2016 Mazda CX-5 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 CX-5
5
Exterior Lighting complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (161 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 161 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (71 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 71 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (69 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 69 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (51 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 51 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (42 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 42 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
39 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
5
Structure Red flag
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Steering Red flag
If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Check
A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Visibility Red flag
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.
Exterior Lighting Check
If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 CX-5–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda CX-5 have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 CX-5. The most serious involve Structure (16V644000) and Steering (16V203000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 CX-5?
The top complaint areas are Exterior Lighting (161 complaints) and Electrical System (71 complaints), out of 510 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 CX-5?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Exterior Lighting, which drew 161 complaints for this model-year.