the airbag is disabled then I could be seriously injured in the event of an accident when the airbag does not deploy.
The contact owned a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, another vehicle going 110 MPH crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to de[ploy. The contact hit his head against the front driver's side window and he became unconscious. The contact stated upon regaining consciousness, he noticed that he was laying flat on his back as the seat had fractured. The contact also noticed that the seat belt had fractured into two. The front of the other vehicle caught on fire and the fire expanded to the rear of the contact's vehicle. The emergency units and State police patrol assisted the contact out of the vehicle through the driver's side door. The emergency units transported the contact to the hospital, where he was informed that he had sustained head, neck, and back injuries. …
I noticed smoke filling the inside of my car. I looked over at the passenger seat, and my coat was on fire. I poured my drink on it, pulled over, and threw the coat out of the car. I saw a large hole in the lumbar area of the passenger seat, and it was glowing red and putting out a lot of heat. The seat heater was on, so I immediately turned it off. It was obvious that the fire has started inside the seat, and there was no other fire source in car--ie. lit cigarette, lighter, etc. If someone had been sitting there, they would have serious burns. The seat will need to be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda CX-5 years have seat problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (16), 2013 (13), 2014 (5) and 2015 (5) model years. Seat complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Mazda CX-5 seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for any Mazda CX-5 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Mazda CX-5 seat problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles; 70% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front assembly › power adjust (1 mentions), followed by the front assembly › head restraint (1).
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.