Mazda Mazda2 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
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.
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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
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.
- 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
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.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP 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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe 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.
- 31 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- 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
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
6 recalls foundSafety 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
STEERING
STEERING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EXTERIOR 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.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
31 totalThese 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.
TAKATA RECALL
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
TAKATA RECALL
DRIVER'S SEAT CAME UNATTACHED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTED SLIDES/BRACKETS THAT ALLOW FOR LEG LENGTH ADJUSTMENTS. CAR WAS IN MOTION, TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND IN THE CENTER OF THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC AT THE TIME. I PULLED OVER AND EXAMINED THE SEAT. WASHERS WERE UNDER THE SEAT, AND THE SEAT WOULD MOVE UP AND DOWN 8-10 INCHES ON THE LEFT (DOOR-SIDE) SIDE. SEAT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO BRACKETS/SLIDES ON THE RIGHT (CENTER-LINE / GEAR-LEVER) SIDE.
A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE 2011 MAZDA 2 MODELS RELATED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTER MECHANISM BECOMING LOOSE. BASED ON THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ISSUE, MY 2013 MAZDA 2 IS EXHIBITING THE SAME ISSUE. THE SEAT 'ROCKS' BACK AND FORTH, AS IF IT'S ONLY PARTLY SECURED. I CONTACTED MAZDA AND THEY REITERATED THAT THE 2013 MODEL IS NOT CURRENTLY COVERED UNDER THEIR RECALL, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS CLEARLY PRESENT ON MINE. IT IS MAZDA'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL SEAT MECHANISMS ARE FUNCTIONING SAFELY AND SECURELY. THE ISSUE WAS NOTICED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND HAS SUBSEQUENTLY GOTTEN WORSE.
CLUNKING NOISE AND FEEL, AND EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING MECHANISM DURING LOW SPEED TURNS. THE PROBLEM BEGAN DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. INTERNET FORUMS INDICATE THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CAUSE IS FAILURE OF PART NUMBER DR613210XF, KNOWN AS THE ENERGY ABSORBER SHAFT. MAZDA IS AWARE OF THE FLAW.
Read 14 more owner reports
PROGRESSIVE POWER STEERING RACK FAILURE POWER STEERING RACK, WHILE TURNING, MAKES AUDIBLE CLUNKING/POPPING NOISE ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATION AND EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING. MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN MAKING A LOW-SPEED THREE POINT TURN, I.E. BACKING INTO OR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE MAY RESULT IF NOT CAUGHT OR ADDRESSED EARLY. OCCURRED IN A NEW, VERY LOW-MILAGE VEHICLE.
REAR SHOCKS HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER 65,000 MI. NO SIGN OF AN ISSUE PRIOR. DROVE TO AND FROM WORK ON A SUNDAY, MONDAY MORNING ALL FLUID HAS LEAKED ONTO MY DRIVEWAY.
TAKATA INFLATORS , MY CAR MAKES A RUMBLING NOIRS COMMING FROM MY BACK TIRES WHICH SOUNDS LIKE THE REAR WHEEL HUB AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT IT'S MY BACK TIRES AND WENT TO ANOTHER PLACE AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS THE REAR WHEEL HUBS
RATTLING NOISE AND KNOWING OF STEERING COLUMN. INDEPENDENT SERVICE WON'T REPAIR SINCE THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR FAULTY STEERING KNUCKLE ON SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL CAR. ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURE MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER RECALL BECAUSE OF VIN NUMBER.
ON THE NIGHT DEC 24,2014, I HAD PICKED UP MY RENTAL CAR(1013 MAZDA 2 SILVER SEDAN) FROM DOLLAR RENTAL CAR AT BWI AIRPORT. ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER I DROVE OFF THE LOT, ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY FROM THE PICKUP GARAGE, I NOTICED THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN THE CAR, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TREAD WAS SEPARATED. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY NEGLIGENCE ON PART OF THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY. WHOEVER DID THE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY CHECK NEVER SHOULD HAVE ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO BE DRIVEN OFF THE LOT. NO WHERE IN THE RENTAL CONTRACT DOES IT STATE THAT THE RENTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATIONAL & MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTRACT ALSO DOESN'T STATE THAT THE RENTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENT OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE OWNER/RENTAL CAR COMPANY. I WAS FORTUNATE I DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. BECAUSE DOLLAR/THRIFTY RENTAL CAR REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE/RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS NEGLIGENCE, THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY HAPPEN TO ANOTHER CUSTOMER. *TR
GAS PEDAL STUCK DOWN CAUSING UNWANTED ACCELERATING. *TR
UPON STOPPING, TURNING OFF VEHICLE AND REMOVING IGNITION FOB KEY; FOB KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE VERY, VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH. *TR
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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); AIR BAGS (5 complaints); SUSPENSION (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.