2017 Mazda CX-5: backup camera failure

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Electrical · RI

The infotainment system in my 2017 Mazda CX-5 exhibits dangerous behavior consistent with known defects described in the Mazda Infotainment Class Action Settlement (Case No. 8:21-cv-01355). The infotainment system and touchscreen repeatedly activate critical functions on its own (“ghost touches”), sometimes going black, changing critical settings, disengaging phone calls as well as unexpectedly activating phone calls, and navigation features engage or freeze unpredictably. These malfunctions distract from safe vehicle operation, requiring driver attention to manage the malfunctioning display. The vehicle’s display is integrated with backup camera, audio, and Bluetooth controls, so these repeated malfunctions cause safety concerns while driving. Mazda and the dealership have refused to repair the defect under the Limited Warranty Extension established in the settlement, incorrectly claiming the issue is unrelated to the CMU (connectivity master unit). However, these symptoms are identical to those described in Mazda’s internal service bulletins (CSP13 and TSB 09-022/17) and covered by the settlement. I believe Mazda is failing to properly address a continuing safety-related defect that impacts infotainment stability and driver concentration. These issues have occurred for years and are continuing nearly every time I operate the vehicle.

Filed Feb 28, 2025 · Driver assistance · CA

The rear camera dose not always display on the LCD screen, likely due to the ghosting issue with the infotainment system which randomly cuts in and out. This poses a safety hazard when backing up. Despite repeated complaints from other owners as well regarding the LCD screen, Mazda will not cover cost of replacing the LCD screen. I had a 2014 Mazda 3 for which there was a recall for the same issue and they covered it. So I don't understand why they won't do it for this vehicle. Being able to see what is behind the vehicle when backing up is a safety concern. I provided date of most recent occurrence, but this has happened multiple times before.

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · HI

I'm deeply concerned about the safety issues with our 2017 Mazda CX-5's infotainment system, VIN [XXX] . This info system is a risk, especially when driving with our child. I believe that a recall for the info system should extend to our vehicle, as it poses a safety risk for all customers. This issue came to my attention when my husband was in Traverse City, MI, during the pandemic 2019-2020, no mazda dealerships there. Now that we've moved back to Hawaii in summer 2022, where there's a Mazda dealership, I had our car inspected. The dealership in Waipahu, Hawaii, informed me that I needed to replace the head unit for $1785 then as it is out of warranty. I find it unfair to bear this cost for a safety issue that isn't my responsibility, mazda said it’s out of their hands. Now the quote is at $2912.32 for the part and totals $3,283.06 with only a 12 month warranty on this new part. This limited 12 month coverage is ridiculous when I will be paying over $3000. The problem has worsened over time, becoming extremely dangerous for my family and everyone else on the road. The info system turns on by itself, doesn’t accept touch commands sometimes, operates on its own, making changes etc. even when not in use, blacks out the screen, then maxing out the volume, and repeatedly playing a loud automated voice “Navigation will be at this volume”. Alternatively, when backing up when this occurs it also dims the back up camera on the info system for the vehicle which is a huge safety concern. The only way to stop it is to turn the car off completely. This is extremely unsafe when I am driving. I've tried to mute or turn off the system while driving, but it quickly turns back on, creating a severe unsafe distraction. I'm concerned that I might face this issue eventually leading to a car accident. I shouldn't have to pay for a safety replacement when I believe this is Mazda's responsibility. This issue is a is a threat to everyone's safety on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Filed Sep 4, 2023 · Electrical · MO

This particular Mazda model has a ghost touch issue with the infotainment system. It will start selecting buttons on its own, which includes changing stations, randomly calling people, hanging up on people, dimming back up camera, changing different settings within the infotainment system. This is a major safety hazard as I have almost gotten in several accidents from this distraction. This has happened so many times that I cannot pinpoint one specific date. Mazda is aware of this because there is a service alert currently for this issue.

Filed Feb 9, 2023 · FL · crash

The infotainment center has been randomly changing settings and radio channels. When it is taken over, I cannot regain control of it until it stops. I've seen online this called "ghost" controlling. It will increase the volume so lout, that I jump sometimes. Also, the rear camera mode of the system froze while I was backing up causing me to hit a vehicle parked across from me.

Filed Dec 17, 2022 · Driver assistance · WA

Navigation/backup camera screen reboots constantly. This problem often occurs when I'm backing up. Mazda is aware of the issue as I have found many complaints on forums. It is not exclusive to the CX5. It appears to be all Mazda's, cars and SUV's.

Filed Aug 2, 2022 · Electrical · CA

The navigation display turns fails / turns off and on throughout the drive. It turns on then goes off while backing out with the rearview camera in use. It goes off during drives, while directions are in use, while calls are in session, and with no active use at all. After checking online I found that numerous Mazda owners experience the same with thief CX5-s but there is no collective effort by Mazda to find a solution. I paid for extended warranty with Navigation Display covered and they still cannot find a solution. This is more than inconvenience. It is a serious safety issue when physical distraction is caused by manufacturer defect which can lead to accidents on the highway at high speeds relying on the navigation, while backing up viewing the camera, while driving on windy roads and the screen goes out. The auto response for most drivers is to try and reach for the phone to continue directions, stop abruptly if backing up and the screen goes out, reach for the phone to take it off blue tooth so the hands free conversation is not dropped. It is not to much to expect a major auto manufacturer to have a stable navigation screen. The local dealerships do not take it seriously. How can this matter be escalated as a matter of safety?

Filed Nov 17, 2018 · Electrical · 5,000 miles · FL

The back up camera fails to operate at times for a day or half a day. Sometimes it appears black and other it just shows the volume with an x over it, but no picture of the rear. I have checked each time and there is nothing blocking the camera in the rear. The first time it occurred there was just a few thousand miles, then again about 5,000 and then again at 9465 miles. I was in park with foot on the brake and in reverse. No image appeared and then when backing up in motion it did not work either. It has happened over 3 times in the first 10 months of owning the vehicle and the dealer will not fix it because they cannot reproduce it. It is intermittent. The car had a similar problem with the front camera which was finally replaced after 7 months after my many trips to dealers. It was reported to you also.

Filed Feb 1, 2018 · 9,500 miles · LA

Rear backup camera failed. Vehicle was started and shifted to reverse. Camera failed to display on dash screen as it normally does. Manually checked camera located center rear of vehicle. No signs of damage or loose fittings etc. Vehicle has not been involved in a crash. Stopped engine, restarted several times. Camera software did not reset if there is software. Camera does not come on. Failure of camera creates an unsafe condition when backing because the driver is accustomed to this original safety feature.

Filed Aug 9, 2017 · 2,771 miles · SC

Rear backup camera failed. Vehicle parked in home garage. Vehicle was started and shifted to reverse. Camera failed to display on dash screen as it normally does. Manually checked camera located center rear of vehicle. No signs of damage or loose fittings etc. Vehicle has not been involved in a crash. Stopped engine, restarted several times. Camera software did not reset if there is software. Camera does not come on. Failure of camera creates an unsafe condition when backing because the driver is accustomed to this original safety feature.

Filed Jun 15, 2017 · 800 miles · CA

I bought the 2017 cx-5 brand new about a month ago. Today, I put the car in reverse and expected the rear camera to pop up on my infotainment screen; however, it didn't. So, I turned off the car to try and reset the issue, hoping it was a glitch. I turned off the car and turn it back on again and it still didn't work. I did this consecutively 4 times and it didn't work. It seems like this problem is either a wiring issue or software issue. The car's rear camera is supposed turn on in the infotainment screen when you put the car in reverse. It wasn't until I turned off the car and waited for more than 5 minutes for it to to start working again. I'm very concerned about this because the rear camera is a safety issue and I cannot have it only working sometimes when I put it in reverse. This problem only started today. I'm worried that this inconsistency may continue and given this is a safety concern, I'm hoping the federal safety agency will launch investigation to see if they is a automaker problem and issue a recall. The 2017 cx-9 models seemed to be having the same issue (from the mazda forums I've read). The last thing I'll add was the typical introduction process of the infotainment screen seemed to be off when this issue was happening. When I put the car in reverse, the infotainment screen just stayed on the same page. I really hope you guys take this seriously and investigate.