The CX-5 Crossover SUV is one of Mazda’s highest selling cars.
But like any other vehicle, it is prone to random beeping noises.
If your CX-5 keeps beeping and you’re unsure why, we’ve got the answers for you here.
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Why Is My Mazda CX-5 Beeping?
The most common causes of random beeps from a Mazda CX-5 are key fob left in car, navigation software issues, navigation alerts (cameras etc.), faulty CMU, car not in Park, low key fob battery, weight on the passenger seat, and issues with the airbag system.
If your CX-5 keeps beeping at you there could be a number of possible causes, we’ve outlined the most common ones below.
1. Mazda CX-5 Beeps When Locking – Key Fob Left In Car
One of the most common causes of mysterious beeps coming from a Mazda CX-5 is having a spare key in the vehicle when you lock the vehicle. This warning beep is simply designed to let you know there is another fob in the car.
Here’s what CX-5 owners on the forum mazdas247.com had to say:
“You wouldn’t by chance have left a key-fob in the car on accident? I did so once and it did something similar to this [beeping after locking].”
“If you have a second keyfob in the car when you lock it, it will beep several times.”
A Mazda Mechanic on JustAnswer.com also shared similar advise.
“That is the beep for a key detected in the vehicle. I have seen a key dropped behind the dash, under the console, or somewhere that it can not be seen. The other possibility is a malfunction of the keyless entry unit which is very rare. This would have to be looked at by Mazda’s scan tool…”
A simple way to know if it is a malfunction or a lost key in the car:
- Have an auto locksmith erase all the keys stored and program the key fob you have.
- If the beeping stops there is a key in the vehicle somewhere.
- Should you ever find the key, it can be reprogrammed to the car.
- If the beeping does not stop, ask the dealer to connect their scan tool and look for a malfunction.
Here’s what the manual says:
(With the advanced keyless function)
The beep sound is heard for about 10 seconds to notify the driver that the key has been left in the vehicle.
2. Mazda CX-5 Beeping While Driving – Navigation Issues
Navigation Sounds
If you’re hearing mysterious beeps whilst driving your CX-5, it could be linked to bugs in the Navigation system. A number of owners have reported being able to band-aid the issue by turning off the navigation sounds – however, performing a Factory Reset has worked for a number of owners to permanently fix the issue.
During our research we came across a number of disgruntled CX-5 owners who reported hearing annoying beep sounds whilst driving.
The issues have been attributed to a firmware bug in the Mazda Infotainment/Navigation – which might be fixable with a software update.
Similar issues have been reported with other Mazda models such as the CX-30, CX-9 etc.
Here’s what CX-5 owners on Reddit had to say:
“In summary it kinda looks like once you toggle it on/off for alerts and audible it can potentially glitch out. The factory reset works to resolve and you’ll get the visual alerts back straight away.”
“Frustrating issue for sure that seems to need a software update to truly fix, but I don’t know how common it is. Factory reset as suggested is ultimately what fixed it for me some time ago. It’s a minor PIA to reset a few things but at least I can drive in peace now.”
Navigation SD Card
A number of CX-5 owners have reported that mysterious beep sounds have gone away after removing the SD Navigation Card. However, if you eject the SD card, things like speed limit and stop sign recognition no longer work.
Here’s what CX-5 owners on Reddit had to say:
“I just went through this with my 2022 premium plus, does it almost sound like a raindrop? I took her into the dealer they told me I could remove the SD nav card and the sound would stop but I lost features doing that like lane keep and the speed limits showing on HUD. I ended up muting the nav and it hasn’t beeped since.”
“I disabled and toggled on/off every single option available on every setting possible, including all Navi options. Nothing worked and the beep continued. Finally just took out the SD card and the beeping has stopped. There’s an error somewhere and I don’t care to find out. I have a phone with maps and have zero reason to use Mazda Navigation.”
3. Faulty CMU
If you are hearing random dings, chimes or beeps it may be caused by a faulty Connectivity Master Unit.
The CMU controls systems such as communication between mobile devices, Bluetooth, and the sending/receiving of video/audio signals from units related to the entertainment system.
Here’s what one CX-5 had to say on Reddit:
“After the Mazda dealer kept my car for several days and sent the Mazda engineers a trace of the problem, the dealer replaced the CMU on my 2021 CX-5. No more random dings!”
4. Car Not In Park
The CX-5 will sound a warning beep if it’s not in ‘Park when you lock it.
Some CX-5 owners have also reported failure/sometimes failure of the switch in the console that registers when the car is in park, thus causing mysterious beeping.
5. Mazda CX-5 3 Beeps – Navigation Alerts
If you are hearing 3 beeps this is most likely the navigation systems warning sound, when you are approaching speed or red light cameras.
If you hear the sounds when driving in the same areas then there is a very good chance it is navigation related.
You should be able to mute or control the various warning alerts from the center display.
Here’s what one owner on Mazdas247.com had to say:
“Red light camera, Speed camera etc… warning beeps you can turn them off in TomTom Services although I don’t recommend it as they’re very helpful.”
Here is one comment from CarGurus.com which 32 people found helpful:
“I believe I have found the answer to the random chime. While driving with the navigation on (though it doesn’t have to be) I had my mysterious 3 chimes coming up to a intersection with a traffic light. While stopped at the red light, I noticed on the screen a flashing icon of a camera. I now believe that the car gives a warning of any traffic light intersections that have a video camera monitoring that location. Pretty cool, though I have to see how much time they give before getting to the intersection.”
6. Low Key Fob Battery
Mysterious beeps on a CX-5 can often be attributed to a low key fob battery.
For the sake of a few bucks it may be worth replacing the battery, it is advised to get a good quality battery though.
Ensure the fob is clean inside (you can remove dirt with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol).
Related: 6 Most Common Problems With Mazda CX-5 (Explained)
7. Weight On The Passenger Seat
A common cause of mysterious beeps on a CX-5 is weight on the passenger seat.
This could be a bag, a laptop, a bottle of water or even your pet pooch.
The car thinks your passenger needs to buckle up and thus issues a warning beep.
Try fastening the passenger seat belt to see if the beeping stops.
8. Mazda CX-5 Beeps When Starting – Airbag Warning
According to the Mazda CX-5 owners manual, a warning beep will sound when you start your car if there is an issue with the airbag system or its warning light. Here is what the manual says:
If there is a problem with the air bag/seat belt pretensioner systems and the warning light illumination, a warning beep sound will be heard for about 5 seconds every minute.
The air bag and seat belt pretensioner system warning beep sound will continue to be heard for approximately 35 minutes. Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.
9. Mazda CX-5 Not Beeping When Locked
If you’re CX-5 is not beeping when you lock it, this is often caused by the trunk not being shut properly, or one of the doors not being shut properly.
Here’s what owners on Mazda247.com had to say:
“I had this exact problem 2 days ago, turned out my trunk was not fully closed, when I pressed “lock” there was no beep or flashing lights. Then I made sure to slam all the doors, engine hood and trunk shut, then it worked….”
“Thank you so much!! I just went out to check….and I opened and slammed close every door and the hatch (hatch seemed closed but I guess not). Now the vehicle beeps / honks when pressing the lock button on the fob. Lesson learned….sometimes doors / hatch seem closed but they are not fully closed.”
What Does Mazda Say?
Mazda gave the following reasons as to why you might be hearing a beeping sound:
- One of the doors is open
- Emergency brake is on
- Certain dashboard warning lights are illuminated
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Low tire pressure
- Ignition not switched off
- Driver’s seat belt not fastened
- Air bag problem
- Dashboard dimmer knob is in maximum dim position
Alternative Suggestions For Beeping Problems
Disconnect the Battery
Disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes may reboot some of the cars electrical settings and could potentially clear out some electrical glitches.
Check the Dashboard for Warnings
When the beeping occurs can you see any lights come on at the same time on the dash?
This can give a big clue as to what’s causing the beeping.
Take it to a Mazda Dealership
If needed, take your car to the dealership.
Tell them you are NOT paying for a check on what the problem might be.
Ask them if they will check it for free.
Most dealerships and other places do quick/initial diagnosis for no money as they plan to make money for the repair of your vehicle.
Check for Recalls or TSBs:
By entering your vehicle’s VIN number on Mazda recall page you can determine whether or not there is a recall for your vehicle and if there is you’ll want to get it fixed.
Similarly, a quick Google search will help you determine whether there is a Technical Service Bulletin for your Mazda.
These are less serious but may give a reason why your vehicle is beeping.
A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer for issues that are safety-related, while a TSB covers components that may be malfunctioning but don’t compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Sources
https://www.mazdausa.com/static/manuals/2016/cx5/
https://www.mazdausa.com/static/manuals/2022/cx-5/visual.html
https://www.mazdaoflodi.com/blog/why-does-my-mazda-keep-beeping
https://www.mazdausa.com/owners/recalls
