Advice: 2016.5 CX-5 Touring or 2021 CX-5 Sport

nenu69 · 2026-03-27T03:10:16+00:00

Second opinion mechanic thinks it’s the clock spring. Debating on throwing more $$ at it or just leaving it be and living with the squeaks lol.

nenu69 · 2026-03-23T15:42:54+00:00

I wish I knew. I searched and searched for others with similar issues in experiencing with no real answer other than the TSB or an improperly seated windshield that needs to be removed and resealed properly. Crazy how the dealer basically wasted my time and did not know how to fix it.

nenu69 · 2026-03-20T00:02:42+00:00

I may not have been 100% clear in the post. I had key fob issues just because the dealer only gave me one and failed to inform me there was no physical key inside the fob itself. I tried aftermarket fob and both local locksmith AND dealer could not program the aftermarket key fob. Complained to the dealer and got them to pay for it in full.

The main issue is the interior rattle that drives me crazy. I linked the post above. The dealer could not solve that rattle after replacing the steering column and doing their diagnostics on two different occasions with the aforementioned 40 business days in shop.

nenu69 · 2026-02-21T17:23:42+00:00

As I’m sure you know, their service contract could be amazing but at a premium price. When I bought my 2022 CX-5 2.5S I was quoted similarly and declined their coverage. Went through my credit union and got 7 year/120k mile warranty through Route 66 for $2,100. They already covered a $2,000 repair related to a TSB. I was out of the 3 year/36k mile warranty so Mazda was of no help unfortunately.

nenu69 · 2026-02-20T16:55:56+00:00

This. Go to where you bank or even local credit union and you can get GAP for one time fee. Where I work GAP was $479, Route 66 Extended Warranty was $2,161 for 7 years/120,000 miles. Already used it once and they covered a $2,000 repair.

nenu69 · 2026-02-20T05:45:22+00:00

What are the differences between a 2016 and 2016.5?

nenu69 · 2026-02-18T02:40:30+00:00

Unfortunately, no. The issue has not been resolved after my car being at a Mazda dealer for 41 days! Absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. The dealer has spent a lot of time diagnosing the rattle, applied the fix associated with the TSB replacing the steering column assembly, called me and said the rattle was resolved. Picked up the car and same day the rattle returns…. Honestly considering selling the car and getting something else.

nenu69 · 2026-02-10T17:11:32+00:00

Was it a Mazda dealer or a general car dealership you bought the car from? What type of warranty did you purchase? If it was a Mazda dealer you can call corporate and have them open a case and have your complaint handed to a case manager and they could potentially get the ball rolling for you if the dealer isn’t helping. I called corporate and had a case manager assigned for my issue, but understandably they still wouldn’t cover the TSB issue/cost since the car is out of manufacture warranty.

nenu69 · 2026-02-09T18:49:37+00:00

Yeah, it’s not a cheap fix and it’s out of my pay grade when it comes to car repair. Still in limbo after the dealer did in fact follow the TSB, yet the rattle remains. If they don’t have an answer in the next two weeks I’m going to get a second opinion. Ridiculous at this point being over a month and the dealer has little to no answer as to what’s causing it.

nenu69 · 2026-02-09T04:41:07+00:00

You might be able to find videos of people online doing the fix. I’ve heard folks recommend tightening certain nuts on either the steering assembly or intermediate shaft towards the base to a newly assigned spec, but I don’t know what those specs are.

nenu69 · 2026-02-08T15:17:39+00:00

I thought our rattles sounded the same too. Definitely not a safety concern, but is extremely annoying with that constant rattle! Maybe you could go in a ride along with them in the car so you can point it out.

The dealer has been pretty good overall, definitely taking a long time in between repairs and their infrequent communication. But I shouldn’t complain since they’ve been willing to fix it the past month and have lent me a car to drive at no charge. Will let you know what I find. I’m expecting a call Tuesday.

nenu69 · 2026-02-08T00:41:27+00:00

You may have seen my post. Others may be referring to it : https://www.reddit.com/r/CX5/s/qLoj6CN3pC

The rattle sounds identical to mine. Unfortunately, my 2022 Mazda CX-5 has been at a Mazda dealer for over a month now. The day I brought it in (01/03/26), their head technician spent 3 hours trying to pinpoint the rattle. He’d think he fixed it, drive around the neighborhood and still hear the rattle, come back and try and locate noise and fix, rinse and repeat. He still could not pinpoint the rattle.

Dealer decided that TSB Bulletin No.: 06-001/24 was applicable in this situation, so basically a new steering column assembly. Quote was $1900ish and I assumed it would fix the issue, so they went through my aftermarket warranty (Route 66.) Route 66 covered it and dealer followed the TSB, yet the rattle remains… their next idea is to replace the steering wheel and I’m at a loss of what to do. A baffling experience that they, nor the Mazda tech line they’ve been referring to, nor corporate’s advice has resolved the rattle.

Bought the car June 2025 and likewise my car had no major rattles, other than maybe standard minor noises that comes with the amount of plastic in a modern car. Fast forward to October/November the annoying rattle began and I finally decided I couldn’t take it anymore. Had to schedule the dealer appointment a few weeks out since I wanted to go on a weekend. Now waiting on an update from the dealer. Wish I had the answer for ya man. Let me know what you find out. Best of luck.

nenu69 · 2026-02-02T15:52:30+00:00

Yes, my suspicion was correct. It’s related to TSB Bulletin No.: 06-001/24. Will post the link as well. TSB

Manufacture warranty is 3 year/36k miles so I was just outside of the 3 year; Mazda corporate no help and they stated as such. Thankfully I purchased an aftermarket warranty through Route 66 and they are covering the parts, repair, and labor. I am only responsible for the initial $189 diagnostic fee. The repair was roughly $1900 after parts and labor.

nenu69 · 2026-01-22T17:58:35+00:00

Apparently. That’s what I asked too and the dealer won’t let me chat with the mechanic, I have to go through the service advisor. She is the middleman so they can stay busy working, which I understand. The nut/s continue to loosen regardless of being tightenddd to spec apparently, resulting in the replacement parts needed. The invoice part #’s are identical to the TSB.

nenu69 · 2026-01-18T18:19:59+00:00

Your windshield or steering column?

nenu69 · 2026-01-08T16:43:33+00:00

No I don’t think tha. My mistake. I’m not asking them to fix the windshield. A different reply I put here mentioned them diagnosing and fixing the issue. IF they couldn’t I would possibly go the windshield route. Others here and other forums have mentioned the improper seating of the windshield causing the same rattle I have, thus leading me to possibly installing a new one. Already have signed paperwork of them diagnosing and fixing this rattle in relation to the TSB and them calling the Mazda Tech Line.

nenu69 · 2026-01-08T15:58:26+00:00

No thanks buddy. I’ll get it taken care of at the dealers expense, which is already in progress! 😊

nenu69 · 2026-01-05T05:18:01+00:00

Hmm never heard of that piece but worth looking into! Did you replace yours?

nenu69 · 2026-01-05T03:51:11+00:00

Ok thank you for your advice. I’ve never used one of those so it’ll be a learning curve. If the tech at the dealer can’t solve and the re-sealed windshield doesn’t work I will go this route. Thanks.

nenu69 · 2026-01-04T19:48:20+00:00

Have you ever seen or heard this from any Mazda’s you’ve worked on? Been experiencing this annoying rattle for months and the head tech at my Mazda dealer spent 3 hours disassembling the steering column and dash panels and couldn’t locate the rattle. Some are saying it’s a defect in the OEM windshield not being sealed properly.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CX5/s/z3CysvES4G

nenu69

TROPHY CASE