How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

NHTSA lists 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 CX-5, which is 10% of the 510 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2016 Mazda CX-5 transmission issues?

No. NHTSA's related recalls list for this problem area is empty for the 2016 CX-5.

At what mileage do transmission problems usually show up on the 2016 CX-5?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 5,411 miles, and several sample complaints describe issues appearing at only a few hundred to a few thousand miles.

Are transmission complaints worse in 2016 compared to other CX-5 years?

The 2016 CX-5 had 51 complaints in this area (10% share), lower in share than 2013 (20%), 2014 (13%), and 2015 (14%), but higher in raw count than most other model years listed.

Did the 2016 CX-5 transmission issues cause crashes?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2016 CX-5 includes 5 crashes and 2 injuries, with no reported fires.

2016 Mazda CX-5 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Mazda CX-5, 10% of its 510 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 5,411 miles. No related recalls are on file for this area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 51; 10% of 510
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 5,411 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Drivers report the transmission hesitating or feeling stuck in neutral when shifting from park or reverse into drive, then lurching forward once it finally engages.
Owners describe delayed engagement between reverse and drive, with the engine revving before the gear catches and the car suddenly jerks ahead.
Some owners report the vehicle losing power or failing to accelerate when the pedal is pressed, even though the accelerator is fully depressed.
Several complaints describe abrupt gear changes at highway speed, including unexpected downshifts and upshifts that throw the driver forward.
One owner reported total loss of forward drive that required the vehicle to be towed to a dealer for diagnosis.
Failures were reported at very low mileage, in some cases within the first few hundred to few thousand miles of ownership.

When 2016 Mazda CX-5 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 28, 2015, latest May 23, 2026.

51 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2015 to May 2026; peak Dec 2015 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Mazda CX-5

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by CX-5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20120 (0%)
201338 (20%)
201450 (13%)
201519 (14%)
201651 (10%)
201711 (7%)
201841 (12%)
201932 (12%)
20208 (8%)
202117 (12%)
20225 (8%)
20233 (5%)
20243 (7%)
20253 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Mazda CX-5?: NHTSA lists 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 CX-5, which is 10% of the 510 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2016 Mazda CX-5 transmission issues?: No. NHTSA's related recalls list for this problem area is empty for the 2016 CX-5.
At what mileage do transmission problems usually show up on the 2016 CX-5?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 5,411 miles, and several sample complaints describe issues appearing at only a few hundred to a few thousand miles.
Are transmission complaints worse in 2016 compared to other CX-5 years?: The 2016 CX-5 had 51 complaints in this area (10% share), lower in share than 2013 (20%), 2014 (13%), and 2015 (14%), but higher in raw count than most other model years listed.
Did the 2016 CX-5 transmission issues cause crashes?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2016 CX-5 includes 5 crashes and 2 injuries, with no reported fires.