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: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that he had experienced a transmission surged on five separate occasions since owning the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer after each failure and various unknown repairs and software updates were performed on the vehicle. However, the failure persisted after each visit. The m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that he had experienced a transmission surged on five separate occasions since owning the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer after each failure and various unknown repairs and software updates were performed on the vehicle. However, the failure persisted after each visit. The m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
Vehicle completely shuts off while driving making it hard to turn the steering wheel and apply brakes. Vehicle is able to be turned back on shortly after. Does this randomly. Probably 2 x within a 3-6 month period
Incident date: Jul 15, 2017
Parked by the curb at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. I put the car in Park and left the car idling with the air-conditioning running.as it was 95 degrees and about 100 at around 8:00 AM. There was a shuttle van parked by the curb about 11 feet in front of me. I had to exit my car to talk to the driver in the car behind me. I walked to the car behind me and started talking to the dri... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2017
Parked by the curb at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. I put the car in Park and left the car idling with the air-conditioning running.as it was 95 degrees and about 100 at around 8:00 AM. There was a shuttle van parked by the curb about 11 feet in front of me. I had to exit my car to talk to the driver in the car behind me. I walked to the car behind me and started talking to the dri... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2017
Parked by the curb at the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport. I put the car in Park and left the car idling with the air-conditioning running.as it was 95 degrees and about 100 at around 8:00 AM. There was a shuttle van parked by the curb about 11 feet in front of me. I had to exit my car to talk to the driver in the car behind me. I walked to the car behind me and started talking to the dri... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
KEYLESS IGNITION -- THE PANIC BUTTON WENT OFF INADVENTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AND THE SOUND SYSTEM WENT OFF AND THE CAR STOPPED WORKING. THE KEYLESS IGNITION WAS LOCATED IN THE CUP HOLDER. iT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND CALLED AAA.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
I had my brakes replaced and when they reactivated the parking brake, it's only working on one side of the car. The mechanic informed me that the car has a faulty actuator and this is a very common problem with my car.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Driving on highway going 70-75 mph, all of a sudden car starts to stall, check engine light lights up informing me keyless, power steering, vehicle system, smart brake malfunction. I almost crashed as I was on I-55 heading to downtown Chicago. My girlfriend and I could have died.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Driving on highway going 70-75 mph, all of a sudden car starts to stall, check engine light lights up informing me keyless, power steering, vehicle system, smart brake malfunction. I almost crashed as I was on I-55 heading to downtown Chicago. My girlfriend and I could have died.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Driving on highway going 70-75 mph, all of a sudden car starts to stall, check engine light lights up informing me keyless, power steering, vehicle system, smart brake malfunction. I almost crashed as I was on I-55 heading to downtown Chicago. My girlfriend and I could have died.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
The top windshield trim piece popped off while on the highway. The windshield has never been replaced and this trim piece has never been removed. All but one of the clips failed.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2022
We purchased this car last year for our teenage daughter. It is making a terrible banging noise in the rear. We took it to a mechanic who stated the entire rear subframe is completely corroded, the bolts are rusted, and all the components need to be replaced. This is thousands of dollars if we can even find the parts. As the car is unsafe to drive, I'm not letting my daughter use it until we can g... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2021
Excess oil consumption. Manufacturer recommended oil change interval is 7,500 miles. At 3500 miles a low oil warning light came on and I had to add oil. I changed my oil as recommended at 7500 miles. At 11,000 miles the warning light came on and I had to add oil once again. I am currently just shy of 15,000 miles and I'm getting my oil changed tomorrow. I've read that there is a known valve stem ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Mazda M3. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the steering wheel of the vehicle become hard to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic for diagnosis, and he stated the vehicle was experiencing the same failure as NHTSA Campaign Number:10V374000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and they both stated that the vehicle's VIN was not und... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
This vehicle ejects a significant amount of fuel from its fuel filler port during every refueling. The volume of fuel and the distance the gasoline travels in a hazardous environment poses an avoidable risk that can result in a catastrophic event with potential fatalities. In addition, the cumulative quantity of fuel needlessly spilled negatively impacts the environment at a time of heightened en... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that her daughter received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and scheduled an appointment for August 1; however, upon arrival at the dealer she was informed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the dealer had been called several times and it was confirmed that the part was not availabl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
car was put on rear and it leaped forward and crashed and caused property damage and driver was shocked. faulty system, Collison system failure, reverse gear failure. on two different occasions car initiated warning like misuse of pedals when car was rolling down which was errored warning. false lane assist warnings.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
car was put on rear and it leaped forward and crashed and caused property damage and driver was shocked. faulty system, Collison system failure, reverse gear failure. on two different occasions car initiated warning like misuse of pedals when car was rolling down which was errored warning. false lane assist warnings.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 6, 2022
car was put on rear and it leaped forward and crashed and caused property damage and driver was shocked. faulty system, Collison system failure, reverse gear failure. on two different occasions car initiated warning like misuse of pedals when car was rolling down which was errored warning. false lane assist warnings.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
Vehicle detects cars in other lane as an impeding collision in turns, activates emergency braking when no collision is imminent.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Oil warning light came in at 5,500 miles. Dealer says they know the engine consumes oil.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Oil consumption issue with the 2.5T motor. Engine is burning oil at an accelerated rate.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
My check oil light has come on 3 times in between my first and 2nd oil changes. Added a total of 1 1/2 quarts between the 3 oil changes. Made the dealership aware of this last week at 2nd oil change. They’ve begun to monitor my mileage with my oil consumption and I’ll go in every 500 miles so they can document.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
THIS IS A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. P/N PELL - 1335ZA. OTHER NUMBERS ON THE LABEL ARE 16.12.22 AND H00073961. I AM IN POSSESSION OF THE FAULTY PART. WE WERE TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON ROUTE 1 IN DELAWARE. THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND WE ALMOST MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER. MY HUSBAND, 70, HAD TO PUSH IT THE SHOULDER. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. WE HAD MY 95 YEAR OLD MOTHER IN LAW IN THE CAR. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2022
Engine is consuming/burning oil. I have needed to add 1 qt of oil every 3-4k miles, since purchased new. Car now has 25,000 miles and I have added oil 6 times. Ive called the dealer(Classic Mazda in Mentor Ohio) and they insist this is normal and there is no issue with the engine. Yet, I read on the internet that this is a known problem.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
Rear wheel trim partially detached from car while driving, safety risk of large plastic part being caught in rear wheel. Did not hit any debris but heard a loud noise as the part detached. Part is supposed to be held in place by 12 clips but multiple owners of Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 models report this problem. Mazda dealers deny there is a problem even when some new cars have only 3 clips installed. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Power steering failure causing rust on car components. When turning my steering wheel to the left or right there is a noise the car makes and it jumps gear shifts making it very unsafe to drive this car. Also there is an electrical power issue with the car. I just bought a new battery for the car but there still seems to be a shortage And I have to power jump the car every time I tune the car off ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Power steering failure causing rust on car components. When turning my steering wheel to the left or right there is a noise the car makes and it jumps gear shifts making it very unsafe to drive this car. Also there is an electrical power issue with the car. I just bought a new battery for the car but there still seems to be a shortage And I have to power jump the car every time I tune the car off ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that after driving for 1,000 miles the vehicle needed an oil change. The oil level warning light would be illuminated. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to the dealer the contact was informed that the engine was a quart low on engine oil. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Oil burning and leaking as well after only 14,500 miles. I see there is a Class Action lawsuit filed against Mazda in late May of 2022 regarding faulty oil stem seals that cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber which will eventually cause O2 sensors to fail, catalytic convertors and engine valve failure. Dealer acted like they never knew about this issue and initially told me it was "normal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda MZ6. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 60-65 MPH, the rear subframe had detached, causing the vehicle to spin across four lanes of traffic and then crash into the median wall. The air bags were not deployed. A police report was filed that listed the cause of failure as a passenger's side rear tire blowout due to cracks along the tire. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
1. The airbag sensor is not working. The warning signal continually flashes. My shop had airbag system analyzed. Test results showed it is not calibrated correctly. My Mazda dealer, Luther Premier Mazda, said it is an electrical problem, and I will have to pay for analysis. I paid for this analysis when Sallas had it diagnosed. 2. Due to problems with the windshield, I paid for a replacement... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2022
1. The airbag sensor is not working. The warning signal continually flashes. My shop had airbag system analyzed. Test results showed it is not calibrated correctly. My Mazda dealer, Luther Premier Mazda, said it is an electrical problem, and I will have to pay for analysis. I paid for this analysis when Sallas had it diagnosed. 2. Due to problems with the windshield, I paid for a replacement... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
I had the dashboard recalled and replaced. The new dashboard is separating from the computer screen on dash.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Unknown Upon research I saw there was a prior recall Mazda Recall Number 6211B NHTSA Campaign Number 11V134000 About January of 2022 My service engine light has been turning on and off Around and about July 2022 I noticed a dark black colored puddle gathered wherever I would have my vehicle parked and there is a gas smell upon entering the vehicle. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and after their... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red light the dash board warning lights suddenly activated and illuminated and while driving the vehicle would not properly accelerate. Shortly after parking in the driveway and exiting the vehicle moments later flames and smoke was present coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The husband u... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2022
The car has been reporting low engine oil numerous times between oil changes.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
UNKNOWN My vehicle stalls while I’m driving. My RPM tends to stay at one number when this happens. I was nearly struck by a vehicle while trying to merge onto the highway. This is very dangerous. There’s also I light that comes on my dashboard that seems to be indicating an accident or something of that sort.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
UNKNOWN My vehicle stalls while I’m driving. My RPM tends to stay at one number when this happens. I was nearly struck by a vehicle while trying to merge onto the highway. This is very dangerous. There’s also I light that comes on my dashboard that seems to be indicating an accident or something of that sort.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, he noticed that the brakes felt loose and the braking distance had become extended while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that he heard a hissing sound while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes failed completely... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
At around 3600 Miles my Mazda which I had for only a couple of months displayed a low engine oil light which required a visit to the dealership.This was under normal driving conditions.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2022
The navigation display turns fails / turns off and on throughout the drive. It turns on then goes off while backing out with the rearview camera in use. It goes off during drives, while directions are in use, while calls are in session, and with no active use at all. After checking online I found that numerous Mazda owners experience the same with thief CX5-s but there is no collective effort by ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2022
Excessive oil consumption. After 3,000 miles driving, need to add a quart of oil as ‘oil low’ light comes on. Vehicle is 1 year old, and this happened at 3,700 miles on the odometer. Has happened after every oil change at around 3,700-4,200 miles driven.
MAZDA
B-SERIES TRUCK
(2008) - AIR BAGS
Aug 1, 2022
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
unknown. have been trying to get airbag recall scheduled with Jim Doran Mazda in Mcminnville, OR for months. 1st appointment no record of parts being ordered. now nobody can confirm parts being ordered for upcoming appointment.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
Low beam/ high beam still work normal, but the daytime running light is stop working.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
2016 cx9, after reviewing online. Known issue with coolent and engine cylinder. Water coolent leak to engine head. Dealer asking 75k to replace engine. Mazda refused to acknowledge the known issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
P225/55/19. Sidewall shredded while driving on highway.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2022
While I was driving on the highway at 60 mph the glass sunroof exploded with a loud bang. Luckily the sunroof shade was closed, otherwise shards of glass would have fallen on me causing injury and possible loss of control of the car. I immediately reported the incident to my insurance company and the next day brought the car into the Mazda dealership. The service manager claims he never heard... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
I have just about 8800 miles on my Mazda CX-30 Turbo after a year and 5 months. Suddenly had my low oil engine light come on. I pulled over and the oil is barely on the tip of the oil stick. My last oil change, which was also my first, was completed at 4937 miles from the Mazda dealership.