NHTSA Service Bulletin 10251363: 2016-2023 Mazda Cx-5
Official manufacturer communication context for 2016-2023 Mazda Cx-5, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Some vehicles may exhibit a creaking or clacking noise when operating the power lift gate (PLG). The noise may be caused by the following: Creaking noise: Dust and dirt accumulates on the sealing portion of the PLG drive unit, reducing sealing performance. Snow and water may enter the PLG drive unit. Humidity then causes rust inside of the unit, resulting in noise. Clacking noise: Since the grease applied on the spring end of the PLG drive unit is insufficient, interference noise is caused when the spring end interferes with the spring guide. The noise has been eliminated by the following mass-production changes: Creaking noise: The sealing structure has been modified to prevent dust/dirt from entering the unit. Clacking noise: The production procedure of the PLG drive unit has been modified to apply sufficient grease to spring end.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10251363?
Some vehicles may exhibit a creaking or clacking noise when operating the power lift gate (PLG). The noise may be caused by the following: Creaking noise: Dust and dirt accumulates on the sealing portion of the PLG drive unit, reducing sealing performance. Snow and water may enter the PLG drive unit. Humidity then causes rust inside of the unit, resulting in noise. Clacking noise: Since the grease applied on the.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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