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: Oct 2, 2022
Oil light has come one twice within 17,000 miles of owner ship. The first time at 4,800 miles and the second at 17,529 miles, the most recent was only 3,500 miles since the last oil change.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
In 2017 had my front control arms replaced after the driver side CV arm came off of the axle due to a recall. 5 years later (about 30k miles) the same exact situation happened now with the passenger side making a left turn. Thankfully both times I didn’t cause an accident but came close due to the wheel coming off of the axle. Brought to dealership, they had to get approval from corporate for... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
The forward smart city brake malfunction front radar sense malfunction caused my car to slow down on the express with the check engine light blinking.
Incident date: May 19, 2022
At approximately 5,612 miles, the low oil pressure light came on. After changing the oil, it happened again at 7,760 miles. Both times the light came on, the oil level was low.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
Purchased Mazda CX-30 Turbo car new March 31, 2021, in Jan 2022 low oil light came on with only 5,000 miles. Dealer noted it was 1 qt low. Just prior to reaching 10,000 miles the low oil light came on again. This car is burning oil with normal driving; primarily from rural area into town 15 min away or freeway driving. This creates an unsafe situation with parts and engine failure.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
Purchased Mazda CX-30 Turbo car new March 31, 2021, in Jan 2022 low oil light came on with only 5,000 miles. Dealer noted it was 1 qt low. Just prior to reaching 10,000 miles the low oil light came on again. This car is burning oil with normal driving; primarily from rural area into town 15 min away or freeway driving. This creates an unsafe situation with parts and engine failure.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
rear passenger side wheel well ,shock tower mount ,and sub frame .shock tower mount broke fell off hit the cement , chipped my rim and crushed my break lines i took it to lafountaine mazda and they have done an estimate for repairs and damage
Incident date: Sep 30, 2022
rear passenger side wheel well ,shock tower mount ,and sub frame .shock tower mount broke fell off hit the cement , chipped my rim and crushed my break lines i took it to lafountaine mazda and they have done an estimate for repairs and damage
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
the cars engine makes loud rattling noise and slips gear. the vecicle jerks hard and feels as if transmission is slipping. car hesitates when i shift into gear, followed by a jerking and jolting into gear. my brakes are replaced frequently. mazda at 65643 miles on car found excess operating noise coming from engine coolant/water pump due to internal bearing failing. they replaced the water pump. s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
the cars engine makes loud rattling noise and slips gear. the vecicle jerks hard and feels as if transmission is slipping. car hesitates when i shift into gear, followed by a jerking and jolting into gear. my brakes are replaced frequently. mazda at 65643 miles on car found excess operating noise coming from engine coolant/water pump due to internal bearing failing. they replaced the water pump. s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
the cars engine makes loud rattling noise and slips gear. the vecicle jerks hard and feels as if transmission is slipping. car hesitates when i shift into gear, followed by a jerking and jolting into gear. my brakes are replaced frequently. mazda at 65643 miles on car found excess operating noise coming from engine coolant/water pump due to internal bearing failing. they replaced the water pump. s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Please see https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10166895-0001.pdf PARTS AND WARRANTY INFORMATION SSPB6 I, and many other Mazda6 owners, have this exact problem which prevents cell phones from being able to connect to the car's Bluetooth. As a result, drivers can not follow the law, i.e. All Maryland drivers are prohibited from using a Cell Phone without a Hands Free Device while operating a m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
Car has 13000 miles and is consuming oil
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle deci... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle deci... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
I have to put the key in the ignition a certain way and press on it to get the car to start and was told it is a pin that gets stuck in the steering column and it won't let the vehicle start and they said it is a Steering column lock module and there should be a recall on it. This is a big problem my fiance' has cancer and needs to be at her appointments when she has them not when the vehicle deci... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
To Whom It May Concern: On Sunday October 2, 2022, while driving in very rainy conditions caused by Hurricane Ian, my windshield wipers failed. On Monday, October 3, 2022, I took the car to an independent mechanic at Chesapeake Import Services in Annapolis, MD. The auto mechanic ran a diagnostic test on my vehicle to discover an electric malfunction caused by a defective relay. This is the same ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed stopped at a light, he noticed that the vehicle moved forward and the RPM was fluctuating from 600-1,000. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was duplicated; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
The media system glitches and has what Mazda calls "ghost touching". It is very common on 2017 Mazda CX-5 models. When driving, the entertainment system starts to spaz as if someone is switching back and forth through media, phone, navigation, system settings, etc. It is extremely distracting when driving, and can lower/increase the volume as well as call contacts when driving. There is no way to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Braking trouble recent in weeks in 2011 Mazda CX-9 vehicle. Had mechanic (Euro Motorsports in Chagrin Falls OH) check it out. Turned out to be a faulty Brake Booster. Mechanic test drove car; braking failed and he almost rear-ended another vehicle. He found on line a Mazda service notice dating from April 4, 2014 called SSP93. Mazda issued an extended warranty of 7 years or 90,000 miles, whic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
Upon exiting my local car wash, I drove my car around to the area used for vacuuming. I pulled into the parking space and when I applied the brake pedal to stop, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall of the building. I have the Car Wash Security Camera footage of this incident. It shows my brake light is ON at the car's point of acceleration and my brake light is ON at point of... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
Upon exiting my local car wash, I drove my car around to the area used for vacuuming. I pulled into the parking space and when I applied the brake pedal to stop, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall of the building. I have the Car Wash Security Camera footage of this incident. It shows my brake light is ON at the car's point of acceleration and my brake light is ON at point of... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
Upon exiting my local car wash, I drove my car around to the area used for vacuuming. I pulled into the parking space and when I applied the brake pedal to stop, the car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall of the building. I have the Car Wash Security Camera footage of this incident. It shows my brake light is ON at the car's point of acceleration and my brake light is ON at point of... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 24, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine Heads Cracked How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Smoke from engine bay and fumes entering cabin via AC vents. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, poli... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by her husband with a DTC code reader that the passenger's side air bag sensor was faulty and the passenger's side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
The parking brake does not disengage even after the recall fix was applied. Mazda refuses to look at it any more as the fix has passed your testing despite it not working.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
My car has a sticky-melting dashboard problem. When the sunlight hits it, the reflection on the windshield makes seeing ahead difficult. The dealer inspected it but they say there's nothing they can do about it.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
*Internal spider cracks on connect center displays. The cracks are internal and cannot be felt by touch. *unable to use gps screen, screen randomly changes sometimes *problem has been confirmed my dealer *mazda has issued a bulletin for the issue but won’t cover full cost of repairs
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, he could smell fuel fumes inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
Strong unburnt fuel smell had just started at 6700 miles. Mazda Dealership stated that they would not be looking at my car and that gas smells are normal... After this encounter, I had 2 mechanics look at my car. Both had concluded that the smell predominantly comes from near the rear driver wheel, under the body, and that it is an extremely dangerous situation. I am a full time student and do no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2022
Strong unburnt fuel smell had just started at 6700 miles. Mazda Dealership stated that they would not be looking at my car and that gas smells are normal... After this encounter, I had 2 mechanics look at my car. Both had concluded that the smell predominantly comes from near the rear driver wheel, under the body, and that it is an extremely dangerous situation. I am a full time student and do no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
When coming to a stop, car accelerated and went over curb. From a search of the internet I found examples with this and other cars where people with larger shoes had the same problem of pressing the brake and unintentionally pressing the accelerator pedal at the same time. I read of one manufacturer that programed the car to brake if both pedals are pressed at the same time and ignore the accelera... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2022
When coming to a stop, car accelerated and went over curb. From a search of the internet I found examples with this and other cars where people with larger shoes had the same problem of pressing the brake and unintentionally pressing the accelerator pedal at the same time. I read of one manufacturer that programed the car to brake if both pedals are pressed at the same time and ignore the accelera... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
Low Engine Oil displayed on dashboard after only a couple thousand miles/four months from last oil change service. Known issue with this year/model for a year (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10203724-0001.pdf), but no recall or fix has been offered other than topping off or changing the oil. The dealer did top off the oil for free as the notice says.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
AutoZone said that the part is called steering angle sensor and is locking up my car I am not able to press the gas as it only accelerates the engine and nothing else and the steering wheel lock I usually have my car turn on in the middle of traffic the part number they gave me is SU14859
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
AutoZone said that the part is called steering angle sensor and is locking up my car I am not able to press the gas as it only accelerates the engine and nothing else and the steering wheel lock I usually have my car turn on in the middle of traffic the part number they gave me is SU14859
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
Vehicle has only 50k miles and developed a coolant leak which was caused by a crack in the cylinder head. No check engine light or overheating, but this repair will cost was estimated as over $4k. A cracked cylinder head would eventually lead to vehicle overheating which can put driver and passengers in a dangerous situation if vehicle were to overheat while operating as this is a significant engi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The windshield is wavy. I don't know if it is the shape of the window, but very hard to see it of. Several owners have the same problem in online forums. Can't drive my vehicle long distances because I get extreme headaches, and visibility is decreased.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The windshield is wavy. I don't know if it is the shape of the window, but very hard to see it of. Several owners have the same problem in online forums. Can't drive my vehicle long distances because I get extreme headaches, and visibility is decreased.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on the interstate, the passenger’s side rear wheel well trim molding detached. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that the wheel well trim molding would be replaced. The parts were not yet available and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
UNKNOWN. Electric power steering just suddenly stopped working for no apparent reason. Very hard to steer. DANGEROUS!
Incident date: Jun 17, 2021
After roughly 2,000 miles of driving, the low oil light comes on. The engine is burning oil. Mazda has issued a TSB on it, but they have taken no action to fix the issue. Right now they just top off the oil.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
The engine oil low light has illuminated multiple times. I verified that there is no external engine oil leak. I have added oil and driven it for a couple thousand miles and the light is now on again. The car is brand new and should not be burning oil. Its a known issue as Mazda has a service bulletin but no fix for it. This is the bulletin number TSB-01-012/21.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2022
smart key. during driving all the lights on the dashboard come on and the siren goes off and unable to have it turn off. After a period of time, its wears down the battery and it is no longer drivable. First time, it was towed to the AAA auto repair and they could not find anything wrong with it. The 2nd and 3rd time, AAA towed it back to Maita Mazda where we purchased it in good faith less than t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2022
Notable distortion in the windshield horizontally through driver and passenger areas. Dealership has been helpful in replacing the windshield three times thus far. The most recent windshield is clearer but still with notable distortion and is considered an aftermarket windshield. Mazda is aware of the issue and was told they are giving pushback on replacements. This issue is noted numerous times o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
When the push button is pressed to turn the car off it will not always cut off. I have complained to the dealership often. They advised it is a known issue. It is now getting worse.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Detected slight odor of burning oil while highway driving, mileage approximately 8,650. Three days later “low oil level” warning light lit up, mileage 8928. Allowed car to rest and checked oil level manually. Oil level was slightly above the minimum required. No signs of oil on garage floor.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
Detected slight odor of burning oil while highway driving, mileage approximately 8,650. Three days later “low oil level” warning light lit up, mileage 8928. Allowed car to rest and checked oil level manually. Oil level was slightly above the minimum required. No signs of oil on garage floor.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Continuous oil loss from engine. No leaks but oil level diminishes and warning lights come on monthly.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
The entertainment system the screen goes crazy change station by itself make calls by himself and then goes black an the back camera doesn't work it's a very high destruction issue we need to reset it and works for a while then happen again thank you