Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 29,895 complaints for MAZDA
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
Car won't start due to PCM/TCM lost communication.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2022
Brake lights are causing the top of the tail light to melt on the housing.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2022
While driving, Low Engine Oil light illuminated. Vehicle has 9968 miles at time of incident and had one oil change at 5873 miles. So in the span of 4095 miles, engine had burned enough oil that none was showing on dipstick at time of incident. Vehicle was taken to dealership where it was confirmed that there were no leaks and the engine was consuming oil at a rapid rate. Mazda has issued a bullet... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
In February, 2022, my 2015 Mazda 3 experienced a major failure, while I was driving on a local road, going 35 miles per hour. All of a sudden, the engine lost power, three warning lights came on, and the car was struggling to go 20 miles per hour. Being near a friend's house, I drove there. From there, her husband followed me home. The next day, my car was towed to the Mazda dealership. The m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
In February, 2022, my 2015 Mazda 3 experienced a major failure, while I was driving on a local road, going 35 miles per hour. All of a sudden, the engine lost power, three warning lights came on, and the car was struggling to go 20 miles per hour. Being near a friend's house, I drove there. From there, her husband followed me home. The next day, my car was towed to the Mazda dealership. The m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V594000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
The passenger rear plastic wheel trim fell off with no incident/ damage
Incident date: Dec 18, 2021
Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: Lower Rear Control Arms (Left & Right), Rear Stabilizer Links (Left & Right). Potentially hazardous corrosion on Front Lower Control Arms. Rear ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2021
Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: Lower Rear Control Arms (Left & Right), Rear Stabilizer Links (Left & Right). Potentially hazardous corrosion on Front Lower Control Arms. Rear ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2021
Premature sub-frame corrosion front and rear due to road salt and poor part finishing affecting most underbody components. All exposed stamped structural sub-frame components rusting at weld locations. Critical parts with severe rust and imminent failure: Lower Rear Control Arms (Left & Right), Rear Stabilizer Links (Left & Right). Potentially hazardous corrosion on Front Lower Control Arms. Rear ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the security indicator light was continuously flashing. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and diagnosed as a security indicator light failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
MAZDA
TRIBUTE
(2001) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Mar 18, 2022
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2001 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling and occasionally while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the cruise control and the auto distance features activated, the vehicle would not accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions while attempting to accelerate overtake a second vehicle, the speed suddenly decelerated instead. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the cruise control and the auto distance features activated, the vehicle would not accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions while attempting to accelerate overtake a second vehicle, the speed suddenly decelerated instead. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
When driving at above 60-70mph in windy conditions, the car makes a squeaking noise that appears to come from the front left side of the car-- near the driver side window/mirror region. That is quite scary as it coincides with the sideward movement caused by the wind and gives a sense of losing control of the car. Mazda Europe has reported something similar but Mazda USA has not done anything abou... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
When driving at above 60-70mph in windy conditions, the car makes a squeaking noise that appears to come from the front left side of the car-- near the driver side window/mirror region. That is quite scary as it coincides with the sideward movement caused by the wind and gives a sense of losing control of the car. Mazda Europe has reported something similar but Mazda USA has not done anything abou... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2022
Infotainment system and screen failure. The screen develops "spiderweb" cracking. This cracking first appeared 3 years ago. Now the computer reboots continuously. This causes zero access to radio, GPS, or other features to operate the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, at the suggestion of Mazda USA. For a "diagnostic" fee of $180 I was told what I already knew. The system is bro... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
My car won't shut off! I put it in park and turn it off and the accessories stay on. It is getting worse and worse and has taken up to 7 times of turning it off and on, backing it up and forward before it will just turn off for me. I get scared that it won't turn off. I found this forum online and it seems this is a very common problem that is not being addressed by Mazda. https://www.cargurus.c... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
My car won't shut off! I put it in park and turn it off and the accessories stay on. It is getting worse and worse and has taken up to 7 times of turning it off and on, backing it up and forward before it will just turn off for me. I get scared that it won't turn off. I found this forum online and it seems this is a very common problem that is not being addressed by Mazda. https://www.cargurus.c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
Corrosion on the rear subframe as a result of salt on roadways used to clear snow
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
Transmission failed, and vehicle is available for inspection. The incident occurred after exiting a highway and coming to halt at stop light. Vehicle wouldn't exceed above 5 mph after moving forward, it surged, downshifted, and come to a complete stop. This created an incident where other motorist nearly rear ended occupants in subject vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by both dealer as well as i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2022
The contact's friend owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while riding in the front passenger’s seat, there was an abnormal booming sound heard. After exiting the vehicle, the driver and passenger opened the hood and noticed that the engine had fallen. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
I pulled out of my driveway and my pporr steering did not work..parked vehicle. When I called the dealership I was told about recall on software for power steering control module (PSCM) but was told Mazda would not cover this that it was done in 2014 . I bought the vehicle used in 2019 ...never knew til now that it had a recall on it. What am I to do?
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V494000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2022
Sunroof/ moonroof exploded out of no where. It was about 57 degrees outside not a hot day. Shard of glass went flying everywhere
Incident date: Mar 4, 2022
Independent service center diagnosed vehicle safety concerns confirmed rear subframe rust.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
I can be turning left from a full stop and a few times almost went up onto the median seperating traffic. The car doesn't keep straight in it's own lane unless i put a lot of pressure with both hands on steering wheel and that doesn't always keep it straight, it veers left and right going down the road. Tire pressure light keeps coming on. when backing up hear like a grinding sound in passenger f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
I can be turning left from a full stop and a few times almost went up onto the median seperating traffic. The car doesn't keep straight in it's own lane unless i put a lot of pressure with both hands on steering wheel and that doesn't always keep it straight, it veers left and right going down the road. Tire pressure light keeps coming on. when backing up hear like a grinding sound in passenger f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
I can be turning left from a full stop and a few times almost went up onto the median seperating traffic. The car doesn't keep straight in it's own lane unless i put a lot of pressure with both hands on steering wheel and that doesn't always keep it straight, it veers left and right going down the road. Tire pressure light keeps coming on. when backing up hear like a grinding sound in passenger f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
I bought the car used several years ago and in the past year have experienced the steering wheel all of a sudden appear to be locking up. I looked up the recall and found that this is a known issue with the Mazda Tribute vehicles. I checked with dealer and they agreed. I contact Mazda customer service on 3 different occasions in the last month and they have issued a case number but will not ackno... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The Mazda connect touch screen in the center display doesn't always accept touch commands properly and regularly operates by itself (ghost touch) while in drive.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel felt as if it was detached from the steering column. Additionally, there was a grinding noise coming from the passenger’s side front wheel well. The contact did not notice any warning lights. The contact was able to drive the vehicle safely back to his residence. The vehicle was not t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2009
Original owner, purchased new, current mileage 35,700. The rear subframes and suspension links are severely rusted and deteriorating rapidly, making this car unsafe to drive unless most (or all) the components are replaced and the metal subframes rust treated. This is a well known problem among owners and the Mazda 6 has been recalled for rusted front subframes but not for the rear. The car spent ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
My car's rear backup camera has been having issues for the last several thousand miles. I took the car in for repair, and the Mazda dealership informed me that the wiring for the backup camera has corroded. After searching various online forums, it appears that this issue is pretty common with this generation Mada3. I noticed today that Ford issued a recall for a similar problem with Mustangs.
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
BSM Does not see all vehicles in the blind spot. It is very inconsistent. I have taken it to the dealer who told me that they could not repair it because no fault code shows up. Mazda has not been helpful.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2022
Service engine soon brake lines out ball joints otters brakes , electrical flashing lights , rust all in engine, on roof rack , by tires
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle accelerated independently and hit a brick pillar. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries on her neck, back, and also had headaches. The contact did seek medical attention at the emergency room. A police report was filed. Th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
High pitch noise coming from upper side of vehicle while driving on a freeway with strong side winds (35-40mph wind gusts).
Incident date: Feb 20, 2022
The sunroof exploded while driving 70mph on a rural highway. There were no other cars nearby that could have kicked up a rock nor anything that could have fallen on the sunroof. The window buckled outward, not inward. The glass shattered and flew everywhere endangering the driver, passengers, and the car behind me when the window exploded. There was no warning, just a loud boom when the window gav... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
When we were cleaning the car we took off the dash cover. The dash was all cracked and sticky.we don't know when it occured.we bought it in 2010 new.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
The body computer experienced a malfunction leading to the wipers becoming inoperable. This can be made available for inspection. I was driving through a snow storm, my wipers stopped working without warning causing severe loss of visibility endangering myself and those around me. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. It has not, however the model of car has a recall for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: Infotainment screen goes haywire changing music stations, turning on/off lights, making phone calls while the car is driving in motion. The problem happened multiple times and it can happen anytime. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Car will stall out and restart immediately and I temporarily lose power steering when turn signal is engaged, sometimes when the wheel turns and when I disengage the e-brake. My mechanic cannot find the problem and I have read many many forums that show the same issue with the same vehicle. Happens every time I drive the car for weeks and then will disappear for a couple weeks and then come back. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The engine has a massive oil leak that seems to be more common than Mazda will admit. The safety-related issue is the oil pours out like pancake syrup which can be bad for other drivers, the environment and cause road asphalt to break down at a rapid pace. I also don't have a warranty. When I consulted Mazda all they wanted to do is charge me $7,000 for a new engine from all the research I found o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The engine has a massive oil leak that seems to be more common than Mazda will admit. The safety-related issue is the oil pours out like pancake syrup which can be bad for other drivers, the environment and cause road asphalt to break down at a rapid pace. I also don't have a warranty. When I consulted Mazda all they wanted to do is charge me $7,000 for a new engine from all the research I found o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the nearest dealer that was able to perform the recall repair was 3-hours away. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and suggested that the vehicle be taken or towed to the dealer for the free one-time repair... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and info... Read more