[FIELD: DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED] Severe ongoing safety defects uncorrected after 2 dealer repair attempts ([XXX] & [XXX]). LIGHTS: High beams failed [XXX], requiring continuous manual hold to function. ADAS/HUD: HUD failed to project Nov 3. Cameras cut out with false "sensor blocked" error (Oct [XXX] & [XXX]. Infotainment screen turns off while driving (multiple dates). ENGINE: Stalls in traffic/drive-thrus and fails to restart. MIRROR: Power side mirror glass/folding intermittently does not fold out and glass does not move/adjust. Dealership reportedly ordered part during Sept [XXX] repair window, has not been repaired yet with no update from dealership. [FIELD: HOW WAS SAFETY AFFECTED?] High-beam failure forces single-handed steering at night. Sudden ADAS/screen shutdowns cause driver distraction and lose safety monitoring. Engine stalling creates severe collision risks at intersections and on active roads.Mirror issue prevents ability to safely monitor changing road conditions/other drivers. [FIELD: WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES] Cluster displayed "System Disabled: Poor Outward Camera Visibility" in clear weather with clean windshield (Oct [XXX] & [XXX]). No warnings for engine stalling, HUD loss, or headlight failure. [FIELD: REPRODUCTION & INSPECTIONS] Dealer failed to reproduce due to brief test drives. Inspected only by Jim Shorkey Kia and 1 independent mechanic (who diagnosed earlier resolved oil leak/solenoid timing belt issue). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mazda CX-5 headlights problems
150 of the 2,482 owner complaints about the Mazda CX-5 describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 150
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,200
- typical mileage
- 38,900
By model year
Often reported together
Overheating 4Wipers 3Check engine light 3Grinding brakes 3Windshield crack 2Whining noise 2Stalling 2Loss of power 2
What owners say
Windshield formed a crack after 3 years without any debris hitting it. Headlight leveling motor malfunction after 1 year. Brake caliper failure after 3 years.
I began hearing a loud engine noise similar to a lawn mower whenever my headlights would come on which includes just when I unlock my car. When I first took it back to the Mazda dealership for servicing and mentioned this to the service manager he told me it was an issue with the headlights that they’ve been seeing. They returned the car to me and said they did not hear it. Then after my warranty ended it got worse and when I brought it back to the dealership they stated they had never heard of this happening before and said that I brought my car for an air-conditioning issue. When identified that a service manager had told me that this is something they’re saying they then agreed to pay to have the headlight fixed. Initially they told me I was gonna have to pay approximately $1500 out-of-pocket because my warranty had ended to have it replaced. As I proved that I told them about this before the warranty was ended they covered the cost of it and replaced it. Two weeks ago the noise came back. When I look on the Internet and put in the search terms of loud noise when headlights come on is a common complaint. This seems to be a design flaw which is affecting the headlights causing a safety issue. Mazda should address this and issue a recall in my opinion.
At 44,000 miles, a loud whirring noise started to occur that is due to the failing of the internal LED cooling fan in my left headlamp. I cannot use my headlights, which is a safety concern.
The Mazda cx5 2026 I purchased has a white film behind both headlights. Mazda refuses to replace headlights stating this is normal. However it is a manufacturing defect. This is a structural problem from outgassing causing a permanent haze on inside of each lens which is considered to be a night visibility hazard. I bought vehicle second week in XXX.Took it back to service dept on XXX. They said no to replacement . Contacted corporate XXX to no avail. Same story. Mazda will no replace even though under full warranty. contacted attorney general and he said to make report here. In process of retaining lawyer because at this point I don’t know what else to do. I expect perfect vehicle for my money plus expect Mazda to be honest and do the right thing. Never had anything like this happen in my life buying a new car. Thank You. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Humming sound coming from driver’s side headlight as soon as unlock bottom pressed in key fob. This sound comes from a faulty cooling fan inside the headlight and is a known defect. Humming sound progressed to very slow pitch indicating that fan function is diminishing over time. Mazda will replace the headlight but required me to pay $200 toward it. This should be a recall with replacement at no cost to the consumer as they are aware of the defect.
Faulty headlights. One was replaced at 35,678 miles (passenger side) The other one is going bad (driver's side) (approximate mileage: 55,000) A dealer has confirmed the problem. Quoted 19223.93 for the replacement on 04/21/26. Manufacturer informed. No help. No warning messages for faulty headlights.
The mechanical motor assembly inside the adaptive front-lighting headlamp unit has failed on my 2022 Mazda CX-5. This mechanical malfunction severely compromises nighttime driving illumination, creating a direct road hazard by reducing forward visibility during essential evening commutes. An initial repair and parts request was submitted to Mazda several months ago, but no corporate response or resolution was ever received. The vehicle and component are currently available for inspection at Yark Mazda in Toledo, OH, where technicians have confirmed the headlight motor failure. Because the prior request went unanswered, the dealership has advised me to contact Mazda corporate directly to follow up. No dashboard warning lights appeared prior to the component failure.
My 2022 Mazda CX-5 Signature began producing a loud whirring/rattling noise from the driver-side front headlight assembly. After investigation, the noise was identified as coming from the internal cooling fan located inside the LED headlight unit. The cooling fan, which is integrated into the bi-LED headlamp assembly, appears to be failing prematurely due to bearing wear. This is a known widespread defect on 2019–2023 Mazda CX-5 models. Mazda has already issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 09-015-23, which acknowledges the noise issue and instructs dealers to replace the entire front combination light assembly under warranty. However, no formal recall has been issued. The root cause appears to be Mazda’s design decision to use the full LED headlight beam as the Daytime Running Light (DRL), which keeps the headlight cooling fans running continuously whenever the vehicle is in operation — even in daylight. This accelerates fan bearing wear far beyond normal expectations. The headlight assembly costs $1,200–$1,700 per side to replace out of warranty. Owners whose warranty has expired are facing repair bills of $2,400–$3,400 for both sides. This constitutes a significant safety risk as headlight failure reduces nighttime visibility. I have scheduled a warranty repair at an authorized Mazda dealer under TSB 09-015-23.
The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at nighttime at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the headlights. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an unknown headlight fan bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
- Risk
- If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlights, and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4320A.
Recall number 20V063000 · Recall details
Questions about the Mazda CX-5 headlights
Which Mazda CX-5 years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (93 complaints), 2022 (23 complaints) and 2023 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the Mazda CX-5?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 55 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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