Buy Mazda CX-5 Headlight Assembly

Quick Summary

The Mazda CX-5 headlight-also called a headlamp, front light, or head-light assembly-has changed a lot since the SUV launched in 2013. Early models use halogen projectors with H11 low-beam bulbs, higher-trim first-gen models added HID xenon lamps, and every 2017-present CX-5 comes standard with full LED projectors and available adaptive lighting that bends with the steering wheel. Mazda issued a recall for 2016 units because the LED daytime-running lights (DRLs) could flicker or quit. A technical bulletin also explains why light condensation sometimes appears inside the lens and when it is considered normal. U.S. law that governs replacement lamps is found in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the current LED setup "Good," its top score.

Model Years

2013-2016 (Generation 1, "KE") - Base trims use H11 halogen projectors for low beams and HB3/9005 halogen high beams. Higher trims offer HID (xenon) projectors that share the same housing but need a ballast.

2017-2025 (Generation 2, "KF") - Mazda switched to LED projectors for both low and high beams across every trim, added LED DRLs inside the housing, and made adaptive LED headlights (ALH) optional or standard on top trims. (Mazda Owners Manual, Mazda Owners Manual)

Bulb & Light Types

• Halogen - H11 low-beam bulbs draw about 55 watts and last roughly 500 hours. Halogen capsules get hot; do not touch the glass. (Mazda Owners Manual)
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge) - Optional on some 2013-2016 Grand Touring models. Bright white output but needs a ballast and igniter.
• LED Projector - Stock on 2017-up. LEDs sip power, run cool, and can last 30,000-50,000 hours, far longer than halogen.
• Adaptive LED - Mazda's ALH swivels the beam into corners and can dim select pixels to avoid blinding others. (Mazda Owners Manual)
• Daytime-Running Lights - A light pipe or LED strip around the lens; 2016 models with early LEDs were recalled for flicker.

Headlight Technology

Mazda bundles the CX-5's smart lights under its i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite. The Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) swings the projectors left or right up to 15° with the steering wheel, helping drivers see into curves. (Mazda Owners Manual) Adaptive Driving-Beam (ADB) software, now allowed under a 2022 federal rule, lets future models carve out dark "shadows" around on-coming traffic while keeping high beams on elsewhere. The system works with windshield cameras to read traffic and speed. (Mazda Owners Manual)

Common Problems

• Condensation - A light mist inside the lens after rain or a car wash is normal and should clear once the lamp warms. Heavy water drops that linger mean the vent or seal has failed.
• DRL Failure (2016) - Poor solder joints on the LED driver cause flicker or total loss. Mazda replaced both assemblies under Recall 4320A.
• Glare Complaints - Taller SUVs plus brighter LEDs make many drivers feel blinded, according to recent reports.

Maintenance

• Fuse Check - If both lamps go dark, inspect the "HEAD" 15 A fuse in the engine-bay box first.
• Cleaning - Use mild soap and water; harsh chemicals cloud the polycarbonate lens.
• Aim & Level - A Philips screwdriver in the adjuster hole lets you raise or lower the beam in minutes. Mark a wall 25 ft (7.6 m) from the bumper for aiming.
• Touch-Free Rule - Never touch a halogen bulb's glass; oil makes hot spots that shorten life. (Mazda Owners Manual)

Installation Steps

1. Open the hood and remove the plastic upper cover.
2. Unbolt the bumper's top clips and gently pull the fascia forward.
3. Remove three 10 mm bolts holding the headlight assembly; lift it straight out.
4. Swap wiring harnesses, seat the new lamp, and torque bolts to 7-9 ft-lb (10-12 N·m).
5. Re-fit bumper and test all lights. A video walk-through illustrates the process step-by-step.

Legal & Safety

• United States - FMVSS 108 sets beam pattern, brightness, and color rules for every replacement headlight.
• LED Bulb Swaps - NHTSA says plug-in LED "retrofit" bulbs are not street-legal in halogen housings because they cannot self-certify to FMVSS 108 photometry.
• Driving With One Headlight - Many regions fine drivers for a burned-out lamp (e.g., £100 in the UK).
• Safety Rating - IIHS gives the 2023-25 LED unit a "Good" rating for both low- and high-beam reach.

Helpful links:

• Mazda adaptive headlight overview
• NHTSA Recall 4320A bulletin
• FMVSS 108 full text
• IIHS headlight ratings tool
• DOE LED lighting facts

Upgrade & Customization

Many owners replace stock halogen bulbs with brighter HID kits or LED chips, but non-original bulbs must still pass FMVSS 108 glare tests to be legal. U.S. rules now let automakers sell adaptive high-beam systems (ADB) that shape light with micro-shutters, giving safer upgrades straight from the factory. Adding extra "fog" or auxiliary lamps is allowed if they do not impair the main beam.

Environmental Impact

LED projectors in newer CX-5s use about half the energy of old halogen bulbs yet put more light on the road, helping save fuel and lower CO₂. LEDs also last up to 50 k hours, which means fewer discarded lamps and less plastic waste in landfills.

A growing number of recyclers accept damaged polycarbonate headlamp housings so the plastic can be turned into new parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb does a 2015 CX-5 use?
A: The low beam is an H11 halogen; the high beam is an HB3/9005.

Q: Are the 2013-2016 and 2017-2025 headlights interchangeable?
A: Not directly. Second-gen LED units have a different shape, wiring, and bumper cut-out.

Q: How do I know if my SUV has adaptive headlights?
A: Look for "ALH" or "AFS" in the settings screen, or watch the beam sweep when you start the car. (Mazda Owners Manual)

Q: My lens fogs after rain-is that bad?
A: Light mist is normal and clears in minutes; heavy droplets that remain mean the vent or seal is leaking.

Q: Why did Mazda recall 2016 headlights?
A: LED DRLs could flicker or shut off due to a bad solder joint, so Mazda replaced both lamps for free.

Q: Can I swap in plug-and-play LED bulbs?
A: They may fit, but NHTSA says they are not FMVSS-108 compliant for on-road use in a halogen projector.

Q: How bright are factory LEDs?
A: IIHS tests show the 2023 LED projector delivers "Good" reach-about 325 ft on high beam.

Q: What tools do I need to change the assembly?
A: Basic panel clip tool, Phillips screwdriver, and 10 mm socket handle the whole job.

Q: Do LEDs save energy?
A: Yes. LEDs create useful light more efficiently, cutting power draw roughly in half.

Q: How long do LEDs last?
A: In good housings they can glow for 30,000-50,000 hours-often the life of the vehicle.

Q: Is one burned-out headlamp illegal?
A: Yes. Officers can ticket you, and in the UK the fine is £100 plus three points.

Q: What law covers U.S. headlights?
A: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108.

Q: Can I aim the lights myself?
A: Yes-turn the adjuster screw until the cutoff sits just below the headlight's center on a flat wall 25 ft away.