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: Jan 7, 2022
Car suddenly stalled and failed to accelerate while driving with accelerator fully depressed.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Car will not start, instrument panel flashes on and off. I’ve had to jump the car to start it and then the check engine light and engine malfunction warning messages appear on the panel. I’ve had the battery tested and told it wasn’t the battery.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Car will not start, instrument panel flashes on and off. I’ve had to jump the car to start it and then the check engine light and engine malfunction warning messages appear on the panel. I’ve had the battery tested and told it wasn’t the battery.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
Massive oil leak onto exhaust manifold, dealership checked and found oil leaking from right rear area of cylinder head. "Per SA/031/21 should replace cylinder head and all gaskets and hardware". My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because if my car had no oil in it, which it was close to, the engine could have seized and caused an accident. The fumes of burning oil made me severely ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
On this model of Mazda, they only manufactured it with 1 small center defrost vent on the windshield, and nothing on the sides. Therefore the windshield only gets defrosted in the center, not in front of the driver. I live in the Pacific Northwest and it rains a lot which results in foggy windows, I feel it is extremely unsafe driving a car that doesn’t defrost the full windshield, more importan... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2021
owned since day one, bought brand new, religiously maintained, perfect shape other than completely rusted wheel house back left passenger side. Shock went through rusted area all the way to trunk. Mazda recalled models 2003 to 2004 for this problem yet so many 2005 Mazda Tribute owners are having exact problem especially when manufactured in 2004! This is serious and I had my granddaughter with m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
CAR WAS PARKED IN A CARPORT ON FLAT GROUND. CAME OUTSIDE CAR WAS GONE .. ROLLED OUT OF THE CARPORT DOWN A 500 FT DRIVEWAY, TURNED INTO THE DRIVEWAY ACROSS THE HIGHWAY INTO A VEHICLE PARKED THERE.. ELECTRONIC BRAKING WAS APPLIED AND STILL ENGAGED.. PARKED THE CAR BACK INTO THE CARPORT AND TRIED PUSHING IT OUT OF THE CARPORT AND WOULDNT BUDGE... MY VEHICLE ROLLED ACROSS A BUSY HIGHWAY AND IF THE ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
Driver seat has become loose and rocks forward in an up and down fashion while driving. Can be rock by hand as well when not sitting in the seat. A prior recall addressed this issue with 2010-2011 Mazda 3's. This is a 2012 that is having the same problem, but the recall does not apply to it. The recall needs to be expanded to included all vehicles experiencing this issue. NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2021
This is more of a general notice to fellow Mazda CX-5 drivers with the issue described below: Our car is a 2018 CX-5 with 25K miles. The check engine light came on upon entering the highway at the beginning of the day. Subsequently, stopping by an AutoZone to diagnose it revealed a malfunctioning thermostat. Only then did I realize the car took a long time to reach the operating temperature (for ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
My 2019 Mazda CX 5 with 25000 miles stopped moving on my way home. It was towed to John Kennedy Mazda in Conshohocken PA on 11/22/2021. It was diagnosed with a failed transmission and still awaiting replacement as of 1/3/22.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
The passenger side rear wheel well has rusted out and the brake mount is deteriorating as well affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have been told that this is a common issue on Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape models for the years 2001-2005 by my mechanic as well as Mazda dealer reps. They stated the 2001-2004 models were recalled but not the 2005. However, t hey mentioned that these should lik... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2021
The AWD system failed leaving the car dangerous to drive in rain and snowy weather. Car is still stuck in my driveway as the front wheels are spinning and no power to the rear wheels. My Mother's AWD with similar M+S tires drove out with no problems. Waiting for the snow to melt to be able to take my car into the shop. Reading online this seems like a known Mazda issue.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
At high speeds, air enters through the front windshield from outside of the car and into the cabin, making a whistling sound. It seems the problem is with the windshield design or fit.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
Dealer diagnosed manufacturing defect that caused crack in head. {Which could lead to engine failure, and subsequent accident due to engine failure during operation.} Engine lost coolant. No overheating noted. No warning/error codes noted.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2021
NHTSA Campaign ID : 09E011000 Mfg's Report Date : MAR 31, 2009 Component : EQUIPMENT Potential Number Of Units Affected : 2323 Summary : THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPME... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 28, 2021
2013 Mazda 6 VIN [XXX] 1)Fuel tank leak. yes it is available for inspection 2)Gas leak with danger of fire or explosion. 3) Yes 4) No 5)Yes Reoccurring The 2014 Mazda 6 had a recall for the exact same problem I am having where the tank would overfill or if parked unlevel and it will activate a check engine light and "leak gas" out of the EVAP canister even while driving. The recall covered cars... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
My front sub frame was completely rotted, unsafe to drive and was repaired with Mazda's recall. It now appears that the REAR sub frame is rusting at an excessive rate. I have been reading several complaints where the same incidents are happening with the rear sub frame snapping while people are driving. Car is not safe. This needs to be addressed by Mazda. They are aware of front sub frame, b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
While driving at low speed (less than 50 mph) truck experienced brake loss. Was able to slow down and have no accident. Towed truck to mechanic and the next day brakes worked fine. Took truck to both AAA and to Mazda dealership for repair and no one can duplicate the issue. No instrument lights came on and no code was given for additional information. It has been stated that ABS Master cylinder an... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact restarted the vehicle and corrected the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer performed a Special Service Program (SSP) Recall #: SSPC7 (TCU Connect Concern CV/Battery) where the TCU software was updated... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2021
front passenger side CV Axle/Boot, control arm, tie rod end fell apart causing tire to dislocate from vehicle. Vehicle has been properly maintained. It is at Mazda dealer service dept. It can be inspected there. If this fell apart on freeway it could have caused a major accident and loss of life. Dealer has not confirmed problem yet, awaiting their inspection. There were no warning signs or sym... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2021
Visibility/safety issue with OEM Mazda windshields. Objects appear highly distorted from all angles, making it hard to judge distance, read road signs, and drive safely without a disorienting level of distraction occurring at all times. Some objects appear magnified while others seem shrunken, as well as shorter or taller than they actually are. Straight lines appear rippled and in some cases, com... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
I was driving on the highway, at about 65 mph. The engine lost power and the car began to slow down. It did not respond to the accelerator, but the power was still on. I was lucky enough to be able to pull over to the shoulder without colliding, but it was extremely fortunate that no cars were obstructing me at the time. I put the car into park once stopped and turned the engine off. I tried to re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
I was driving on the highway, at about 65 mph. The engine lost power and the car began to slow down. It did not respond to the accelerator, but the power was still on. I was lucky enough to be able to pull over to the shoulder without colliding, but it was extremely fortunate that no cars were obstructing me at the time. I put the car into park once stopped and turned the engine off. I tried to re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2021
I was driving on the highway, at about 65 mph. The engine lost power and the car began to slow down. It did not respond to the accelerator, but the power was still on. I was lucky enough to be able to pull over to the shoulder without colliding, but it was extremely fortunate that no cars were obstructing me at the time. I put the car into park once stopped and turned the engine off. I tried to re... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2021
Low engine oil light displayed at 7,030 miles. No leaks detected. Engine consuming oil burning in combustion chamber. Possible engine damage or failure if oil was not quickly refilled.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
I have had to replace the battery on this vehicle three times in the last year. I have taken it to Mazda who replaces the battery. No excessive electrical power is being used with in the car. The car is driven regularly as well.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2021
I have had to replace the battery on this vehicle three times in the last year. I have taken it to Mazda who replaces the battery. No excessive electrical power is being used with in the car. The car is driven regularly as well.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the "go to the nearest safe location" warning message was displayed. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that an unknown belt and unknown pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2021
EL VEHICULO TIENE PROBLEMAS DE ENCENDIDO, DESPUES DE ESTAR EN REPOSO DOS DIAS NO ENCIENDE SE TIENE QUE PASAR CORRIENTE, INCLUSIVE EN MANEJOS CORTOS AL VOLVER A ENCENDER EL VEHICULO PRESENTA EL MISMO PROBLEMA, ESTE ES UN PROBLEMA EN LA MAYORIA DE ESTE TIPO DE VEHICULOS, MISMOS QUE SON ENCONTRADOS MUCHOS COMENTARIOS EN INTERNET, EL VEHICULO ESTA EN LA CDMX MEXICO.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2021
EL VEHICULO TIENE PROBLEMAS DE ENCENDIDO, DESPUES DE ESTAR EN REPOSO DOS DIAS NO ENCIENDE SE TIENE QUE PASAR CORRIENTE, INCLUSIVE EN MANEJOS CORTOS AL VOLVER A ENCENDER EL VEHICULO PRESENTA EL MISMO PROBLEMA, ESTE ES UN PROBLEMA EN LA MAYORIA DE ESTE TIPO DE VEHICULOS, MISMOS QUE SON ENCONTRADOS MUCHOS COMENTARIOS EN INTERNET, EL VEHICULO ESTA EN LA CDMX MEXICO.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
Bought the car brand new in May 2021, did a first oil change at around 4K miles due to the fact the car uses conventional 5w-30 oil and not synthetic oil. At around 7k miles the low oil engine light came on. Checked the dipstick and it was low. Added a quart of oil to hold me over until the next available appointment. Dealer could not find any leaks, they completed a oil change again. I went in ag... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
Bought the car brand new in May 2021, did a first oil change at around 4K miles due to the fact the car uses conventional 5w-30 oil and not synthetic oil. At around 7k miles the low oil engine light came on. Checked the dipstick and it was low. Added a quart of oil to hold me over until the next available appointment. Dealer could not find any leaks, they completed a oil change again. I went in ag... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
The car display turns on and off, creating distraction and inability to control car setting, including safety capabilities. This display was replace by an authorized dealer on August 2020 but in September 2021 the display start given the same issues that concern my safety and the safety of my family.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
At about noon on 12/19/21 I was approaching the Tappan Zee (Mario Cuomo) Bridge in New York State going west. My car briefly stopped accelerating when I put my foot on the gas pedal but then continued on as normal. No warning lights or other signs of trouble appeared, and I continued onto the bridge and was in the center lane. There was moderate traffic on the bridge. Suddenly, my car started shak... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2021
At about noon on 12/19/21 I was approaching the Tappan Zee (Mario Cuomo) Bridge in New York State going west. My car briefly stopped accelerating when I put my foot on the gas pedal but then continued on as normal. No warning lights or other signs of trouble appeared, and I continued onto the bridge and was in the center lane. There was moderate traffic on the bridge. Suddenly, my car started shak... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her daughter's residence. The contact then towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
System failure: front and rear hydraulic brakes. Yes, the safety of the driver and passenger were put at risk. No, the problem was not confirmed by the dealer or service center. Why not? See below: a) As the brake components (brake pads) were assumed to be wear items and not covered under warranty, the brake components were replaced (brake rotors and pads) and the calipers were rebuilt. c) The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2021
Parking brake does not fully disengage. This causes the rear brakes to wear prematurely and also has the potential to generate excessive heat.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
While driving the vehicle decided to suddenly brake ....... thinking it was dangerous ..... lucky no one was behind me ..... that was really scarry and could have caused an accident for no reason.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
While driving the vehicle decided to suddenly brake ....... thinking it was dangerous ..... lucky no one was behind me ..... that was really scarry and could have caused an accident for no reason.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
2017 Mazda CX 9 signature engine failure at 89,000 miles. July 2021 check engine light came on, this was three months prior to failure. Was told it was a known computer issue and was charged over $200 to fix. November 2021 car started running hot while driving down the road. Red thermostat came on while driving. Was able to get the vehicle to the Mazda dealer that has done routine service on the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
Instrument panel display shows a warrning message: Air Bag System Malfunction. Have the Vehicle inspected.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
The front frame is rusted out to the point it is unsafe. This is the same issue for the 2009 2010 models.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2021
Was driving my grandchildren home when an alarm that I had never heard before started sounding and BRAKE! showed up on the heads up display. The car came to a stop out in the middle of the street even though there was nothing in front of or around the vehicle. It was a good thing there was not a car behind me or they would have rear-ended my vehicle and we or the people in the car that hit us coul... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
Engine stalled while driving and all the dashboard lights turned on. Could not turn engine back on again. Upon inspection, it was found that the fuel injector pump was faulty and was subsequently replaced by the dealership. Fast forward a year, check engine light came on and vehicle began to stall again. Dealership states that the fuel injector burnt out due to the initial fault in the fuel injec... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
Engine stalled while driving and all the dashboard lights turned on. Could not turn engine back on again. Upon inspection, it was found that the fuel injector pump was faulty and was subsequently replaced by the dealership. Fast forward a year, check engine light came on and vehicle began to stall again. Dealership states that the fuel injector burnt out due to the initial fault in the fuel injec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
Blower motor stopped working summer of 2020. Had it replaced at the dealership and it again stopped working in summer of 2021. Had it replaced once again and it is now making horrible noises again as it did right before it blew up the last two times
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
According to other people on forums, the issue is inside the fuel tank. A piece of metal in the fuel tank has broken off and it scrapping inside the tank itself. I have no taken my car to a mechanic, yet. But, based on the multiple forums, this is an ongoing issue with Mazdas. You hear it mostly when your driving and come to a stop. Once stopped, you heard the scrapping until the car/fuel stops sh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2021
Since 2019 there have been several instances with my vehicle where someone has been able to knock the power offline thereby disabling it. It happened in five locations - a storage location in Olive BranchN MS, a former address in Memphis, TN (4330 Angarath Dr), a restaurant (Sonic) in Greenville, MS and twice in Greenville, MS both at a local park (Hardee Park). I never received any recall notic... Read more