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: Aug 27, 2026
On a high-speed highway (Route 14), the vehicle suffered a sudden flat tire/air loss event, forcing an emergency pull-off onto a narrow shoulder with 65 mph traffic. Subsequent inspection revealed the failed tire and the rest of the set were manufactured in late 2007 (DOT code 4907). These 19-year-old tires were installed by a professional tire shop despite being far beyond their safe service lif... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2026
The sunroof spontaneously shattered while I was driving. It sounded like a small explosion. I am positive that no object struck the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH and turning into a driveway, smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off and inspected. Upon opening the hood, smoke was observed near the rear firewall of the engine compartment, and oil was leaking under the engine compartment. The source of the leak could not be identified initially, an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
I am reporting a severe electrical fire and system failure hazard resulting from unauthorized, dealership-installed aftermarket wiring modifications on a brand new 2026 Mazda CX-30. At the point of sale, Walker's Renton Mazda ([XXX]) spliced invasive, unauthorized aftermarket tracking/security wiring (suspected LoJack or similar) directly into the factory CAN-bus and main wiring harnesses. Thes... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
I am reporting a severe electrical fire and system failure hazard resulting from unauthorized, dealership-installed aftermarket wiring modifications on a brand new 2026 Mazda CX-30. At the point of sale, Walker's Renton Mazda ([XXX]) spliced invasive, unauthorized aftermarket tracking/security wiring (suspected LoJack or similar) directly into the factory CAN-bus and main wiring harnesses. Thes... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
steering wheel feels "sticky" turning left. this is a safety issue as it can potentially cause an accident, the vehicle is currently at a mazda dealership, no warning lamps or messages.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
My vehicle experienced a total, premature radiator failure at 43,500 miles, after the manufacturer's factory warranty expired. The vehicle began leaking engine coolant rapidly. This creates a severe safety hazard, as a sudden loss of coolant leads to immediate engine overheating, potential engine stall, and catastrophic failure while driving at highway speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.A cert... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
On multiple occasions the vehicle has not acceleratedfrom a stop while pushing the accelerator pedal. Have noticed this is usually on warmer days, with AC on half to full, within 3 minutes, and within 1 mile from leaving work for the day after car has sat parked. I am worried this will get worse and cause a potentially dangerous situation when turning left against traffic and the car doesn't accel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
On multiple occasions the vehicle has not acceleratedfrom a stop while pushing the accelerator pedal. Have noticed this is usually on warmer days, with AC on half to full, within 3 minutes, and within 1 mile from leaving work for the day after car has sat parked. I am worried this will get worse and cause a potentially dangerous situation when turning left against traffic and the car doesn't accel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
During normal operation of the car the radiator sprung a leak which could have resulted in leaving us stranded with our young kid. this was verified by the dealership who's only solution has been to replace the radiator at our expense. There were no warning lights or other indications of the damage other than coolant leaking from the bottom of the car
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
I bought my 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV 10 months ago with 22000 miles on it and no and now has 29000 miles on it. First thing I had a issue with was a Motor Mount was bad, took 12 weeks to get part was told it was safe to drive. Next, since I have had the vehicle I have been having a issue with the transmission making a noise while both shifting from first to second and also on down shifting. It does ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
The vehicle exhibits a repeatable low-speed driveline-related problem consisting of pronounced clicking or clunking from the driver-front area, fore-and-aft jerking, and harsh engagement during deceleration and light on/off-throttle transitions, particularly around 15–17 mph; the behavior can become significantly worse over rough or uneven terrain. The exact failed component or system has not ye... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
The vehicle exhibits a repeatable low-speed driveline-related problem consisting of pronounced clicking or clunking from the driver-front area, fore-and-aft jerking, and harsh engagement during deceleration and light on/off-throttle transitions, particularly around 15–17 mph; the behavior can become significantly worse over rough or uneven terrain. The exact failed component or system has not ye... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
The vehicle exhibits a repeatable low-speed driveline-related problem consisting of pronounced clicking or clunking from the driver-front area, fore-and-aft jerking, and harsh engagement during deceleration and light on/off-throttle transitions, particularly around 15–17 mph; the behavior can become significantly worse over rough or uneven terrain. The exact failed component or system has not ye... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Recently, while driving our Mazda CX-90 (2025) we noticed a persistent and constant odor of fuel/gasoline vapors arise from the vehicle. We noticed this after driving the vehicle approximately 120 min from Las Vegas, NV to St. George, UT. The smell was intoxicating and nauseating. I took it into 2 local dealerships to investigate and called Mazda USA headquarters and spoke to a supervisor located ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
It’s now in the shop being torn down for further inspection but it looks to be a cracked cylinder head leak .
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
It’s now in the shop being torn down for further inspection but it looks to be a cracked cylinder head leak .
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
It’s now in the shop being torn down for further inspection but it looks to be a cracked cylinder head leak .
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The vehicle was brought to Mazda three times for the same brake-related concern. The issue occurred during braking and has not been resolved despite inspections and repair attempts.” If you’re listing each visit, do it like “Visit 1: Customer reported brake noise. Dealer inspected. Visit 2: Same concern returned, vehicle brought back for diagnosis and repair. Visit 3: Brake-related issue rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The vehicle was brought to Mazda three times for the same brake-related concern. The issue occurred during braking and has not been resolved despite inspections and repair attempts.” If you’re listing each visit, do it like “Visit 1: Customer reported brake noise. Dealer inspected. Visit 2: Same concern returned, vehicle brought back for diagnosis and repair. Visit 3: Brake-related issue rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The vehicle was brought to Mazda three times for the same brake-related concern. The issue occurred during braking and has not been resolved despite inspections and repair attempts.” If you’re listing each visit, do it like “Visit 1: Customer reported brake noise. Dealer inspected. Visit 2: Same concern returned, vehicle brought back for diagnosis and repair. Visit 3: Brake-related issue rep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The high beams would turn on by themselves, and no matter what I did, they wouldn't turn off. Each time the high beams turned on, I would have to fiddle with the control stick for a few minutes until the high beams turned off. Sometimes they would turn off for a second and then just turn back on. This is dangerous as it can blind other drivers. This has happened ever since I bought the car a few m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
1.5 years after purchasing new my passenger side front door would not open from the inside. Mazda states car is out of warranty at 36837 miles indicating a cable had come disconnected. Approximately 1.5 years later at 59934 miles the front passenger door again would not open from the inside. Mazda states that this door is used frequently (it is not) and after troubleshooting replaced the door h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
1.5 years after purchasing new my passenger side front door would not open from the inside. Mazda states car is out of warranty at 36837 miles indicating a cable had come disconnected. Approximately 1.5 years later at 59934 miles the front passenger door again would not open from the inside. Mazda states that this door is used frequently (it is not) and after troubleshooting replaced the door h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
The Mazda cx5 2026 I purchased has a white film behind both headlights. Mazda refuses to replace headlights stating this is normal. However it is a manufacturing defect. This is a structural problem from outgassing causing a permanent haze on inside of each lens which is considered to be a night visibility hazard. I bought vehicle second week in XXX.Took it back to service dept on XXX. They said n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking engine oil, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that upon further inspection, there was a puddle of engine oil on the ground while the vehicle was idling. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Engine revs or surges while in park, possibly faulty throttle box
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
We purchased a certified pre-owned Mazda CX-5 from Wellesley Mazda in [XXX] on XXX. As soon as we got home and tried to exit the vehicle, we noticed that the driver's seatbelt was not releasing. Since then, we have noticed that the seat belt has not latched or unlatched properly. Our concern is that a manufacturer-certified vehicle was delivered to a consumer with an intermittently failing primary... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel became stuck momentarily and experienced resistance while attempting to return the steering wheel to center. The contact stated that additional force was needed to return the steering wheel to center. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
I was driving my 2026 Mazda CX-30 in a parking lot and was pulling into a parking space at a very low speed. I lightly pressed the accelerator to move the car forward, but the car suddenly surged forward much faster than I intended or expected based on how lightly I had pressed the pedal. The sudden acceleration resulted in a collision and property damage. There were no warning lights, warning me... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
I was driving my 2026 Mazda CX-30 in a parking lot and was pulling into a parking space at a very low speed. I lightly pressed the accelerator to move the car forward, but the car suddenly surged forward much faster than I intended or expected based on how lightly I had pressed the pedal. The sudden acceleration resulted in a collision and property damage. There were no warning lights, warning me... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
I was driving my 2026 Mazda CX-30 in a parking lot and was pulling into a parking space at a very low speed. I lightly pressed the accelerator to move the car forward, but the car suddenly surged forward much faster than I intended or expected based on how lightly I had pressed the pedal. The sudden acceleration resulted in a collision and property damage. There were no warning lights, warning me... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
Istop engine malfunction Msp66, 2nd time occurring after recall fix
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Reporting Product Defect in Mazda Vehicles I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring design flaw affecting current Mazda vehicles, including models such as CX30, MX30, and potentially the Mazda3 series. Following heavy rain or high humidity conditions, there is a consistent issue with the tire pressure sensor alarming and the smart key being unable to unlock the car doors. I have check... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that while driving around a long curve, the steering wheel started sticking, requiring the contact to return the steering wheel to center. No warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V022000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
Driving down the freeway, the car throws an error code, reduces speed from 75 to 40 in seconds, with enough time to pull off the freeway. The car has an error code stating "Hybrid battery malfunction." Now the car will not start. The Dealer could not get it started and now wants to charge me for a diagnostic. But from my understanding, they should cover a new battery under EPA regulations (40 CFR ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
I purchased the vehicle used. The issue I have been having is the steering feels sticky, heavy, or briefly resistant when turning. It is very prominent when turning the steering wheel to the left, especially going around corners and rotaries, but even bends in the road. When trying to straighten out after the turn, I have to jerk the steering wheel back to the other direction. This becomes a c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious steering safety issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90, which I purchased on March 24, 2026, with approximately 40,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent Mazda Safety Recall 6524A involving the steering system and increased steering effort. After purchasing the vehicle, it developed a serious steering problem. At approximately 50–65 mph, the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious steering safety issue with my 2024 Mazda CX-90, which I purchased on March 24, 2026, with approximately 40,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent Mazda Safety Recall 6524A involving the steering system and increased steering effort. After purchasing the vehicle, it developed a serious steering problem. At approximately 50–65 mph, the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased. The dealer inspected the vehicle multiple times; on the first attempts they could not duplicate the issue. On a later visit, the vehicle di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
On multiple occasions, the steering wheel became stiff or locked while driving or during start-up, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted from Park to Drive. This occurred repeatedly since the vehicle was purchased. The dealer inspected the vehicle multiple times; on the first attempts they could not duplicate the issue. On a later visit, the vehicle di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
While operating the vehicle, the transmission suffered an abrupt failure resulting in Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0720 (Output Speed Sensor Circuit). Further diagnostic inspection revealed a complete internal failure of the integrated valve body assembly, which houses the Transmission Control Module (TCM), solenoids, and output speed sensors. The failure caused an immediate loss of gear select... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
When I use the adaptive cruise control and use the lane keeping assistance the system keeps giving me an error message that I'm not looking at the road. I believe this is a known problem and Hyundai pushed an software fix TSB 25-G1-16H in November 2025. My car appears to have the update but still repeatedly gives me the same error message. It's very distracting and since the error message flash... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers were inoperable. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
In September 2025, the manufacturer issued a component specific extended limited warranty(MINI ELW FRM 15Y/186M)acknowledging the Footwell Module (FRM) may fail after a 12-volt battery disconnect or power supply interruption. My vehicle was identified by VIN as affected. Beginning in 2021, my vehicle experienced recurring electrical failures consistent with FRM failure: three battery replacements ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Ford Motor Company put out a recall on the PCM. I had the recall performed and it has caused more damage to my truck. It now has eratic shifting, stuck gears, and going into limpmode. Ford Forums show that this is an ongoing issue after the reset is performed creating an unsafe vehicle to drive. The check engine light is now on and was not prior to this recall reset.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
This July (2026) I found the power steering to fail on two separate hot days, a similar issue also occurred in July of 2025. Using an OBDII reader it appears that it may have been related to a torque sensor.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure could have caused a severe accident and jeopardized the well being of my wife, daughter, her friend and myself along with any other people th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
My vehicle was stopped at a busy intersection, idling in the automatic stop mode. When my husband moved his foot from the brake to the accelerator, the car stalled, orange alarm alerts went off, and the car was completely dead and stalled without power. The car needed to be restarted, and it took a few attempts to accomplish that task. I have had the same problem before with this car and have had... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
My car will randomly go into limp mode and I am unable to accelerate. The auto stop/start light will flash orange on the dashboard. I need to pull over and restart car and it seems to reset. I see there is a recall for a 2021 KIA Sorrento but I don't think it affected my vehicle even though the issue is exactly the same. Recall #22V6000. It happened once a few months ago then didn't reoccur u... Read more