If the CX-5 won't let you combine RECIRC and front defrost, try the Floor/Defrost combination setting. That still outputs a good amount of air to the windshield. And you are correct - if the defrost vent covered a wider part of the dash, this wouldn't be a problem to begin with. Definitely bad design.

Regarding the Subaru I had with the same exact issue - after numerous owner complaints, they acknowledged that this was indeed a badly designed system, and they actually came out with a solution - they were offering pop-in replacement SIDE VENTS, the ones that normally blow on the side windows, with louvers that can be flipped front or back, thus letting you choose if the air blows to the side or up at the windshield.

Maybe you can fabricate a small deflector and attach it to your side vents to direct some of the air from those to the windshield.

 

Looks like there are a number of other vehicles with this idiotic design - here's a similar problem with a Jeep and a custom solution - a 3-D printed diverter:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:184101

 

VERY interesting. Other than this issue this is one of the nicest cars I have ever owned.

I have tried it both with the defroster and foot combo as well as just the front defroster.

I guess time will tell, and I might look into some sort of aftermarket, or McGyver solution to redirecting some air toward the outside edges.

It may also be particular to this year, since we have had a lot of heavier wet snow this year.

I’m pretty confident if they would add a couple of smaller vents toward the outside edges of the dashboard, it would take care of the problem.

thanks for the input. It’s nice to hear from folks who are have had similar challenges.

I can picture exactly what you mean with the side vents that would work great.

 

There are many windshield washer fluid companies that make products to de-ice your windshield when driving.
I am retired now and simply don't drive in freezing rain/sleet or snowstorms.
When I did, I used products like the one below (many companies make them) and they work very well.
But you need to remember to keep your reservoir full and have good wiper blades, preferably winter ones.

 

Yes I mentioned that earlier. I do however mention again that these products will shorten the life of the washer fluid pump. But then they are inexpensive but on most Mazda's newer from oh I guess 2015 a PIA to get to.

Don't even get me going about wiper blades..... LOL Likely one of the top 10 parts on most privately owned vehicles that are most neglected for care and service. LOL

Lobstah
you notice how this thread of all threads has gotten more attention in the last few days than any real "HELP" thread on this forum. I also looked this morning and the other Mazda forum have no current threads open on this issue?? hahahaha!

 

Yeah, seems a bit overkill.
Plain truth is, if ice is building up on your windshield it is building up on the road surface as well and you shouldn't be driving.
Unfortunately, with the advent of 4-wheel drive, many drivers think they can go anywhere in any type of weather.
Even with studded/chained tires you are taking a risk driving in icy conditions, driving without them in icy conditions is just plain foolish.

 

Yup and McGyver methods of changing ventilation air are doing nothing more than changing the engineer HVAC system in their vehicle's. But hey they have to try to see how things don't DIY work ... LOL

Have a friend I emailed yesterday in Anchorage Alaska that has a new CX5 and had him read this thread. I can't post what he wrote back but mostly every other word was a colorful metaphor about some of the responses on here. He did state he has no problem with his as he pronounced/spelled it "de-fosta"

 

thanks for the suggestion.

We do have Winter blades on the car

And I run the RainX brand (orange) designed for super low temps.

 

thanks for the suggestion.

i’m hoping I will be able to upgrade ours with the version of the windshield that has heating elements at the bottom and on the sides which is clearly available to solve this very problem, but is not put on the car as a stock item for some reason

 

I used to run that washer fluid, but noticed it made my wipers go bad quicker and they would sqeak/chatter due to the waterproof coating the fluid leaves. It would also make my windshield very cloudy/foggy especially in the cold weather. Believe it or not I would try to switch to a non-RainX washer fluid and see if it makes a difference.