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2014 Mazda CX-5 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2014 Mazda CX-5 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hatchback/liftgate and filler pipe and cap. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield cracking without impact.” Mazda's Skyactiv engines use unusually high compression ratios (13:1 to 16:1) and require strict adherence to oil intervals — extending oil life on a Skyactiv engine accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. Mazda's published Schedule 1 (severe) covers most US driving conditions.

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4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #16V644000 · Jun 9, 2016

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.

Risk: If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Campaign #16V064000 · Mar 2, 2016

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Risk: A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 9216B.

STEERING

Campaign #16V203000 · Nov 4, 2016

Issue: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.

Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Campaign #16E002000 · Jan 19, 2016

Issue: Pilkington North America, Inc. (Pilkington) is recalling certain replacement windshields, model FW04026 GTY, manufactured November 23, 2015, to December 16, 2015 for use in Mazda CX-5 vehicles that are equipped with the Smart City Brake Support system. The affected windshields have a bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system. These brackets were improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen.

Risk: If the bracket loosens or detaches from the windshield, the safety features of the Smart City Brake Support system may be disabled and therefore increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Pilkington will contact the wholesalers and retailers that purchased the windshields to try to identify the affected customers. The affected windshields will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began on February 15, 2016. Owners may contact Pilkington at 1-844-278-7230.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Mazda CX-5.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield cracking without impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2024-04

“CRACKED WINDSHIELD. NO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME, ON A CITY STREET. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE 48-50 DEGREES, INSIDE TEMPERATURE 70 DEGREES. 9:10 A.M. IT RAINED 1/2 HOUR EARLIER. COLD MORNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11282887
“FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACK RUNNING DOWN WINDSHIELD STARTING AT VERY TOP OF WINDSHIELD BEHIND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. CAR WAS PARKED OVER NIGHT IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NEXT MORNING CRACK HAS APPEARED. CRACK RUNS DOWN ABOUT 12 INCHES AND HOOKS TO THE SIDE. CAR DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309955

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering while driving

STRUCTURE, VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2021-02

“OUR SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING 55MPH ON A WINDY ROAD. SOUNDED LIKE A RIFLE SHOT. NO CLIFFS ABOVE US. NO DRAMATIC TEMP OR PRESSURE CHANGED. SEEMED LIKE A SPONTANEOUS EVENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11098284
“THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS GOING 70-75 MPH AT THE TIME. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND AND THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT SO I DO NOT THINK ANYTHING HIT THE SUNROOF. I HAD BOTH THE SUNROOF AND INTERIOR COVER CLOSED COMPLETELY AT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222209

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear brake pad and caliper wear

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2020-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA CX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MADE A SQUEALING NOISE AND FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERRA AUTO GROUP MAZDA (3363 SOUTH ARLINGTON ROAD, AKRON, OH 44312, (330) 645-7275) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE PADS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281072
“AT TIMES THE BREAKS BECOME UNRESPONSIVE TO PRESSURE AND THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE BREAKS HAVE TO BE PUMPED IT ORDER TO GET THEM TO CATCH. SO, I TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY CHANGED THE BREAK PADS AND BLEED THE LINES. HOWEVER, AFTER A TEST DRIVE THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11270845

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle fails to power off in park

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

151 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2025-12

“Car fails to shut off completely. The motor stops, but the electronics (dash, radio, etc.) and things like the A/C still are on. Searching forums shows it is a faulty gear shift sensor that detects that the car is in park”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11593296
“MY VEHICLE ELECTRONICS DOES NOT TURN OFF AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURN OFF DUE TO SHIFTER SWITCH - MAZDA (KDY0-46-040). VEHICLE ONLY HAS 40K MILES AND IS A CONCERN FOR NOT HAVING THE VEHICLE LONG. IT'S A SAFETY RISK AND WILL LEAD ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE FUTURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244713

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering knuckle and ball joint separation

STEERING, SUSPENSION

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2025-05

“DRIVING 5MPH ONTO STREET FROM DRIVEWAY, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN STOPPED, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS POINTING AWAY FROM THE INTENDED DIRECTION. THE BOLT CONNECTING THE CONTROL ARM TO THE WHEEL HAD SHEARED OFF. DUE TO THE DECOUPLING, THE LEFT AXLE WAS PULLED OUT OF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404301
“The contact owns a 2014 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at a slow speed and attempting to parallel park, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine before the steering wheel seized. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662815

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2 (highway-only): 7,500 miles. Turbo engines: 5,000 miles regardless of schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles; every 5,000 on AWD models, where the front-biased coupling wears tires unevenly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Skyactiv-G direct injection is sensitive to airflow restriction — inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace ATF every 60,000 miles severe / 100,000 normal. Use Mazda FZ ATF — substitutes cause harsh 1-2 shifts and torque converter shudder.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs every 60,000 miles on Skyactiv-G 2.0L and 2.5L; 45,000 miles on the 2.5L Turbo.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

FL-22 Long-Life Coolant

Every 60,000 mi

Mazda FL-22 (yellow): first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000. Do not substitute — silicate-free formula prevents water pump damage on Skyactiv engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. On most models it sits behind the glove box.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

33 crashes 1990–2024

How the 33 occupant deaths break down

22

driver deaths

11

passenger deaths

33

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2013 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Mazda CX-5 reflects Mazda's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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