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 29, 2021
New Mazda vehicle engine is consuming approximately 1 quart of oil, approximately every 3,500 miles. No recall for this yet, however Mazda technical service bulletin TSB # 01-012/21 admits this is a common and known issue for this vehicle which may eventually lead to the vehicles engine and parts no longer functioning.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
I purchased my car on February 5, 2022. After two months and 3000 miles later, I started receiving a notification that reads “Airbag Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” I took the car to the dealer, and after 6 hours, they determined that the airbag was not receiving enough power, which triggered the warning. They replaced the part, and now two months later, I have received the same noti... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
Crossmember rust causing a hole which effects driving the vehicle, because of the safety issue
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
Exactly as described in safety recall "2014-2016 Mazda3 and 2014-2015 Mazda6 Hand-Operated Parking Brake Concern Safety Recall 1217F NHTSA Campaign No. 17V-393" both of the rear caliper parking brakes have corroded and become stuck causing the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place when engaged. The problem has not been inspected or confirmed by any 3rd parties. I currently have 1 of the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
The low oil pressure light had turned on shortly after my first oil change (roughly at around 6k miles). I had the service done at a trusted service shop back in April 2021. I wrote it off mentally thinking that it was just a one off thing and that the shop may have made a mistake and underfilled the engine because of unclear specifications between the mazda6 Turbo version vs other models within ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was unable to stop while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,706. The consumer ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
July 6, 2021 Low oil light came on and I stopped to check oil and it was down 1quart. Then added oil. Miles on car 28,734. I always have oil changed every 5k miles and this was between oil changes. Happened 3200 miles into my next oil change. Mazda has a TSB out in reference to these engines and the TSB is TSB NO 01-012/21 Dated October 4, 2021. It states that Mazda is aware of the problem and as ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
MALFUNCTION LEVER WIPER-COMB SWITCH.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2021
The wiring harness on the headlight for my Mazda CX-9 has and continues to melt, causing the bulb to be useless. The only issue that will seem to correct this issue is installing new headlights. According to my research this is a problem that is common to Mazda CX-9 vehicles.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2022
Similar to the recall on the 2016-2016 Mazda6, the 2017 Mazda 6 has a touch screen issue (ghost touch). Mazda MUST issue a SSP for this vehicle. It is unacceptable that Mazda is aware of this issue and has chosen not to issue a SSP. My vehicle touch screen is unusable because of the ghost screen issue and there is no way for the consumer to disable the touch screen.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Rear Shock broke away from vehicle chassis. SAFETY Issue Mazda Technical Service Bulletin 02-016/18 " ....breakage can occur. ......the material and the shape of the bracket has been modified" THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART $675 to replace two DEFECTIVE shocks
Incident date: Jul 7, 2022
I was driving in slow moving traffic with vehicles ahead and behind. The vehicle ahead of me slowed, so I applied brakes and began to slow as well. While I was on the brakes slowing at a normal rate with plenty of distance to the vehicle ahead, my vehicle unexpectedly activated automatic emergency braking. It abruptly applied full brakes and came to a complete stop, even though traffic ahead was s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 4, 2022
On July 4th when car had only 10,300 miles driven on it, oil light came on. Oil level was down over 1.5 quarts. Car was not due for an oil change for another 1800 miles.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
My car is burning a quart of oil every 1500 miles. I have taken it to the dealer three times. They say that they know about the problem but don't have a fix. I am afraid that the engine could seize up during driving, causing a accident.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
Automatic seatbelt is stuck in the middle position and cannot secure you in the event of an accident. Vehicle was taken in for an open recall but no work was performed due to lack of parts. They then closed the recall not allowing me to take it back for any repairs if parts become available. I thought they disabled the motor but as I got in one day the seatbelt moved and cannot be retracted anymor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2019
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the engine revved violently without warning. The contact would depress the brake pedal to the floorboard and place the vehicle into park(P) to prevent the vehicle from independently accelerating. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the air box was defective. The dealer re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
Low engine oil light came on at around 13,700. Last oil change was at 10,000 miles. Checked oil dipstick, oil level slightly below first marker hole.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) in January of 2022 however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The con... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) in January of 2022 however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2019
The contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the engine made a loud ticking noise. The contact stated that once the vehicle had warmed up, the would drive normal; however, while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the Variable Val... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
I was driving my vehicle and a large plastic part fell from the upper footwell and became lodged under the break pedal causing me to become unable to use the brakes. This is a major safety concern, and could have resulted in an accident.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
I was driving my vehicle and a large plastic part fell from the upper footwell and became lodged under the break pedal causing me to become unable to use the brakes. This is a major safety concern, and could have resulted in an accident.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
My Mazda 3 2.5T has been burning oil in excess. The car has a total of 24,000 miles and has been serviced 3 times. I have had to add oil in between every service. The oil has been completely burned off by 4,000-5,000 miles. I have noticed that other people have been posting about the same issues online. When talking to the dealership they state that they have noticed this issue with the 2.5T’s b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Traveling on the highway going on a road trip. Had vehicle inspected prior and no fuel system problems were noted. I was going 75mph with my family when there was a coasting feeling in the car. I looked and my check engine light popped on and my car immediately would not accelerate and we quickly lost speed. By the grace of God were we able to pull over safely! Code P0132 was the engine code and a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Traveling on the highway going on a road trip. Had vehicle inspected prior and no fuel system problems were noted. I was going 75mph with my family when there was a coasting feeling in the car. I looked and my check engine light popped on and my car immediately would not accelerate and we quickly lost speed. By the grace of God were we able to pull over safely! Code P0132 was the engine code and a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
Traveling on the highway going on a road trip. Had vehicle inspected prior and no fuel system problems were noted. I was going 75mph with my family when there was a coasting feeling in the car. I looked and my check engine light popped on and my car immediately would not accelerate and we quickly lost speed. By the grace of God were we able to pull over safely! Code P0132 was the engine code and a... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2022
Technician noticed coolant leak around turbo during routine maintenance. Sometimes after long drives we would smell hot coolant but didn't think it was an issue. Dealership took it in for repair under power train warranty and was advised that the engine needs to be replaced. From my understanding, the turbo is too heavy for the engine and has caused it to warp. The coolant leak is a symptom of a d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2022
Ignition does not turn off when pressing start/stop button draining battery with car completely shutting down while driving, coasting to the side of road almost causing an accident. Second time, car was parked, would not restart, had to get a jumpstart as battery was drained once again. Third time, car wouldn't restart at all and car had to be towed.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
Excess oil consumption in engine. Low light came on around 5,000 miles and dipstick showed engine oil was at the minimum mark.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear cross members and brakes needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact to not drive the vehicle until the repairs were performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent me... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
The Dashboard is peeling above the display screen that shows information for Radio,CD, AUX, Time, Volume, Temp Outside, etc (black display screen with orange text/font). Above this display screen the dashboard is lifting up. Which has created about a 1 inch+ gap/spacing between the display and dashboard This gap has resulted in the following: 1). Inhaling of windshield fluid through AC vents (4... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
The Dashboard is peeling above the display screen that shows information for Radio,CD, AUX, Time, Volume, Temp Outside, etc (black display screen with orange text/font). Above this display screen the dashboard is lifting up. Which has created about a 1 inch+ gap/spacing between the display and dashboard This gap has resulted in the following: 1). Inhaling of windshield fluid through AC vents (4... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted from 5th gear to 3rd gear with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle started to slide and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V072000 (Power... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
"Air bag system malfunction" Mazda3 Hatchback Preferred Package 2022. Current Miles: 3911 Owned for 6months. Received w/5 miles, I believe.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
On 3 separate occasions this car presented as if it were out of fuel while the gas gauge showed it having fuel. It sputtered then lost power as if it ran out of gas. Two of these times were on the interstate while the 3rd time was in a residential area.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Took care for routine maintenance to car dealer (Ourisman Mazda Rockville MD). No problems with car. They reported that I had an 'Coolant Leak at the Cylinder Head'. Cost to fix: $6412.47 They reported that it was 'normal wear and tear'. I found a service bulletin from Mazda whereby they admit a manufacturing defect that affected 2.5T engines. They corrected on March 25th, 2021. However, en... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Upon investigation, the contact associat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that he had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V393000 (Parking Brake) five years ago and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair. However, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle passed the inspection test and did not need to be repaired. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and driving from a ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2022
Car starting misfiring . I was told it appears to have a crack in the head gasket & would be best to repair the engine . This car has only 80k miles and should NOT be doing this at this stage!!!
Incident date: Jun 27, 2022
Engine is consuming excessive oil. Dealership states there is a TSB out but the fix is to keep topping the oil off. I would like an investigation to determine the root cause of the oil consumption on a new engine.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2018
The dasboard on the rite side is melting, causing a sicky like surface and is reflecting the light on to the driver, making it hard to drive.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2022
Fabric lining or insulation below dashboard is coming out of the seam between the dash and pillars on both sides.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Mazda CX-3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated he was unaware if there was any warning light illuminated. The contact added fuel to the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the fuel pressure sen... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
I droved my 2016 cx-9 off highway and idled it at front of restaurant, suddenly the engine coolant overheat light came on, shut engine off and found leaking coolant on the ground near the rear of engine bay. Brought the car to Corpus Christi Mazda, found out leaks come from cylinder head crack, happens to cx-9 manufactured before June 20, 2020 according to Mazda TSB 01-013/21. I was quoted $3380 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
Module in the the car Sofi and radio stop working at times Car slow acceleration from stop to move
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
Module in the the car Sofi and radio stop working at times Car slow acceleration from stop to move
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
Module in the the car Sofi and radio stop working at times Car slow acceleration from stop to move
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
When adjusting the driver seat, the vehicle began to display "Air Bag System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected." This was with roughly 20 total miles on the odometer. It is a new car - Mazda3 Turbo Sedan 2022. After researching online, this is a very common problem with new Mazda3s and there are many customers with the exact same issue. The customers have also made complaints to the NHTSA. ... Read more