CX-5 Brakes Issue - Permanent Fix?
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
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From: Cal
CX-5 Brakes Issue - Permanent Fix?
Short summary: Basically, I'd like to know whether there is a permanent fix for the known electronic parking brake issue with the 2016 CX-5? I've seen some people have calipers replaced only for the issue to come back in a few thousand miles. I can't find much about whether replacing the whole EPB unit is a workable, permanent, solution. Hope someone on here has had this issue, and has good news for a permanent fix (regardless of cost).
Full context of issue: We just bought a 2nd hand 2016 CX-5 with what looked like a good service history. We know all about the dreaded electronic parking brake/rear caliper issues, but thought we had done our due diligence on this car, and it seemed fine (bought from a reputable non-Mazda dealer who insisted they replaced the brakes as part of their routine service on newer cars that come in as trade-ins, and otherwise there was no recorded history of multiple or unusual brake replacements).
However, after having the car less than a month, we got out of the vehicle and smelled a really strong burning rubber smell - was clearly coming from rear driver's side tire. Knowing about the EPB issue, we made sure that the parking brake was definitely off, and then cautiously drove it home. Over the next few days, we were careful to avoid engaging the EPB unless needed, and also to ensure that we heard it coming off each time we drove, plus checked for any burning smell or wear to the brakes. All seemed fine.
A few days ago, we started getting an alert for the tire pressure, although all the tires seemed OK. We didn't connect it to the brake issue, but went straight to check the tire pressure and seemed fine. We reset the sensor, thinking that maybe it was because we'd had some very, very warm days and the heating/cooling could be causing a false reading. For the rest of the day, no tire pressure light - the issue seemed fixed.
Today, we were reversing out of a tight spot, and were distracted by people nearby with a lot of kids, so probably didn't check closely enough that the parking brake was definitely fully off (by listening, on top of manually disengaging). The car did seem a bit sluggish, slow to engage as we moved through the carpark, but then seemed fine. As we were driving, the tire pressure warning beep came on about a block from home. We pulled up in the drive to the burning smell, again - very strong - and the drivers' side wheel was noticably very warm compared with the passenger side. Hard to tell if brakes are more worn than when we last looked at them. I would hazard a guess that the pressure light is coming on as the hot weather and heat from partially engaged EPB is causing the tires to read as too high pressure? Or perhaps the heat in the brakes is providing a faulty low-pressure reading by some other mechanism.
We'll be booking into the Mazda services near here tomorrow, and I would like to know what I should/can request to resolve this issue. I've read material on here and elsewhere that makes me think there may be no permanent solution to this problem - some people have some luck with getting the calipers replaced (which I will likely request tomorrow), but I know it's not guaranteed as a permanent fix, and I'm wondering whether anyone knows if Mazda has a permanent solution yet (such as replacing the entire EPB unit, plus calipers, drums, pads, etc.)? As this is a very recent, and not small, purchase, we actually don't mind paying extra to get all this done if it makes the car safe and drivable for a long time into the future. I'm super frustrated that we may have just bought a car that will need new brakes every few thousand miles for the rest of its' life, with no permanent fix, so any reassurances that this isn't the case would be really appreciated!
Full context of issue: We just bought a 2nd hand 2016 CX-5 with what looked like a good service history. We know all about the dreaded electronic parking brake/rear caliper issues, but thought we had done our due diligence on this car, and it seemed fine (bought from a reputable non-Mazda dealer who insisted they replaced the brakes as part of their routine service on newer cars that come in as trade-ins, and otherwise there was no recorded history of multiple or unusual brake replacements).
However, after having the car less than a month, we got out of the vehicle and smelled a really strong burning rubber smell - was clearly coming from rear driver's side tire. Knowing about the EPB issue, we made sure that the parking brake was definitely off, and then cautiously drove it home. Over the next few days, we were careful to avoid engaging the EPB unless needed, and also to ensure that we heard it coming off each time we drove, plus checked for any burning smell or wear to the brakes. All seemed fine.
A few days ago, we started getting an alert for the tire pressure, although all the tires seemed OK. We didn't connect it to the brake issue, but went straight to check the tire pressure and seemed fine. We reset the sensor, thinking that maybe it was because we'd had some very, very warm days and the heating/cooling could be causing a false reading. For the rest of the day, no tire pressure light - the issue seemed fixed.
Today, we were reversing out of a tight spot, and were distracted by people nearby with a lot of kids, so probably didn't check closely enough that the parking brake was definitely fully off (by listening, on top of manually disengaging). The car did seem a bit sluggish, slow to engage as we moved through the carpark, but then seemed fine. As we were driving, the tire pressure warning beep came on about a block from home. We pulled up in the drive to the burning smell, again - very strong - and the drivers' side wheel was noticably very warm compared with the passenger side. Hard to tell if brakes are more worn than when we last looked at them. I would hazard a guess that the pressure light is coming on as the hot weather and heat from partially engaged EPB is causing the tires to read as too high pressure? Or perhaps the heat in the brakes is providing a faulty low-pressure reading by some other mechanism.
We'll be booking into the Mazda services near here tomorrow, and I would like to know what I should/can request to resolve this issue. I've read material on here and elsewhere that makes me think there may be no permanent solution to this problem - some people have some luck with getting the calipers replaced (which I will likely request tomorrow), but I know it's not guaranteed as a permanent fix, and I'm wondering whether anyone knows if Mazda has a permanent solution yet (such as replacing the entire EPB unit, plus calipers, drums, pads, etc.)? As this is a very recent, and not small, purchase, we actually don't mind paying extra to get all this done if it makes the car safe and drivable for a long time into the future. I'm super frustrated that we may have just bought a car that will need new brakes every few thousand miles for the rest of its' life, with no permanent fix, so any reassurances that this isn't the case would be really appreciated!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Superstition Mountains
I wish I had an answer for you, but I do not. I can say (too late to help you) that when a dealer says they “replaced the brakes” they mean just the rotors and pads - neither of which is the problem here. I hope you get it resolved soon.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: london
I had stuck guide pins on both front and rear, rear had signs of uneven wear and I replaced pads and rotors. Then checked the front (both sides) had worn unevenly with inside pads being completely worn and outside pads being almost brand new. Rotors were ruined. Replaced all myself and cleaned and relubed guide pins. 2016 cx5 in New England Kodi nox area. So plenty of snow and salt. 30k Kms total at the time.
Last edited by winkybil; Aug 9, 2021 at 07:20 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: United States
Short summary: Basically, I'd like to know whether there is a permanent fix for the known electronic parking brake issue with the 2016 CX-5? I've seen some people have calipers replaced only for the issue to come back in a few thousand miles. I can't find much about whether replacing the whole EPB unit is a workable, permanent, solution. Hope someone on here has had this issue, and has good news for a permanent fix (regardless of cost).
Full context of issue: We just bought a 2nd hand 2016 CX-5 with what looked like a good service history. We know all about the dreaded electronic parking brake/rear caliper issues, but thought we had done our due diligence on this car, and it seemed fine (bought from a reputable non-Mazda dealer who insisted they replaced the brakes as part of their routine service on newer cars that come in as trade-ins, and otherwise there was no recorded history of multiple or unusual brake replacements).
However, after having the car less than a month, we got out of the vehicle and smelled a really strong burning rubber smell - was clearly coming from rear driver's side tire. Knowing about the EPB issue, we made sure that the parking brake was definitely off, and then cautiously drove it home. Over the next few days, we were careful to avoid engaging the EPB unless needed, and also to ensure that we heard it coming off each time we drove, plus checked for any burning smell or wear to the brakes. All seemed fine.
A few days ago, we started getting an alert for the tire pressure, although all the tires seemed OK. We didn't connect it to the brake issue, but went straight to check the tire pressure and seemed fine. We reset the sensor, thinking that maybe it was because we'd had some very, very warm days and the heating/cooling could be causing a false reading. For the rest of the day, no tire pressure light - the issue seemed fixed.
Today, we were reversing out of a tight spot, and were distracted by people nearby with a lot of kids, so probably didn't check closely enough that the parking brake was definitely fully off (by listening, on top of manually disengaging). The car did seem a bit sluggish, slow to engage as we moved through the carpark, but then seemed fine. As we were driving, the tire pressure warning beep came on about a block from home. We pulled up in the drive to the burning smell, again - very strong - and the drivers' side wheel was noticably very warm compared with the passenger side. Hard to tell if brakes are more worn than when we last looked at them. I would hazard a guess that the pressure light is coming on as the hot weather and heat from partially engaged EPB is causing the tires to read as too high pressure? Or perhaps the heat in the brakes is providing a faulty low-pressure reading by some other mechanism.
We'll be booking into the Mazda services near here tomorrow, and I would like to know what I should/can request to resolve this issue. I've read material on here and elsewhere that makes me think there may be no permanent solution to this problem - some people have some luck with getting the calipers replaced (which I will likely request tomorrow), but I know it's not guaranteed as a permanent fix, and I'm wondering whether anyone knows if Mazda has a permanent solution yet (such as replacing the entire EPB unit, plus calipers, drums, pads, etc.)? As this is a very recent, and not small, purchase, we actually don't mind paying extra to get all this done if it makes the car safe and drivable for a long time into the future. I'm super frustrated that we may have just bought a car that will need new brakes every few thousand miles for the rest of its' life, with no permanent fix, so any reassurances that this isn't the case would be really appreciated!
Full context of issue: We just bought a 2nd hand 2016 CX-5 with what looked like a good service history. We know all about the dreaded electronic parking brake/rear caliper issues, but thought we had done our due diligence on this car, and it seemed fine (bought from a reputable non-Mazda dealer who insisted they replaced the brakes as part of their routine service on newer cars that come in as trade-ins, and otherwise there was no recorded history of multiple or unusual brake replacements).
However, after having the car less than a month, we got out of the vehicle and smelled a really strong burning rubber smell - was clearly coming from rear driver's side tire. Knowing about the EPB issue, we made sure that the parking brake was definitely off, and then cautiously drove it home. Over the next few days, we were careful to avoid engaging the EPB unless needed, and also to ensure that we heard it coming off each time we drove, plus checked for any burning smell or wear to the brakes. All seemed fine.
A few days ago, we started getting an alert for the tire pressure, although all the tires seemed OK. We didn't connect it to the brake issue, but went straight to check the tire pressure and seemed fine. We reset the sensor, thinking that maybe it was because we'd had some very, very warm days and the heating/cooling could be causing a false reading. For the rest of the day, no tire pressure light - the issue seemed fixed.
Today, we were reversing out of a tight spot, and were distracted by people nearby with a lot of kids, so probably didn't check closely enough that the parking brake was definitely fully off (by listening, on top of manually disengaging). The car did seem a bit sluggish, slow to engage as we moved through the carpark, but then seemed fine. As we were driving, the tire pressure warning beep came on about a block from home. We pulled up in the drive to the burning smell, again - very strong - and the drivers' side wheel was noticably very warm compared with the passenger side. Hard to tell if brakes are more worn than when we last looked at them. I would hazard a guess that the pressure light is coming on as the hot weather and heat from partially engaged EPB is causing the tires to read as too high pressure? Or perhaps the heat in the brakes is providing a faulty low-pressure reading by some other mechanism.
We'll be booking into the Mazda services near here tomorrow, and I would like to know what I should/can request to resolve this issue. I've read material on here and elsewhere that makes me think there may be no permanent solution to this problem - some people have some luck with getting the calipers replaced (which I will likely request tomorrow), but I know it's not guaranteed as a permanent fix, and I'm wondering whether anyone knows if Mazda has a permanent solution yet (such as replacing the entire EPB unit, plus calipers, drums, pads, etc.)? As this is a very recent, and not small, purchase, we actually don't mind paying extra to get all this done if it makes the car safe and drivable for a long time into the future. I'm super frustrated that we may have just bought a car that will need new brakes every few thousand miles for the rest of its' life, with no permanent fix, so any reassurances that this isn't the case would be really appreciated!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
I am experiencing same issue on my 2016 CX5 has anyone solved this yet?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 10,574
Likes: 226
From: Northern California
I would suggest to word exactly the issues you are having.
other wise not many are going to take the time to ere the first long post?
No 2 vehicles after a few years and miles are likely not the same nor the service of the system in question are alike so you can have something that reads similar but may not be the same. So many variables. So, start fresh or good luck!
other wise not many are going to take the time to ere the first long post?
No 2 vehicles after a few years and miles are likely not the same nor the service of the system in question are alike so you can have something that reads similar but may not be the same. So many variables. So, start fresh or good luck!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
Thank you for reply. My 2016 Mazda cx5 2.2 with 76000 miles has, on several different occasions produced rear brake overheating issues, it appeared to be rear left caliper that was the worst. I got Mazda to replace this and all was good for 3000 miles and the the same hub overheated. after cooling I continued the drive, 5 miles further and the right hand one overheated. I cannot pin point any definite reason for this. There have been a number of posts on this but no one appears with a definite cure.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 10,574
Likes: 226
From: Northern California
Lenmac.....At 76,000 miles on your Mazda there is something that has simply worn out or not correctly operating based on the age and miles and probably incorrect servicing of your brakes.
You can post all the information you want but you need to take your Mazda to a service shop that specifies in brake and chassis serving. Because you did not take the time to fill out basic information about yourself we have no idea what part of the world you live (members and especially those asking for help should not have to go look it should be on your information to the right of your post like many others) in so it's hard to advise much more than this.
Because of your miles and your exact description and where the problem is knowing the brake and ABS system of your Mazda this reads more as an overlooked service or concern from service individuals and/or likely caused from your operating environment.
You can post all the information you want but you need to take your Mazda to a service shop that specifies in brake and chassis serving. Because you did not take the time to fill out basic information about yourself we have no idea what part of the world you live (members and especially those asking for help should not have to go look it should be on your information to the right of your post like many others) in so it's hard to advise much more than this.
Because of your miles and your exact description and where the problem is knowing the brake and ABS system of your Mazda this reads more as an overlooked service or concern from service individuals and/or likely caused from your operating environment.