2021 Mazda CX-5 brakes problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NC

During hard or emergency braking at higher speeds, the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) activates and pulsates normally for approximately 1 to 2 seconds, then abruptly fails and stops pumping. Immediately after the ABS cuts out, the wheels lock up completely, causing the vehicle to skid with loss of traction/stability control, reduced steering control, and extended stopping distances. At the exact moment the ABS stops pumping and the wheels lock, the dashboard displays a "Smart Brake System Malfunction" warning message and illuminates both the ABS warning light and the TCS/DSC (Traction Control / Dynamic Stability Control) indicator light. However, as soon as the braking event ends, all warning lights and the error message turn off automatically on their own without needing to restart the vehicle. Because the fault clears itself immediately during the drive, there is no active warning on the dashboard showing that the ABS, TCS/DSC, and Smart Brake systems are compromised until the next high-speed emergency braking situation occurs. Vehicle diagnostic scans recorded error codes U3003-16-68 (Circuit voltage below threshold), U0316-09-08 (Error signal received from DSC/ABS module), and B13D3-16-8A. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced twice by an authorized Mazda dealership for this exact safety defect: on 8-Sep-2026, the dealership replaced the 12V vehicle battery, and on Oct-5-2026, the dealership replaced the ABS module. Neither repair resolved the issue, and on both occasions the dealership returned the vehicle claiming it was fixed. Testing the brakes confirmed the defect persists: under hard braking, the ABS still cuts out after 1 to 2 seconds, locks the wheels, and momentarily triggers the ABS light, TCS/DSC light, and "Smart Brake System Malfunction" warning before clearing itself again.

Filed May 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · WI

2021 Mazda CX5 AWD- Non Turbo Engine. Sunny Day, Dry. My Car was clean. No Precipitation. Some shadows of the interstate light poles across the road 200-300 feet in front of me, but they were thin shadows. Sun Was to my Left. I was driving South on May 01 2026 about 10am on the Interstate going Highway Speeds, with adaptive cruise control "on", in the 2nd lane of a 4 lane interstate. Thankfully no other traffic ahead or behind me. Car slammed on the brakes suddenly, pretty hard. I counteracted and added more gas pedal to keep in going. I turned off the Cruise Control. After a while I re-engaged the Cruise Control and had no issues. This could have been a huge accident in busier traffic. Will get the car checked out at Mazda Dealership Service this week.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Brakes · AZ

The car has 21000 miles and is driven lightly when applying the brakes the steering wheel started shaking and the car made noises - the brakes could have failed at any time and at any speedl The dealer said the rotors were warped. no warning and no notification from the manufacturer that this could happen at such low miles. i didnt bring the vehicle in because i could not believe the brakes would be at fault with such low miles - it started at 10000 miles. a notification from the manufacturer or dealers would prevent a catastrophic brake failure

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 81,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the Front Brake System Malfunction, Forward Brake Malfunction, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating as if the wheels would lock up. The steering wheel vibrated while turning to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to retrieve a diagnostic code; however, the DTC number was unknown. The dealer was unable to identify the exact cause of the code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Brakes · NY

At 15k mi the rear left wheel started to squeal. Took car to dealer, they claimed all brake pads on the car worn out and replaced all of them (front+back), paperwork is available. That's an indication of a design defect impacting the brake system, this is not acceptable. Next week I was driving in winter storm and at one point the car started shifting to the left. I managed to regain control, dashcam video is available. I used to have a 2016 CX-5 and it experienced exactly the same issue. At one point dealer wanted to change brake pads after just 6k mi, I replaced them myself and noticed that the pads were worn unevenly, but it was easier to get rid of the car back then. The number of reports similar to mine is overwhelming, it is sad to see the federal safety agency not taking any action on this life threatening ticking time bomb.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Brakes · MA

I have had this cc-5 for less than 2 years less than 16,000 miles on it and the rotors on the break are completely rusted! I had a Corolla for 10 years never had this issue before. Brought it to the dealer quirk Mazda in Quincy MA and they refuse to take accountability that this vehicle should not be having these issues and they want to charge me $800 to replace. The service manager here was nasty and rude. I am so beyond disappointed that they refuse to make this right. I saw online so many people with the same issue with this vehicle and seems like the dealers do nothing. I bought this vehicle brand new and should not have these issues.I want someone to look at this and do Justice. I will never buy a Mazda again as this seems like a scam.I fear driving now because every time I hit the break the car stalls and I feel like I am going to hit the car in front of me. Mazdas are a scam and cheaply made with horrible customer service.

Filed Sep 7, 2023 · Brakes · NY

Car with 15,000 miles needs a front and back brake job. Front rotors are rusty and chipping. Brake pads are chipping and front end has vibrations when brake pedal is applied. Back brakes are not as bad but will need repair soon. 15,000 miles on a set of front brakes pad and rotors is unacceptable, rust and chips should not happen with a new 2 year car. This is a safety concern. Car was in for oil change an tire rotation when problem was found. I believe brakes should last for at least 25,000 or more. This is a possible defect in materials or engineering. This should be looked into and recall acted upon.

Filed Feb 25, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · NY

The car is consuming excessive engine oil. Between 3000-4000 miles the low engine oil light comes on. I was on the highway and had to pull over. I was told we don’t need oil change until 5000 miles. Not feeling safe to drive long distance. Dealership acknowledged seal is causing the leaks, but said Mazda won’t cover the cost unless check engine light is on. Also the break pads are moving slightly when breaking, dealership said it’s normal due to break pads are moving back and forth when breaking. However, I can hear the breaks clicking.

Filed Jan 21, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · UT · crash

I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration incident. I pulled into my driveway and stopped the vehicle with my foot firmly on the brake since my driveway is sloped. I pushed the garage door opener remote when suddenly the vehicle accelerated and shot forward hitting the garage door. There was no brake action and all backup systems failed. There was no Automatic Emergency Braking or Forward Collision Warning. There were no warning lights displayed. No airbags were deployed. If the garage door had been open, the vehicle would have hit a concrete wall in the garage. The vehicle was taken to the Mazda dealership and a full circle inspection and diagnostic check. Mazda found no codes and everything was working as designed in vehicle.

Filed Oct 3, 2022 · Acceleration, Brakes · TN · crash · 1 injury

Upon exiting my local car wash, I drove my car around to the area used for vacuuming. I pulled into the parking space and when I applied the brake pedal to stop, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall of the building. I have the Car Wash Security Camera footage of this incident. It shows my brake light is ON at the car's point of acceleration and my brake light is ON at point of impact with the wall. If you need to review it, I can email it to you.