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: 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.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Neither you nor Mazda has notified me about the current recall with the Fuel Pump. I've heard about it months ago from web sites that aren't supposed to notify me. Both you and Mazda have never notified me. Mazda was supposed to send out notices to the car owners 3 weeks ago. Why aren't I hearing about this?
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2021
The Mazda connect touch screen has started cracking in the corners 3 so far the past 4 months. I cannot feel the cracks. They are spreading and I am concerned eventually I will not be able to use my navigation. System at all as I will not be able to read it. I am concerned the touch ability will be lost. I understand many other Mazdas have this same defect but my model is not covered under the ext... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
I parked my car in my driveway and accidentally left the gear in park when I turned off the engine with the push button. This is the first time I had driven this car so I didn't know what to do for the warning beep. I exited the car and took the key fob with me. My daughter exited the car just after me and when she closed the car door the pressure was enough to start the car rolling backwards. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
To whom it concern. Leaking water in my passenger seat, at the beginning we though that was the blower motor, we change it, but then got wet again and it went bad again, but I found out that was a malfunction factory the problem with the air conditioning compressor. I took my car to 3 different shops, where the first two, drained my A/C I give up because I was paying money for nothing. I took the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
To whom it concern. Leaking water in my passenger seat, at the beginning we though that was the blower motor, we change it, but then got wet again and it went bad again, but I found out that was a malfunction factory the problem with the air conditioning compressor. I took my car to 3 different shops, where the first two, drained my A/C I give up because I was paying money for nothing. I took the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the same failure under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V531000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer and manufacturer were notified... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
multiple batteries replaced, after sitting for 24 hours the vehicle will not start. Believed to be the power liftgate module
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline)... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was also notified about the recall; however, the co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact received a recall notification for 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-3. 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 and manufacturer were not made aware of the issue. The contact was unaware if a failure w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
Multiple warning messages came on including "Pus button start malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "In-vehicle network malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Auto light system malfunction. Turn on/off lights manually." "Power steering malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Driver attention alert disabled." Vehicle would not start after this and had to be towed to a Mazda dealership.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
Multiple warning messages came on including "Pus button start malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "In-vehicle network malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Auto light system malfunction. Turn on/off lights manually." "Power steering malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Driver attention alert disabled." Vehicle would not start after this and had to be towed to a Mazda dealership.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
Multiple warning messages came on including "Pus button start malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "In-vehicle network malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Auto light system malfunction. Turn on/off lights manually." "Power steering malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." "Driver attention alert disabled." Vehicle would not start after this and had to be towed to a Mazda dealership.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Got a email stating I had a recall on my air bags
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Apparently all of sudden the front occupants seat belt had lock and malfunctioning to the point you are unable to pull the belt strap to securely wrapped around the passenger, took it to have it evaluated at the request of the auto maker, supposedly this what I understood from two separate auto repair shops ( Mazda) dealership and a reliable auto repair (Apex) shop stating that a spring loaded sys... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Apparently all of sudden the front occupants seat belt had lock and malfunctioning to the point you are unable to pull the belt strap to securely wrapped around the passenger, took it to have it evaluated at the request of the auto maker, supposedly this what I understood from two separate auto repair shops ( Mazda) dealership and a reliable auto repair (Apex) shop stating that a spring loaded sys... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
Context: ADAS was not on. Lane keep assist is disabled in system settings entirely as it is dangerous. Blinkers were on, I was pulling out from parallel parking into left turn lane onto a straight road with slight incline. Car is of the Turbo trim on stock tires. Upon finishing pulling out of parallel parking spot and gassing the car, torque vectoring or some underlying collision avoidance may ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
Context: ADAS was not on. Lane keep assist is disabled in system settings entirely as it is dangerous. Blinkers were on, I was pulling out from parallel parking into left turn lane onto a straight road with slight incline. Car is of the Turbo trim on stock tires. Upon finishing pulling out of parallel parking spot and gassing the car, torque vectoring or some underlying collision avoidance may ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
The windshield defrost only works for the center part of the windshield given that there is only a single center defrost vent. Vision is severely impaired during rainy or snowy days (worse during nights) while driving and it makes the driving very dangerous. You can only see what is in front of you, but very limited side views due to the fog on both sides of the windshield. Attached is a pic of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
Safety recall just received for my car. Fuel pump failure may result in engine failure increasing risk of crash. Repair parts not available. It is expected parts may be available summer 2022. I will be driving cross country to return home to NY from AZ in March. What am i supposed to do?
Incident date: Dec 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the mechanic could not diagnose or service the failure. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
Engine has serious manufacturing defects and a recall should recalled. The engine has casting issues which cause internal issues.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2013 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the PUSH to START button was not able to turn off the vehicle until after several attempts were made, which caused the battery to drain quickly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was waiting for a callback. The failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Automatic transmission failure. It causes the vehicle to jar around and have misproper steering. For example improper acceleration causes inability to move in a fluid motion. Causes risks of someone rearending or hitting another vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
MY KEY FOB HAS FAILED 5 TIMES AND AS A RESUKLT IT DRAINS THE BATTERY THUS NEEDING TO GRET A JUMP START. THIS IS ALL IN A TWO YEAR PERIOD. I BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MAZDA KEY FOBS
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
This is a follow up to NHTSA complaint ID Number 11442992: After doing a fair amount of research the problem was deemed to be the Front Body Control Module. A new replacement was ordered (about $250). It took about 1-1/2 to 2 weeks for the module to be received and about an hour for its installation. So far the wipers seem to be working correctly although they have yet been 'used', only tested.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
This is a follow up to NHTSA complaint ID Number 11442992: After doing a fair amount of research the problem was deemed to be the Front Body Control Module. A new replacement was ordered (about $250). It took about 1-1/2 to 2 weeks for the module to be received and about an hour for its installation. So far the wipers seem to be working correctly although they have yet been 'used', only tested.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2021
Driving Eastbound on I470 Wheeling WVA going uphill toward Exit 10 Cabela Rd the car lost power and could not get off the roadway. The engine failed and the car lost power steering. Could not start the car. The car would turn over, but the engine and battery light were on. The car was sideways in the right lane of traffic unable to be started. State Patrol was called to the area and the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while having a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the rear shocks were leaking oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,137.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
There is a warp in the windshield on the driver's side of the car that causes noticeable distortion. It causes eye pain and headaches. It also causes distortion and visibility issues when driving at night.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Rough starting, stalling while going to switch gears, hesitating when pressing gas.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Rough starting, stalling while going to switch gears, hesitating when pressing gas.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
There is a main board failure that controls the information screen and back up camera The part number is TC3M-66-9C0B . The screen will keep rebooting not allowing the back up camera to work. According to Mazda dealer personal Mazda will not cover this. This is know to be a regular problem with many of these cars
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
THIS MODEL OF MAZDA STEERING WHEEL STOP ROTATING MOSTLY ON HIGHWAY. AT TIME IT BECOME TOO STIFF TO OVE FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON IT IS WORRYING ME AS IT MAY CAUSE AN UNVOIDABLE CRASH.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2021
THIS MODEL OF MAZDA STEERING WHEEL STOP ROTATING MOSTLY ON HIGHWAY. AT TIME IT BECOME TOO STIFF TO OVE FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON IT IS WORRYING ME AS IT MAY CAUSE AN UNVOIDABLE CRASH.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
Steering Issue: Vehicle from purchase date had stiff steering. Figured this was just a new vehicle and it would get loose as it ages. As of one year later and 14K miles it has gotten worse. Especially at highway speeds the wheel gets "stuck" and breaking it free causes me to oversteer/overcompensate which gives the impression the vehicle is jerking left or right while in motion. Brought to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
Steering Issue: Vehicle from purchase date had stiff steering. Figured this was just a new vehicle and it would get loose as it ages. As of one year later and 14K miles it has gotten worse. Especially at highway speeds the wheel gets "stuck" and breaking it free causes me to oversteer/overcompensate which gives the impression the vehicle is jerking left or right while in motion. Brought to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
Mazda purchase date June 17, 2021 Mazda S-Plan Pin: S013221306 [XXX] quoted price by [XXX] for a recall part on backorder that can not be received with proof by text was $2530.00 [XXX]: Mazda Agent who provided S-plan Forced Financing and Shot-gun my credit I am [XXX] 21 years old my father bought me the Mazda cash for college from Bellas in Port Lavaca Texas Bellas lied about repairing the re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
Mazda purchase date June 17, 2021 Mazda S-Plan Pin: S013221306 [XXX] quoted price by [XXX] for a recall part on backorder that can not be received with proof by text was $2530.00 [XXX]: Mazda Agent who provided S-plan Forced Financing and Shot-gun my credit I am [XXX] 21 years old my father bought me the Mazda cash for college from Bellas in Port Lavaca Texas Bellas lied about repairing the re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
* The Emergency Brake Module failed and it is available for inspection upon request. * The system failed and randomly turned on the parking break while I was actively driving and paused to make a left of a highway exit ramp. The parking break remained on for ~40 mins while I caused a significant disturbance to the traffic and safety of other around me as the exit ramp began to back up while awaiti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
The blind spot monitoring system does not function properly. While on the freeway some vehicles show up and some do not. I took it to the dealer, and they test drove it and said it was working properly and there were no codes. I contacted Mazda and they made a second appointment for me, and I took it back. I told them that it only does it on the freeway and I sent them a video showing the problem... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2015
Random intermittent stalling of the car starting about 100,000 miles. Car suddenly shuts down while driving, most notably while decelerating but sometimes while cruising along. It actually surged and bucked once recently, (Dec 2021 ~ 180,000 miles), while pulling up to a stop. This is causing me to feel increasingly unsafe in this vehicle as it could cause an accident since I have no control wh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2015
Random intermittent stalling of the car starting about 100,000 miles. Car suddenly shuts down while driving, most notably while decelerating but sometimes while cruising along. It actually surged and bucked once recently, (Dec 2021 ~ 180,000 miles), while pulling up to a stop. This is causing me to feel increasingly unsafe in this vehicle as it could cause an accident since I have no control wh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
I was driving along the highway and traffic began to slow. I pushed the brakes and the car did not stop.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
I had two incidents during a short 25 min drive. Incident 1: I was in right side of the road, there were 2 lanes on this side. I was in the far left lane driving at below 30 mph, there was no vehicle directly behind me, and no vehicle directly in front of me. There was no vehicle in the oncoming side of traffic. There was 1 vehicle in the right lane next to me, about 20 feet behind. This vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2022
I had two incidents during a short 25 min drive. Incident 1: I was in right side of the road, there were 2 lanes on this side. I was in the far left lane driving at below 30 mph, there was no vehicle directly behind me, and no vehicle directly in front of me. There was no vehicle in the oncoming side of traffic. There was 1 vehicle in the right lane next to me, about 20 feet behind. This vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
Car suddenly stalled and failed to accelerate while driving with accelerator fully depressed.