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: Sep 1, 2022
warning lights FOR ABS
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
warning lights FOR ABS
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
While driving the vehicle went to stop car and was unable to stop brake pedal was hard as a rock luckily I didn't hit anything or anyone. upon further research it seems that this model has an issues with the brake booster failing causing exactly what I experienced. As it turns out I did not qualify for the extended warranty on the brake booster due to a agreement between you and mazda my issue i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2020
> I have a 2018 Mazda CX-9 with about 70,000 miles on it. Since 2020 this vehicle started developing cracks in the infotainment center screen. I only had about 23,000 miles on it at that time. the cracks are now starting to obscure my back up camera, communication system and nav system displays causing a safety issue. It is distracting to not be able to see clearly on this screen and I am afraid s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
The cylinder head has cracked and it leaks antifreeze. This can cause the vehicle to overheat and destroy the engine. It is apparently a known issue as Mazda has issued 3 technical service bulletins addressing the problem. They have even redesigned a new part to replace the faulty one. In the TSB they even address that the crack may be caused by "stress generated during production" In other ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
I took delivery of a 2022 Mazda CX-30 recently, and noticed that the windshield was very distorted. Moving my head caused the image to shift in unexpected ways. The windshield was noticeably wavy and caused double vision. The dealer replaced the windshield, but the replacement is also noticeably wavy, with an almost orange peel look through the new windshield. The new windshield also distorts the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The rear backup camera on my vehicle goes on and off or dims considerably when I back up, not allowing me to see cars and people potentially behind me. This is associated, I believe, with an issue with the screen and infotainment system of the car, which I had checked out on 9/24/21 at a Mazda dealership. The screen goes on and off constantly, not allowing me to use the radio, bluetooth, etc. They... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Last month, my vehicle suddenly applied the electronic parking brake (EPB) while I was driving. The EPB & related warning lights illuminated & would not release until the vehicle was turned off. After turning off the vehicle, the EPB motor could be heard applying the brake to the rear wheels. When the car was restarted, the EPB would remain off for a period of time but would then suddenly reapply.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Last month, my vehicle suddenly applied the electronic parking brake (EPB) while I was driving. The EPB & related warning lights illuminated & would not release until the vehicle was turned off. After turning off the vehicle, the EPB motor could be heard applying the brake to the rear wheels. When the car was restarted, the EPB would remain off for a period of time but would then suddenly reapply.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
My seatbelt motor and rail has a recall that the dealer confirmed it when I took it to them. My seatbelts get stuck sometimes causing safety concerns. The recall sent in 1996 from Mazda states the cable can wear sufficiently that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly will jam in the rail making it inoperative, if a collision the occupants will not be properly restrained.Recall states the de... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated wit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was initially informed that the parts would be available by springtime. The contact called back a few months later and was informed that the parts remained unavai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
I was driving on the freeway, going about 65 mph at 7:30 am. I heard a loud BANG sound and my sunroof glass exploded into pieces. I had the inside cover closed so the glass did not get in the car. The sound was frightening, loud and caused me to pull to the side of the highway. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives and I had used the sunroof the day before - it worked fine.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
I was driving my Mazda today and while I was pulling into a parking lot I hit a pothole and my rear frame broke and now the car is sitting on one side almost touching the back right tire, when Mazda recalled the front frame they should’ve fixed the rear frame too I believe that this should have been recalled because there is the same problem all over the internet with this model.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
I am constantly receiving a “Low Battery Voltage Warning” for reasons as simple as leaving my door or trunk open for 10 minutes. I never leave my car in accessory mode to play music or anything that might drain the battery. It happens several times a month for no reason. I have not had it die on me yet, but I don’t know if it’s actually a low battery or software glitch.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
Low oil light came on 4500 miles after oil change. Engine used nearly 2 quarts of oil quarl in that distance. Engine burning excessive amount of oil. No oil leaks. Burning oil internally. Reported to dealer.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The rear subframe is badly rotting out and broken in i right rear side. There is a large hole in the subframe next to the spring . The garage said it is not safe to drive. Same issue with the front frame and it was replaced under recall.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
Infotainment and phone connect system for hands free phone use is not operational. The computer for the system is in a continuous reboot loop. This puts safety or safety of others at risk as I cannot use hands free. Mazda corporate suggested that a software update of the Connectivity Master Unit (CMU) might solve the problem. I brought the car in to Smithhaven Mazda on 090722 for update. The repai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
2015 Mazda CX-5 with 91,000 miles on it. Automatic transmission has failed. When I attempted to pull out into traffic the vehicle would not shift into 2nd gear and instead jerked hard and the engine RPMs revved up. I was not able to get the vehicle past 10mph. This failure with the transmission resulted in the oncoming traffic having to swerve and break to avoid a collision with me. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
2015 Mazda CX-5 with 91,000 miles on it. Automatic transmission has failed. When I attempted to pull out into traffic the vehicle would not shift into 2nd gear and instead jerked hard and the engine RPMs revved up. I was not able to get the vehicle past 10mph. This failure with the transmission resulted in the oncoming traffic having to swerve and break to avoid a collision with me. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
2015 Mazda CX-5 with 91,000 miles on it. Automatic transmission has failed. When I attempted to pull out into traffic the vehicle would not shift into 2nd gear and instead jerked hard and the engine RPMs revved up. I was not able to get the vehicle past 10mph. This failure with the transmission resulted in the oncoming traffic having to swerve and break to avoid a collision with me. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2022
My Engine is over heading because it has a crack and losing coolant externally. There are 74773 mills on my car. Every 3 weeks I have to put a gallon of coolant in the engine. if I don't put coolant, the engine can stop working on the freeway causing bodily injury to me and other drivers.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
Hello, I am writing to you for a possible failure post update to the software as specified in Recall 19V-497 dated 09/06/2022 found on the manufacturer's recall website (https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/). The status is marked as CLOSED. However, I faced the exact problem yesterday as described in the Safety Risk section of the recall details on their website (Summary section on NHTSA website). ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
Hello, I am writing to you for a possible failure post update to the software as specified in Recall 19V-497 dated 09/06/2022 found on the manufacturer's recall website (https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/). The status is marked as CLOSED. However, I faced the exact problem yesterday as described in the Safety Risk section of the recall details on their website (Summary section on NHTSA website). ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Vehicle has had excessive oil consumption. Engine consumes approximately one quart of oil every 4k miles or so with normal driving not spirited. Vehicle has no visible signs of outward leaks. First oil change was at 5030 miles with approximately 5.2 quarts of Castrol edge full synthetic oil and a Purolator boss oil filter PLB14612. Vehicle currently has 9352 miles. I have not let it get to a poin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
Unknown. The engine started to stall as I was driving and the gas pedal wasn't working. The car shutdown after reaching 0 moles per hour and it would jerk when I tried starting it. The car had enough fuel, battery and was service a month prior. The car would not start and had to wait a few hours to try again. The issue is similar to the recall this model has but when I checked my VIN is all clea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
Identified low oil level with 5,500 miles on the odemeter. No leak detected. The car has been babied; no accidents or undercarriage damage.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
The headlights are increasingly failing. They are so dim that i can not safely drive at night. They burn out easily. I have to replace them about 4 times a year now. In the first few years of owning the car the headlights were fine. But now it is a major safely issue for myself and others on the road. It seems like with age the headlights or components are wearing out. I am considering getting ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
Air bag malfunction light comes on a and goes off multiple times while driving
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
I purchased my 2018 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring CPO with 39k miles and was sold the life time extended powertrain warranty through the dealership. The car now has 74k miles. While sitting idle at the school bus stop in my neighborhood waiting for my daughter the temperature gauge light comes on. I immediately drive home (exactly 0.3 miles) not going over 10mph back home, park call a tow truck company... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2022
While driving to the airport suddenly all dashboard lights came on and engine "died" during the drive about 50mph. My wife who was driving, was lucky not to get into a crash and steered the car to the side to a full stop . The tow truck driver tried to restart the engine w/o success. The garage determined it is a catastrophic engine failure and need to be replaced. About 2 weeks prior we had a... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2021
- Water pump failed causing coolant to mix with oil. This repair cost was around $3,900. - Luckily this failure happened on our community road and was able to pull into our driveway. Mechanic stated that if this happened on the highway or regular road, this could have caused a major incident and possibly a blown motor. - No, but complaints of similar issues have been reported via my online resea... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2021
- Water pump failed causing coolant to mix with oil. This repair cost was around $3,900. - Luckily this failure happened on our community road and was able to pull into our driveway. Mechanic stated that if this happened on the highway or regular road, this could have caused a major incident and possibly a blown motor. - No, but complaints of similar issues have been reported via my online resea... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2021
- Water pump failed causing coolant to mix with oil. This repair cost was around $3,900. - Luckily this failure happened on our community road and was able to pull into our driveway. Mechanic stated that if this happened on the highway or regular road, this could have caused a major incident and possibly a blown motor. - No, but complaints of similar issues have been reported via my online resea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2022
Engine oil light indicated low oil level at 6000 miles. Dealer states there is a TSB on this issue but no repair process is available.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Dealer service tech stated the high pressure and low pressure fuel pumps failed and needed replaced. My car was not included in the recall regarding fuel pumps for Mazda, so the dealer would only cover 50 percent of the cost. Service tech and warranty service rep stated that Mazda was aware that what happened to my car is a factory malfunction but because my car is out of warranty they would not c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
oil leak from a cracked cylinder head, common issue seen
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
oil leak from a cracked cylinder head, common issue seen
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
2019 Mazda CX-9 GT Infotainment Screen is spidering / cracking in the upper right-hand corner making it difficult to see information on the screen. This appears to be an ongoing problem with the design / components of the infotainment screen. I note a May 2020 TSB / Dealer Notification campaign which extended the warranty coverage period to 7 years for this exact same issue in 2016-2017 model year... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2021
Massive oil consumption. Uses 1 quart or more of engine oil at around 3,000 miles after oil change. Low oil light comes on...
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
The Mazda infotainment system has a problem that is known to the manufacturer and many vehicle owners. It is called "ghost touch" where the touch screen malfunctions and registers an input that is not actually made. The touch screen is not touched, but the infotainment system still reacts and changes inputs, adjusts volume, and performs other actions. This has been a major safety risk for me and m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Owner of the car was driving, baby in the back seat. Passenger side curtain airbags randomly deployed. No outside damage to the car, was not caused by an accident
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Car purchased new in 2021. Uses 1quart oil every 3,000 miles. Checked at dealer and assured of no leaks. Service bulletin issued by Mazda acknowledges problem probably due to faulty valve stem seals, but no resolution offerree for clients except “stop by for a quart of oil whenever light comes on!”
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Engine oil consumption - around 2000 miles after oil change.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The dashboard is melting more and more everyday. Its becoming sticky and very reflective. Sometimes whenever I am driving in the morning the sun will reflect off and blind me making it very hard to safely operate my vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Mazda has refused to admit and repair a clearly defective screen, affecting visibility of the camera system, navigation, climate controls and infotainment. Pictures attached are several months old and the issue continues to get worse. The dealer says "corporate won't cover it", corporate customer service will not respond to repeated attempts at contact other than a generic "your VIN is not cover... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Mazda has refused to admit and repair a clearly defective screen, affecting visibility of the camera system, navigation, climate controls and infotainment. Pictures attached are several months old and the issue continues to get worse. The dealer says "corporate won't cover it", corporate customer service will not respond to repeated attempts at contact other than a generic "your VIN is not cover... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Mazda has refused to admit and repair a clearly defective screen, affecting visibility of the camera system, navigation, climate controls and infotainment. Pictures attached are several months old and the issue continues to get worse. The dealer says "corporate won't cover it", corporate customer service will not respond to repeated attempts at contact other than a generic "your VIN is not cover... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2022
Motor using excessive amount of oil. Vehicle has just turned 20,000 miles. Uses a quart of oil ever 1500 miles or so.