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: Nov 4, 2021
While driving the car started lurching when accelerating. I noticed somebody else mentioned this recently when their car reached 180,000, which is when mine started doing the same thing. When this started happening my transmission light and my traction control light came on and my car was no longer operable. And by that I mean I could not accelerate or shift the vehicle into reverse, park, or neu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
Mazda recall 5321K NHTSA recall 21V875 has been open since Nov 2021 and notification by letter not received until Jan 2022 stating that a fix may be available by summer 2022. Meaning I am driving a vehicle that may stall at any time possibly causing a crash. This is unacceptable from a safety standpoint. NHTSA needs to apply pressure on Mazda to resolve this ASAP or provide loaner vehicles to th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2022
Rear Video Camera / Back-up Camera Display Malfunction: The display in the dashboard continuously resets, causing the view from the back-up camera to disappear completely or dim to to the point where it is not viewable. This causes a safety hazard when backing up and often occurs once the vehicle is already in motion. Mazda dealer's service center reports Mazda is aware that this is a new, widesp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The contact's son owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to shift into PARK, the vehicle failed to recognize the gear selected, causing the battery to drain over time. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The manufactur... Read more
MAZDA
MAZDA6
(2014) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Feb 14, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2021
The contact's son owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to shift into PARK, the vehicle failed to recognize the gear selected, causing the battery to drain over time. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2019
Headlights flicker when brakes are applied or when slowing down.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
On interstate 90 while driving at 75 mph under cruise control I passed an 18 wheel truck on a curve. With no cars in front and two following, the car without warning braked heavily and control screen flashed warning BRAKE. The car immediately behind braked and veered on the bearm to avoid me. I stepped on gas to override the brakes and avoid an accident.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
On interstate 90 while driving at 75 mph under cruise control I passed an 18 wheel truck on a curve. With no cars in front and two following, the car without warning braked heavily and control screen flashed warning BRAKE. The car immediately behind braked and veered on the bearm to avoid me. I stepped on gas to override the brakes and avoid an accident.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
On interstate 90 while driving at 75 mph under cruise control I passed an 18 wheel truck on a curve. With no cars in front and two following, the car without warning braked heavily and control screen flashed warning BRAKE. The car immediately behind braked and veered on the bearm to avoid me. I stepped on gas to override the brakes and avoid an accident.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2019
The dashboard is sticky and shiny and the glare from the sun is terrible. It’s almost like the dashboard is “melting”
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
I was driving my Mazda 5 2007 in traffic when suddenly it burst into flames on the passenger side underneath the hood
Fire
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
Driving my car pulling out of driveway when power steering cut out and steering became very difficult Had car brought to mechanic and he found there was a recall on steering torque sensor. Mazda said that was replaced on 8/10/2016 but the part they replaced it with failed just like the original recalled part did. They refused to fix it again saying they completed the recall on this car. Wouldn... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V875000(Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available and would not be available until mid-summer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2017
The car battery does not get fully charged even after long trips and continuous use of the vehicle. It has been so ever since the vehicle was purchased brand new and maintained meticulously with all service performed on-time at the dealership. Even after long trips exceeding 350 miles, the battery would charge only up to 50% (12.2 volts) and never to 100% (12.7 volts). Thereafter it would quickly ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2020
The brake pads on this vehicle wear out prematurely, despite not using them aggressively. All four brake pads on the SUV wore out in less than the first 16,000 miles (first 3 years) and had to be replaced. The braking has also aways been “soft” and the car takes longer to come to a full-stop in the event urgent braking has to be done in traffic. The rotors have corroded prematurely too, despit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The Adaptive Cruise Control system (collectively including the Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Smart city brake support etc.) on this SUV stops working abruptly and randomly while the car is in operation on the road. This is a major safety concern as it can crash into a leading vehicle in absence of adaptive cruise capabilities. The system generally resets or starts working agai... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The Adaptive Cruise Control system (collectively including the Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Smart city brake support etc.) on this SUV stops working abruptly and randomly while the car is in operation on the road. This is a major safety concern as it can crash into a leading vehicle in absence of adaptive cruise capabilities. The system generally resets or starts working agai... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
The Adaptive Cruise Control system (collectively including the Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Smart city brake support etc.) on this SUV stops working abruptly and randomly while the car is in operation on the road. This is a major safety concern as it can crash into a leading vehicle in absence of adaptive cruise capabilities. The system generally resets or starts working agai... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2020
The underside frame/carriage of the vehicle developed corrosion in just the first three years. Granted it is surface corrosion, and not a perforation, still it is not something that a customer expects in the first 3-5 years of owning a vehicle. This indicates a low level of anti-corrosion treatment to the metallic parts of the undercarriage.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2017
The vehicle has a poor quality of paint which chips quite easily upon the slightest impact by road debris. I purchased this SUV brand new in Soul Red color, newly launched for 2017, and soon discovered that the paint was chipping away in various spots exposing the clear coat. This started happening immediately after buying the car and continues to this day at 20,000 miles. Every time we would go o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2021
Car had 63,000 miles on it. Began making very loud noise. Brought to private mechanic, then dealer. Both agreed car had mechanical failure of rear differential. The full system needed replacing for safety. All agreed this should not occur with only 63,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
The brakes have to be pressed to the floor in order to break. They were not breaking like normal. The ABS module was deemed faulty and replaced.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
There is no recall on this which is a huge safety issue. This has happened to me on highway several times and Mazda will not do anything about it. Very dangerous when you are going 65 on a highway! TSB Number 01-007/19- misfire P0304- of 4th cylinder. Recommendation to replace main silencer due to condensation accumulation in the exhaust baffle. Please search the TSB and misfire code I provided ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
There is no recall on this which is a huge safety issue. This has happened to me on highway several times and Mazda will not do anything about it. Very dangerous when you are going 65 on a highway! TSB Number 01-007/19- misfire P0304- of 4th cylinder. Recommendation to replace main silencer due to condensation accumulation in the exhaust baffle. Please search the TSB and misfire code I provided ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
Brakes failed when at complete stop car lurched forward about 2 car lengths
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
Car has 38000 miles and the caliber needed replaced yesterday. Brakes started grinding a day before that slightly in the morning by the time I got off work and drove home it was so loud I was terrified to break at all. Mechanic said he’s not seen calipers seize up like that in a newer model car.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2022
Headed out to the store and engine was running rough and CEL was on. Thought it was bad gas because I just put a few dollars in. Added gas treatment and topped off tank and continued to store. Stopped at Advanced Auto near the grocery store so they could pull the code. It was a P0016 - cam position sensor. If that was bad it would explain rough idle. Leaving to come home engine was a bit ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
The multifunction / infotainment display in my Mazda went haywire last weekend--it loops through bootup sequence over and over but never loads. Backup camera still works, sort of, but the image jumps and it goes blank sometimes. I can't unplug the display or pull the fuse, or would lose backup camera altogether. So I have no Nav system, can't change radio station, etc.--and am stuck with the 7" sc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
The multifunction / infotainment display in my Mazda went haywire last weekend--it loops through bootup sequence over and over but never loads. Backup camera still works, sort of, but the image jumps and it goes blank sometimes. I can't unplug the display or pull the fuse, or would lose backup camera altogether. So I have no Nav system, can't change radio station, etc.--and am stuck with the 7" sc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact drove to his residence however, it was difficult to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the ABS and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact drove to his residence however, it was difficult to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the ABS and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
At about 3,605 miles, I received a low engine oil warning. The car is only 4 months old. When i took the car to the dealer, apparently there is a TSB that was issued in October 2021 about the problem. I bought the car in November was not advised of this issue. At this time, it appears at this time Mazda is unable to determine the root cause. It appears that I am to take the vehicle to the dealer e... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
I believe my car has been affected by the FDM fuel pump replacement recall (#5321K). My car has stopped working. Parts are currently unavailable. What can be done as I need my vehicle for work?
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
On Multiple occasions the Power Steering goes out and warning light on dash comes on. Very hard to steer without the PS on. This has happened on highways as well as in town in traffic. Sometimes it comes back in a few seconds on its own. Other times the car must be turned off and restarted, if you can get to a safe place. No codes appear when checked.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
On Multiple occasions the Power Steering goes out and warning light on dash comes on. Very hard to steer without the PS on. This has happened on highways as well as in town in traffic. Sometimes it comes back in a few seconds on its own. Other times the car must be turned off and restarted, if you can get to a safe place. No codes appear when checked.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal failed to respond when depressed, and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact contacted an independent mechanic who in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
While driving, my car has stopped two times. first time I crashed on the side of road causing all of my tires and rim busted and had to replace all of them. I had no idea what was going on. second time I was taking kids to school where can just stopped in the middle of road and restarted. Recently it was smelling so I took it to dealer where they said its one of the cylinder and its not safe t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
While driving, my car has stopped two times. first time I crashed on the side of road causing all of my tires and rim busted and had to replace all of them. I had no idea what was going on. second time I was taking kids to school where can just stopped in the middle of road and restarted. Recently it was smelling so I took it to dealer where they said its one of the cylinder and its not safe t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
The front end especially on the drivers side front suspension. The noise seems to be coming from the control arms and ball joints area. I have reported this to the dealership many times since purchasing the vehicle new. They continue to say that there is no issue but the noise is not going away. I believe it is associated with this TSB but no recall has been made. I am very concerned as the steeri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation even more dangerous. The Mazda 5 is available for inspection upon request. My daughters life was put at risk when the steering fails intermittently potentially causing d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
When the cylinder deactivation system triggers It causes the engine/car to shake and stutter. Somtimes it's suttle and other times if feels like the car is going to stall out. It's a vibration that makes it feel like your driving over cobblestones. This has been ongoing for a few months now. I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow. It appears to be the same problem as the 2018-2019 Recall.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
When the cylinder deactivation system triggers It causes the engine/car to shake and stutter. Somtimes it's suttle and other times if feels like the car is going to stall out. It's a vibration that makes it feel like your driving over cobblestones. This has been ongoing for a few months now. I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow. It appears to be the same problem as the 2018-2019 Recall.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
When the cylinder deactivation system triggers It causes the engine/car to shake and stutter. Somtimes it's suttle and other times if feels like the car is going to stall out. It's a vibration that makes it feel like your driving over cobblestones. This has been ongoing for a few months now. I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow. It appears to be the same problem as the 2018-2019 Recall.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where he was informed that he could not service the vehicle for a month; however, after cancellation, the mech... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
When driving at night with exterior lights on, when brake and or gas pedal is pressed the exterior lights strobe/flashes. The Mazda dealership has been contacted about this issue and there is a technician service bulletin stating that the ECM needs to be reflashed/programmed. No recall has been set for this issue and the Mazda dealership stated that I would have to pay $265 out of pocket to have t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
When driving at night with exterior lights on, when brake and or gas pedal is pressed the exterior lights strobe/flashes. The Mazda dealership has been contacted about this issue and there is a technician service bulletin stating that the ECM needs to be reflashed/programmed. No recall has been set for this issue and the Mazda dealership stated that I would have to pay $265 out of pocket to have t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
The "Passenger Air Bag is not active for passenger' warning light was constanstly showing in the dash panel even when nobody was sitting in the passenger seat nor any object was sitting on the seat. The problem was "solved" by the dealer under the car's warranty. They said something about dirty contacts in the seat wiring. Now the warning light is back and my SUV's warranty period is over.