# Mazda CX-5 power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 11 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (2) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 11 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Mazda CX-5 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (2). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Mazda CX-5 power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 133 | 1% | | 2016 | 2 | 512 | 0% | | 2017 | 1 | 150 | 1% | | 2019 | 2 | 273 | 1% | | 2020 | 1 | 110 | 1% | | 2021 | 1 | 149 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 67 | 1% | | 2024 | 2 | 47 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Mazda CX-5 recalls related to the power steering warning light **[16V203000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V203000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2016-04-11): If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** 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. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Mazda CX-5 owners report - "Component failure: potential thermal (heat-related) breakdown of the EPS control module, steering rack electronics, or associated wiring harness. Description: After approximately two hours of continuous highway driving, a critical Red Steering Wheel Warning Light illuminates intermittently in the center dashboard...." -- owner of a 2024 Mazda CX-5, complaint filed 2026 - "It is significantly heavier than my old car at higher speeds and that car has no power steering. My arms are very sore after 30min - 1 hour. Mazda refuses to admit this is a significant safety issue. It gets worse when the LKAS activates at least once (too heavy I am veering around in my lane)" -- owner of a 2023 Mazda CX-5, complaint filed 2025 - "I lost power steering, power brakes, power in general. The timing belt was instantly shredded. It's not safe to drive cars that consume oil so rapidly between recommended changes. Mazda would not uphold their warranty responsibly, and they have known about the defect for some time, yet they are still selling cars..." -- owner of a 2021 Mazda CX-5, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Mazda CX-5 power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (16V203000) covering 2015-2016 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Mazda CX-5 years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2019 and 2024 CX-5 model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 2 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Mazda CX-5 with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Mazda CX-5 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Mazda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Mazda CX-5 warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/mazda-cx-5): 19 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/mazda-cx-5): 55 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/mazda-cx-5): 91 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/mazda-cx-5): 51 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/mazda-cx-5): 55 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/mazda-cx-5): 11 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/mazda-cx-5): 13 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Mazda CX-5 - [Mazda CX-5 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/mazda-cx-5) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/mazda-cx-5 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.