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: 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
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
Incident date: Dec 5, 2021
It just hard and cant really drive it
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
2021 Mazda cr-5 Automatic rear hatch comes open on its own. This has happened 6-7 times. I make sure the car is locked and have come back to parking lot to find the hatch open. I have even locked the car and when I have walked to door of Walmart (long way off) and look back the hatch is not open. When I come back out, the rear hatch is open. I took to dealership and they could not rectify t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
2016 Mazda CX-5 windshield wipers - Correctly operating windshield wipers have four modes: single wipe, intermittent wipe, slow continuous wipe, high speed continuous wipe. One morning (September, 2021) used the single wipe mode to clear overnight accumulated moisture (car parked outside) but wiper made five passes instead of one and then stopped in an 'up' or 'non-parked' position. Tried the ot... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Dashboard melting and warping causing visibility issues, as well as the dashboard should never be melting. This should be recalled as it is a known and widespread issue.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
Engine light came on, pulled over to the side to open the hood. Engine was smoking and oil was leaking all over the floor. Checked the oil dipsitick, still had oil but could smell the burnt oil. Towed the truck to the dealers and said its Engine head cylinder is cracked.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
2015 MADZDA S. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
Our 2018 CX5 has only 28K miles. During a recent oil change at our local auto repair facility I was informed that the driver's side rear shock was leaking oil and needed to be replaced. After some research I found there is a Mazda TSB (Bulletin No.: 02-001/21) stating that many 2017-2020 CX5s left the factory with defective rear shocks. In my opinion, loss of shocks could affect stability of a v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the part did not fit the fuel tank. The technical advisor was contacted and informed the contact that the style fuel tank was no longer being used. The manufacturer was contacted however, no ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the power steering assist and brakes failed, causing the vehicle to crash into trees. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife attempted to turn off the vehicle, but it would not turn off. The fire department had to di... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 35 - 40 MPH, the power steering assist and brakes failed, causing the vehicle to crash into trees. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. All of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife attempted to turn off the vehicle, but it would not turn off. The fire department had to di... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
While driving engine started to sound louder and vibrating eventually engine shifted seems that one or more of the engine mounts completely broke.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
Almost every time you drive at speeds of 75 mph+ or when there are strong winds on the highway, there is a whistling noise that comes from the drivers side door frame. This has been reported online in many groups. There are even video's with the exact problem available. NHTSA ID Number: 11429312 goes into the details in depth and I can say that my experience is exactly the same as theirs.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormally loud chirping and squeaking noise coming from the driver’s side front wheel. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected however, the dealer could not duplicate or diagnose the cause for the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the suspension. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
On 11/28/2021, my vehicle suddenly showing five warnings 1, front camera sensor malfunction, 2, smart brake system malfunction, 3, forward smart city brake support malfunction, 4, HBC/LAS system malfunction, and 5, SCBC malfunction. I have no idea which part was go wrong, but this is not the first time my vehicle shows the same warning. Back to 12/20/2019, my vehicle has a same warning showed, I b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
On 11/28/2021, my vehicle suddenly showing five warnings 1, front camera sensor malfunction, 2, smart brake system malfunction, 3, forward smart city brake support malfunction, 4, HBC/LAS system malfunction, and 5, SCBC malfunction. I have no idea which part was go wrong, but this is not the first time my vehicle shows the same warning. Back to 12/20/2019, my vehicle has a same warning showed, I b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
On 11/28/2021, my vehicle suddenly showing five warnings 1, front camera sensor malfunction, 2, smart brake system malfunction, 3, forward smart city brake support malfunction, 4, HBC/LAS system malfunction, and 5, SCBC malfunction. I have no idea which part was go wrong, but this is not the first time my vehicle shows the same warning. Back to 12/20/2019, my vehicle has a same warning showed, I b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
My vehicle has an open recall that poses a safety risk for myself and all passengers. I spoke with Mazda Service Department/Dealer in my area and they stated that Mazda would not have these parts available until summer of 2022. The service department also stated “the vehicle is completely safe to drive”. I am wary of this response as a potential stalled engine is a major safety risk for myself... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2021
The headlights are too dim for safe night driving. Bulbs also fail yearly. This is a common problem reported with 2012 MAZDA CX7
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
While driving on a remote highway the seat heating was on on both the driver and passenger seat. After a while it felt way ti hot and smelled like something burning and found the passenger jacket (that was taken off and left behind his back to be extensively burnt. We stopped and checked the seat. We found a big hole and the seat was damaged as well as the 300 dls coat. Plus the risk of having bur... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
While driving on a remote highway the seat heating was on on both the driver and passenger seat. After a while it felt way ti hot and smelled like something burning and found the passenger jacket (that was taken off and left behind his back to be extensively burnt. We stopped and checked the seat. We found a big hole and the seat was damaged as well as the 300 dls coat. Plus the risk of having bur... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
The seals around headlights are failing and causing moisture infiltration. Limiting distance of visibility during night driving. I have found through forums that this is a common occurrence.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became very stiff and was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact drove the vehicle with manual steering to his destination. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2021
We purchased a set of headlights and taillights via Amazon from Perde on 12/8/20 after verifying they would fit the vehicle-confirmed with the description provided online. The product that was delivered is defective and presents a fire/electrical safety concern. We installed them, which we had issues initially with the turn signals. While we worked to figure that piece out, we left in the new o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2021
Hello, I have 2012 Mazda6 was involved in a previous Safety Recall in regards to a rusting engine subframe. I was informed to bring my car in my local Mazda Dealer. My car has serious rusting issues with my subframe, Mazda decided in lieu of replacing the subframe they attached a subframe brace. While having my car serviced the mechanic and I noticed SEVERE rusting at the subframe which this recal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
ON Nov 4th my Mazda CX5 alerted me to low engine oil level by illuminating dashboard symbol and app notification. I attached a file containing an explanation of the issue, emails directed to Mazda corporation and Napelton Mazda in Naperville IL. I also attached screenshots of the in app notification and the Mazda TSB which I had to find on my own because Mazda coporate and both the selling/servici... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
The driver's side low beam headlight wiring harness melts and seems to be continuing problem. Even after replacing stock, (which melted,) with a better wiring harness it still began to melt and loose circuit, but like I said it was doing this before ever being replaced. Happens every couple months are so depending on amount of night driving. I have read several complaints about this happening to s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2021
The driver's side low beam headlight wiring harness melts and seems to be continuing problem. Even after replacing stock, (which melted,) with a better wiring harness it still began to melt and loose circuit, but like I said it was doing this before ever being replaced. Happens every couple months are so depending on amount of night driving. I have read several complaints about this happening to s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
After pushing the button to turn my car off, the engine turns off but none of the electronics does. I have to turn my car on and off numerous times to get the navigation/radio screen to turn off, I'm a single woman and I don't want to come back to my car to find a dead battery late at night with no one around. I was advised that Mazda was aware of the problem with the sensor #KDY0-46-040, but wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Strong gasoline odor outside the vehicle. I verified that the gas cap is locked after filling up. I see no dash board warning lights that would suggest that there is a problem with the fuel cap or fuel system. The odor is still there even after running the tank down considerably. The smell is mostly detected on the driver side of the vehicle starting at the driver door and moving toward the rear ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
The vehicle stall at very low speed in a parking lot could not restart it was turning over the battery was fine came back 3 hours later and was able to start
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
The vehicle stall at very low speed in a parking lot could not restart it was turning over the battery was fine came back 3 hours later and was able to start
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The part was not available for repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
While stopped at a pharmacy pick up window, I engaged the auto hold. I took my foot off the break and about 3 seconds later my car lurched forward about a whole car length. There was nothing in front of me, but had there been I would have hit it.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
Randomly, the parking lights, tail lights, and climate control lighting will fail. This has happened to me multiple times over a number of years. Striking the right side of the center console will generally result in functionality being restored. Sometimes, simply turning the lights off and then on again results in the failure as well. My assumption, based on online forums where others have had th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
The airbag light on Dash comes on and goes off randomly then going on for 6 months. Obviously there's an open circuit in system that others have as well See a lot of others on here with the same problem over 100,000 miles
Incident date: May 1, 2019
The car will not shut off while in park when you push the start/stop button. it stays in ACC mode. It takes multiple times to completely shut the car off.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 1991 Mazda RX-7. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side automatic seat belts failed to retract when the doors are opened. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they had the parts to repair the front passenger's side seat belt but not the parts for the front driver's side seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
Defective water pump located inside the engine that when failure occurs can cause coolant to leak into engine causing complete engine failure. This is a major safety hazard due to the fact that these cars with defective water pumps can break down with very little warning in the middle of a freeway! I have contacted Mazda who refuses to do anything due to it being outside warranty but will not ackn... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2013
Low beam headlights burn out every 6 months, no matter the quality of bulb. Casings are discolored on the inside and light doesn't project beyond about 4 feet, doesn't reach the car bumper in front of me. Cannot be corrected with lens cleaning kits or improved with brighter bulbs. Very dangerous. I cannot see in low light or dark at all. I've had this car since 2013 and it gets progressively worse... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioning became warm and the fan was abnormally loud. Additionally, the engine temperature gauge was high. The contact pulled over and refilled the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who initially diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was not operating properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer reprogrammed the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). However, the failure recurred. After taking the vehicle back from the dealer, the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed, when the windshield wiper inadvertently engaged, and several unknown w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX5. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was not operating properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer reprogrammed the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). However, the failure recurred. After taking the vehicle back from the dealer, the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed, when the windshield wiper inadvertently engaged, and several unknown w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
Brakes became soft. Needed to pump them to stop the vehicle. My mechanic changed pads, rotors and master cylinder. However, it did not fix the problem. I have read several reports of people complaining about the same issue, likely related to a faulty ABS module. Safety issues should be addresses promptly by reputable manufacturers.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2021
I have had this happen multiple times. I try to turn off the car and it will not shut off. It makes noises and beeps, but you can do nothing to turn off the car. This makes the battery die. The first time I freaked out and called Mazda headquarters. They got a tow truck sent to me and my car was taken to Brown's Mazda in Fairfax. They told me the battery was dead and that is why that happened. I h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2021
The fuel pump lock ring on my 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 has failed which is causing two engine codes: P0442 and P0455. In addition there is a strong smell of gasoline fumes around the rear of the car after driving and parking. The fuel pump lock ring is a plastic threaded ring which secures and seals the fuel pump and fuel level sender to the fuel tank. Mazda has released a safety recall 5121I for ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
The design of the remote control is poor. Placement of the buttons on the side and the light pressure needed to activate the unlock for the trunk has led to it opening unexpectedly. It can open and strike a pedestrian when you did not intend to activate the powered trunk open feature. It could also open when near an object and damage the trunk b/c of how sensitive the remote buttons are. This has... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
I purchased a 2014 Mazda CX-9 on 12/14/2019. On Monday 10/18/2021 I was driving on the Hwy on the way home and my check engine light came. I had my mechanic check it out and he said the computer read a P0019 code. So on 10/20/2021, I took it to the dealer where I originally purchased it and this was the same code they found. At the local dealership, I was told that apparently, the water pump need... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle was bouncing up and down. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred multiple times and only while the vehicle was stopped. The dealer was contacted but was unable to provide a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. In addition, while driving at ap... Read more