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Vehicle Stats/Mazda/Mazda2 Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

Mazda Mazda2 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Average reliability signalOur verdict from 31 complaints and 6 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Mazda Mazda2 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2012–2021) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

31
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
6
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
3
Crash-Related
crash complaints
1
Fire-Related
fire complaints
1
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2012–2021

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Found a Mazda Mazda2? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mazda Mazda2 has 31 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls across model years 2012–2021. The most reported issue area is STEERING. 2013 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.

Mazda Mazda2 — key reliability facts
Make
Mazda
Model
Mazda2
Model years analyzed
2012–2021 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
31
Safety recall campaigns
6
Crash-related complaints
3
Fire-related complaints
1
Worst model year (by complaints)
2013 (13 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2020 (0 complaints)
Top reported issue area
STEERING
Reliability signal
Average
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Aug 11, 2026
This Mazda2 has 6 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Mazda Mazda2: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
201313 complaints20129 complaints20149 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20200 complaints20149 complaints20129 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2013 Mazda Mazda2? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

20212021 Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
4/5
20202020 Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
4/5
20192019 Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
4/5
How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Average
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The MAZDA MAZDA2 has 31 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 31 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 6 federal recall campaigns
  • 3 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2012
9
2013
13
2014
9
2020
0

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

6 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#21V875000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPDecember 11, 2021
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#21V875000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPDecember 11, 2021
Safety recall

STEERING

#16V203000STEERINGNovember 4, 2016
Safety recall

STEERING

#16V203000STEERINGNovember 4, 2016
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#22V885000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#22V885000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2012–2021. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 31 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
STEERING9 complaints
02
SUSPENSION5 complaints
03
AIR BAGS5 complaints
04
SEATS4 complaints
05
SERVICE BRAKES3 complaints
06
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3 complaints
07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3 complaints
08
TIRES2 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

31 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

SEATSMar 2024

My wife and daughter and I were driving out of the driveway. The driver's seat came completely detached from the frame and I ended up rotated and laying backwards in the driver seat. This is extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury or death. This was a recall for 2010 and 2011 models but this was manufactured in 12/11 so it didn't fall into the recall. This is exactly the issue that was described in the recall.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKESMay 2020

STEERING HAS BEEN MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. HOWEVER, ON 4/30/2020 UPON TURNING ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE, STEERING AND BRAKING BOTH WENT OUT AND SWERVED BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE RAMP BARRIERS AND FORTUNATELY MADE IT ONTO A SHOULDER WITH OUT GETTING HIT OR HITTING A BARRIER. HAD TO BE TOWED TO MAZDA DEALER FOR SERVICE.

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAug 2019

AFTER 3,000 - 5,000 MILES OF DRIVING EACH TIME, A VIBRATION BEGINS AND QUICKLY LEADS TO VIOLENT VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEN BRAKING FROM ANY SIGNIFICANT SPEED (30 + MPH). ESPECIALLY VIOLENT WHEN BRAKING FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO AN EXIT RAMP. ALSO, THE AIR BAG SENSOR IS ON. AND THE DEALER TRYIN TO FIX IT BUT CAME AGAIN.

AIR BAGSSep 2017

TAKATA RECALL

AIR BAGSAug 2017

TAKATA RECALL

STEERINGApr 2016

MY 2012 MAZDA HAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED IT USED IN 2013 WHEN IT HAD 35,570 MILES ON IT. WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED FROM A RENTAL-CAR SALE LOT, I NOTICED A SLIGHT "HITCH" IN THE STEERING IF THE WHEELS WERE TURNED FAR TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. BUT THE ANOMALY WAS VERY SLIGHT AND THE STEERING OTHERWISE FUNCTIONED SMOOTHLY. LATELY THE "HITCH" IN THE STEERING GOT NOTICEABLY WORSE, WITH "HITCHES" DEVELOPING EVERY FEW DEGREES OF TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE FACTORY AUTHORIZED MAZDA SHOP THAT DOES MY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ADVISED ME TO HAVE MY STEERING DIAGNOSED. TODAY, I TOOK IT IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW STEERING RACK AND A STEERING ALIGNMENT. IN TOTAL THE WORK WILL COST ME APPROXIMATELY $1700. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS CONSIDERED "PRETTY MUCH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" AND THAT NO MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERS THE REPAIR. I'VE DRIVEN SEVERAL CARS OVER 100,000 MILES WITHOUT NEEDING TO HAVE THEIR STEERING SERVICED. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE STEERING OF MY MAZDA AND THAT MAZDA SHOULD PAY TO HAVE THE RACK REPLACED AND THE STEERING ALIGNED.

Read 14 more owner reports
SERVICE BRAKESJun 2014

I PURCHASED A MAZDA2 ON APRIL30TH 2012. AT APPROXIMATELY 850 MILES, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT AT (TOWSON MAZDA), BECAUSE OF A SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEN BRAKING. SINCE THEN, I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY EVERY 5,000 MILES FOR THE SAME ISSUE. OVER THE COURSE OF 6-8 VISITS, THE DEALER HAS MACHINED THE ROTORS AND ACTUALLY REPLACED THE ROTORS TWICE (OR SO THEY SAID...). AFTER 3,000 - 5,000 MILES OF DRIVING EACH TIME, A VIBRATION BEGINS AND QUICKLY LEADS TO VIOLENT VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEN BRAKING FROM ANY SIGNIFICANT SPEED (30 + MPH). ESPECIALLY VIOLENT WHEN BRAKING FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO AN EXIT RAMP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN JUST SHORT OF THE EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY AT 36,000. THE REGIONAL MANAGER SUPPOSEDLY TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO TELL ME THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH THE BRAKE PROBLEM ON AN "AS NEEDED BASIS" AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRATION. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AT APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES. AT WHICH POINT, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD SPLIT THE COST WITH ME ON ANOTHER ROTOR REPLACEMENT, AND THEN THEY WERE FINISHED WITH ME. I AGAIN TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK AT APPROXIMATELY 46,000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING MORE. I NOW HAVE 49,000 ON THE VEHICLE, AND THE VIOLENT VIBRATION IS WORSE THAN EVER. 4 WEEKS AGO, AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE DEALER, I CALLED THE MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND EXPLAINED MY ENTIRE COMPLAINT. THEY FINALLY CALLED BACK AFTER 5 DAYS ONLY TO SAY THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY WERE WILLING TO DO, AND THERE WAS NO METHOD BY WHICH I COULD ESCALATE THE COMPLAINT. I HAVE OWNED 7 NEW VEHICLES IN MY LIFE. NEVER HAD BRAKE ISSUES EVERY 5,000 MILES WITH NO RESOLUTION TO THE ISSUE. IT IS MORE THAN ANNOYING. IT IS DANGEROUS. I DO NOT KNOW WHERE ELSE I CAN GO TO PURSUE THIS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMar 2014

I BOUGHT MY MAZDA 2 NEW FROM RICART MAZDA, AND TAKE IT THERE FOR SERVICE. AS I DRIVE AT A STEADY SPEED, THE TRACTION CONTROL LAMP AND ENGINE LAMPS LIGHT AND STAYS LIT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I CANNOT ACCELERATE. THE CAR IDLES HIGHER, JUST LESS THAN 2000 RPMS. I MUST TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE ENGINE. ONCE RESTARTED, THE TRACTION CONTROL LAMP IS NO LONGER LIT, BUT THE ENGINE LAMP REMAINS LIT. THE CAR THEN RESPONDS NORMALLY. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE, THEY SAY THE ENGINE CODE IS P2299. THE DEALER (RICART) STATES THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, I HAD NO PROBLEMS GOING TO WORK (APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES - 2/25/2014). WHEN I LEFT WORK FOR HOME, I WENT APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES BEFORE A RECURRENCE @ 55 MPH. ON THE WAY TO WORK THE NEXT DAY (2/26/2014) THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AFTER 8 MILES @ ABOUT 55 MPH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK, AFTER ABOUT 7 MILES THE PROBLEM RECURRED @ ABOUT 55 MPH. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER 2/27/2014. ALONG THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND AFTER APPROXIMATELY 9 MILES @ ABOUT 65 MPH, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. I LEFT THE CAR FOR THE WEEKEND, AND PICKED IT UP 3/2/2014. THE DEALER (RICART) STATED THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT REPLACED THE OXYGEN SENSOR. ON MY WAY TO WORK FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE PROBLEM RECURRED AFTER ABOUT 7 MILES @ ABOUT 35 MPH. THE SAME EVENING, ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, AFTER ABOUT 5 MILES @ ABOUT 40 MPH THE PROBLEM RECURRED. I DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR 3/3/2014. IN EVERY INCIDENT (TWICE PER DAY AFTER THE CAR HAS NOT RUN FOR AT LEAST 8 HOURS), THE TRACTION CONTROL LAMP LIGHTS AND STAYS LIT, AFTER A FEW MILES (5 -10 THUS FAR). IN ORDER TO PROCEED NORMALLY, I MUST GET OUT OF TRAFFIC, PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTART. UPON RESTARTING, THE TRACTION CONTROL LAMP NO LONGER LIGHTS, BUT THE ENGINE CONTROL LAMP REMAINS LIT. *TR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApr 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE DESIGN TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. THE CONTACT'S FOOT WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESUME ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 300. UPDATED 06/07/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE METAL LEVER FOR THE BRAKE EXTENDED OUTWARD TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR. HER FOOT BECAME CAUGHT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL ONCE AND HER HUSBANDS FOOT WAS CAUGHT UNDER THE BRAKE ONCE AS WELL. UPDATED 06/11/12

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SEATSNov 2023

I have taken my car to two separate Mazda dealerships in 2019 and two separate non-dealership mechanics to address the same issue with a vibrating coming from the front driver when driving at lower speeds. It was not a constant noise until recently and saw there was a recall for my vehicle in May 2016. Mazda however says that my VIN does not qualify even though the build date range does show its covered. The problem at first was noted by the Kent Mazda dealership in 2019 but said the vehicle's small framing could cause this. This vibrating has become more clear and causing my vehicle to shake violently when steering. It has made me very fearful as each mechanic I take it to cannot find the source of the issue and overlook it. Mazda Corporate has not been helpful and overlooks the safety as it is something I've brought up to them. The original recall is below: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

TIRESJul 2023

Tire size: P 185 / 55 R 15 I believe there is a manufacturing defect with the Firestone Firehawk tires. The tires are prematurely cracking, these tires are supposed to have a 50,000 mile limited warranty. I replaced all four tires on 6/18/2022 and today (7/15/2023) I noticed there was deep cracking through the treads and into the sidewall. I currently have the tires and it is available for inspection upon request. I believe that cracked tires are a safety issue that could put myself and other cars at risk. The Firestone store mentioned the Firehawk tires were discontinued for the car. That cracking was a known issue on these tires and they refused to send the tires in for a warranty replacement. Tire Identification information: Front driver side tire: DOT RB8X FH1 4320 Front passenger side tire: DOT RB8X FH1 3421 Both rear tires: DOT RB8X FH1 4521

STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTUREJan 2023

I bought this 2014 Mazda 2 Sport HB on Thursday January 26, 2023. Upon driving it home, this vehicle with only 41,280 miles on it, shook, vibrating , hearing a very loud popping clicking sounds. Like body metal clanging. It was hard to see. I don’t know if the low beams were set wrong or what but visibility wasn’t good with the low beams at all. I told him that the air conditioner made a horrible loud noises when cranked on high. I asked to take it to a mechanic and I was assured that their mechanics looked it over thoroughly. It has so much wrong with it. I was ripped off. Over $ 13,000 today. The car is in bad shape. It had one wreck I found out. This car looks ok, but it’s the worst car I have ever driven. My short instructed test drive wasn’t long enough to tell everything, but by the time I got home I knew that I was sold a lemon. Perhaps they didn’t know, but come on… This car is junk. It needs junked. This is the truth. I don’t believe it should be on the highway or resold again. Especially not 11,500 that turned into 13,000. I don’t have money for gas to be trying to fix garbage . Why would it have 2 owners and be a 2014 and only have 41,280 miles on it. They saw me coming and I explained that I can’t be ripped off. They didn’t care. I only drove it home and I know it’s really unsafe and not road worthy at all. Very difficult to steer compared to any other vehicle I have ever driven. It scares me truthfully.

STEERING,SUSPENSIONSep 2021

The steering was making loud knocking noises at low-speed turns. When looked up Mazda2 issues, found that there was a recall for Steering, Recall no. 16V203000, dated 2016-04-10, states: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. When the dealership looked up my VIN, it was not a serial number listed under the recall list. However, it had the same issues as the recall. These issues were listed as "requires immediate attention." The Steering rack and pinion, and also the front struts with bearing mounts have all been replaced by the dealership and an alignment was performed. I had to pay for this safety issue out of pocket because my VIN was not listed under the recall list. I would like to report this VIN under the recall list and request a refund for the work performed.

CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJul 2020

I WAS TURNING LEFT ON A PROTECTED GREEN ARROW WHEN A TRUCK ON THE LEFT LANE SPED UP AND I NOTICED T MERGED AND I WOULD GET HIT I TRIED TO GO OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS IT DID NOT MOVE THEN IT JERKED ME FORWARD.

Crash 1 InjuryAIR BAGSDec 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MAZDA 2. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CHEST INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

CrashSUSPENSION,POWER TRAINOct 2015

2014 MAZDA 2. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT AXLE BROKE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB

STRUCTUREAug 2015

THERE WAS/IS NO INFORMATION ON THE DOOR OR IN THE OWNERS MANUAL TO INDICATE TIRE PRESSURE FOR THIS VEHICLE. HAD TO OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYSep 2014

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM DID NOT ALERT ME TO MY FRONT LEFT TIRE THAT WAS BLOWING OUT. *TR

AIR BAGSAug 2019

TAKATA RECALL

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEMApr 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 2. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE CD PLAYER AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GROOVE MAZDA (LOCATED AT 10301 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112, (720) 399-4467) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. *TR*JB

Showing 20 of 31 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Mazda Mazda2

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mazda Mazda2, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mazda Mazda2 has 31 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mazda Mazda2 has 6 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 3 of the Mazda Mazda2's 31 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mazda Mazda2 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mazda Mazda2 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mazda Mazda2 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Mazda Mazda2 by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mazda Mazda2.

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Keep researching before you buy

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Mazda Mazda2 reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda Mazda2 reliable?

Average. The Mazda Mazda2 has 31 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is STEERING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Mazda Mazda2 years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2013 (13 complaints), 2012 (9 complaints), 2014 (9 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Mazda Mazda2 problems?

Top reported issues: STEERING (9 complaints); SUSPENSION (5 complaints); AIR BAGS (5 complaints).

Does the Mazda Mazda2 have recalls?

Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mazda Mazda2. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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