Mazda Mazda2
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2012–2021). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Mazda Mazda2? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ 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.
AI Interpretation
Medium ConfidenceAverageNHTSA complaint data for the Mazda2 (2012–2021) shows a total of 31 complaints, with the highest number reported for the 2013 model year. Complaints are concentrated in the steering, suspension, and air bags components. There were 6 recalls and 3 crash-related complaints.
- Steering accounts for the highest number of complaints (9 out of 31).
- The 2013 model year has the most complaints (13), while 2015–2017 have zero complaints.
- Suspension and air bags each have 5 complaints, tied for second most.
- Steering issues are the most frequently reported component.
- Suspension problems appear in 5 complaints.
- Air bag concerns are noted in 5 complaints.
The 2013 model year has the most complaints (13), driven primarily by steering and suspension concerns.
Model years 2015–2017 show zero complaints, which may indicate fewer reported issues, though low sample size limits confidence.
- Inspect steering system for any unusual play or noise.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, suspension, and air bag repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
🔔 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.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
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.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 31 NHTSA 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.
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
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.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM DID NOT ALERT ME TO MY FRONT LEFT TIRE THAT WAS BLOWING OUT. *TR
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 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.
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.
TAKATA RECALL
TAKATA RECALL
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.
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
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
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
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
Showing 20 of 31 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Mazda Mazda2
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
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 AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (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. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with 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.