I knew when I bought my '16 CX-5 a few years back, Consumer Reports said it was a good car with some issues with the audio and other electronics. I've not really had much problems over the years but lately, I've started having to play with the controls a bit. I'll be driving down the road and if I look at the screen, it's on the "change preset order" page. I'm happy with the radio programs and after these years, I don't have to think to change them. I push the audio button to get back to the screen showing the radio station playing. I sometimes have to do this more than once.

I'm happy with the radio but is this a sign of things to come?

 

The first thing is to get your battery load test…..
As for your question…
Yes it is one of the first signs of failing. Most of the time it is from a vehicle being constantly parked out side and the sun is constantly heating the interior and heat targeting the dash causing aging of the electronic.
The best you can do is get a ECU flash that may correct some of the glitchieness (is that a word? ) and then get a dash cover and get in the habit of carrying a small towel and covering the monitor when you park out side. You may get several more year before the BCM or monitor fails completely?

 

I'm due for an oil change so I'll take my load tester with me to check it. I've noticed the starter sounds different and the battery is getting close to the end of its service life. That may be the issue there. I've noticed newer CX-5's have the battery in a slightly different location and the newer ones are physically larger. The one in there is 4 or 5 years old. I haven't noticed any degradation of the screen icons. I've had failed ones before on other cars. I suspect the battery reserve might be the issue. It only happens when I first start the car so the alternator may be topping off the reserve charge.

 

My display screen is fine but occasionally now my radio will come on all by itself.
And no, I did not inadvertently hit the center console button.

 

Yah I'd also say to get your battery tested. You're hitting that time where it could be fading away.

 

Stopped by the dealer today to see if there was a history of these cars and their radio antics. I have a service appointment Wednesday for a dealer flash update. It seems there's an extended warranty on this. I was a bit taken aback as the 2026 models are coming out now so my car is 10 years old. The service writer said the warranty runs until February of 2027. I guess I'll find out if it is the issue and maybe it will help my navigation while it's at it. The volume on my GPS unit keeps going down to nearly inaudible.

 

The dealer updated my audio system today. The screen seems a bit clearer, but they might have cleaned it when they washed the car. They also found the pop I've been getting that Firestone missed. Oh well, 115,000 miles, some of the front end components might be getting worn.