2014 Mazda CX-5 Problems And Complaints

2014 Mazda CX-5 User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Transmission- A faulty shifter position sensor/ switch on the 2014 Mazda CX-5’s shifter module causes the vehicle to not detect the gear position when the shifter is slotted into ‘Park’ mode and will display a “shift into park” warning. The switch does need a replacement and no recalls are available despite the high number of occurrences. This issue also causes ignition system glitches where the SUV fails to turn off completely even if the engine is shut off.
• Service brakes- Premature brake pad wear is a common problem on the 2014 Mazda CX-5. In addition, brake squealing noise and brake disc warping are also some commonly seen issues. Faults with the vacuum brake booster system that causes the clipper to remain partially engaged are the reason for this issue. This constant engagement of brake pads also leads to heating and boiling of the brake fluid resulting in reduced braking force and spongy brake pedal feel. Replacement of the brake booster unit is required in most cases.

 Electric System complaints

• SUV not switching off/ stuck in accessory mode - A manufacturing error in the shifter switch of the shifter module on the 2014 Mazda CX-5 causes the vehicle to remain in accessory mode. The shifter, despite being slotted into ‘Park’ does not allow the car to be completely turned off, causing the cabin electronics to remain on and thereby draining the 12V battery. Commonly seen in the initial batches, the manufacturer was made aware of this issue but no recalls have been rolled out so far.

Structural complaints

• Windshield cracking- Crack formation on the windshield of the 2014 Mazda CX-5 has been a common problem as reported by the NHTSA. It is also the single most recorded complaint after the electrical issues with the ignition system. The failure is noted on vehicles with mileage as low as 5,000 miles. Owners did point out delays in receiving the replacement part at times stretching to over 6 months given the immense backorder the windshield had. Faulty LIDAR assembly (if equipped) on the windshield was also a common problem and it even received a recall (16E002000) in the following year.
• Liftgate issues- Excessive corrosion of the liftgate struts on the 2014 Mazda CX-5 causes it to not work properly and fall back from the fully opened position when the rear hatch is in use. This issue is something that Mazda is aware of and has initiated a recall (ID-16V644000) to replace the lid support structure with better corrosion-treated units.
• Paint Fading- Excessive paint fading and chipping on the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is another issue that some owners have been coming across. The failure mileage as reported is around 50,000 miles. The major spots where this issue occurs are along the hood lines, door lines, lower fender, bumper, and wheel arches.

2014 Mazda CX-5 Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	6th September 2016	16V644000	The rear liftgate may fall if the stays corrode	The lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly, hitting the user in trunk access and increasing the risk of injury.	Mazda dealers will replace both lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began in April 2017.
2	11th April 2016	16V203000	Insufficient bolt torque may cause steering loss	The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.	The 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 began on May 20, 2016.
3	3rd February 2016	16V064000	The fuel filler pipe may rupture in a crash	The fuel filler pipe may rupture in the event of a crash, causing the fuel to leak possibly on hot exhaust surfaces and increase the risk of a fire.	The 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.
4	19th January 2016	16E002000	Windshield bracket for laser senor may detach	The bracket mounted on the inside to hold a laser sensor or LIDAR device for the Smart City Brake Support system was improperly affixed with only tape instead of tape and urethane and therefore may loosen, disabling the feature and increasing the risk of a crash.	The affected windshields will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on February 15, 2016.

Should you buy a used 2014 Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 is one compact SUV that ranks high this year for the sort of initial quality it brings to the table at an affordable price tag. Although the overall package is mechanically sorted, the 2014 CX-5 has one major electrical flaw with its transmission shifter and over 75% of the official complaints registered are either directly or indirectly related to this issue. Cracking windshields is also another commonly recorded issue and both these repairs are reported to face extensive delays due to the unavailability of replacement parts. Apart from these so-called initial manufacturing errors, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is a pretty sorted package and has a low chance of disappointing the buyer.