Owners have filed 15 complaints
about the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2019.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 50
Against the median year of the Mazda MAZDA2. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2013 Mazda MAZDA2
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
426.7%
Median failure at 15,000 miles
Seats
213.3%
Median failure at 99,000 miles
Wheels
213.3%
Median failure at 10,150 miles
Electrical System
213.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 37,753 mi
Tires
16.7%
Median failure at 20,300 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
16.7%
Median failure at 41,498 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
16.7%
Median failure at 41,498 miles
Suspension
16.7%
Median failure at 65,000 miles
Airbags
16.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
18.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
18.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
433.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
216.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
216.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
216.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2014peak 2Aug 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2016152220 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the nut and bolt holding the strut assembly to the knuckle may not have been tightened properly during the manufacturing process. Over time, this could cause the strut assembly to separate from the knuckle, resulting in a loss of steering control which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction : Dealers will inspect and replace the nut and bolt holding the strut assembly to the knuckle if found loose.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 64,000 milesDenver, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 2. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE CD PLAYER AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GROOVE MAZDA (LOCATED AT 10301 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112, (720) 399-4467) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. *TR
NHTSA complaint #11202993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Caguas, PR
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11251833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesDenver, COFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA 2. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE CD PLAYER AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GROOVE MAZDA (LOCATED AT 10301 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112, (720) 399-4467) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. *TR
NHTSA complaint #11202993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11182153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesElizabeth, WV
SEATS
DRIVER'S SEAT CAME UNATTACHED FROM THE FLOOR MOUNTED SLIDES/BRACKETS THAT ALLOW FOR LEG LENGTH ADJUSTMENTS. CAR WAS IN MOTION, TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND IN THE CENTER OF THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC AT THE TIME. I PULLED OVER AND EXAMINED THE SEAT. WASHERS WERE UNDER THE SEAT, AND THE SEAT WOULD MOVE UP AND DOWN 8-10 INCHES ON THE LEFT (DOOR-SIDE) SIDE. SEAT WAS STILL ATTACHED TO BRACKETS/SLIDES ON THE RIGHT (CENTER-LINE / GEAR-LEVER) SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #11161498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
SEATS
A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE 2011 MAZDA 2 MODELS RELATED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTER MECHANISM BECOMING LOOSE. BASED ON THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ISSUE, MY 2013 MAZDA 2 IS EXHIBITING THE SAME ISSUE. THE SEAT 'ROCKS' BACK AND FORTH, AS IF IT'S ONLY PARTLY SECURED. I CONTACTED MAZDA AND THEY REITERATED THAT THE 2013 MODEL IS NOT CURRENTLY COVERED UNDER THEIR RECALL, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS CLEARLY PRESENT ON MINE. IT IS MAZDA'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT ALL SEAT MECHANISMS ARE FUNCTIONING SAFELY AND SECURELY. THE ISSUE WAS NOTICED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND HAS SUBSEQUENTLY GOTTEN WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #11105202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesRichmond, CA
STEERING
CLUNKING NOISE AND FEEL, AND EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING MECHANISM DURING LOW SPEED TURNS. THE PROBLEM BEGAN DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. INTERNET FORUMS INDICATE THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CAUSE IS FAILURE OF PART NUMBER DR613210XF, KNOWN AS THE ENERGY ABSORBER SHAFT. MAZDA IS AWARE OF THE FLAW.
NHTSA complaint #11072302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesAnnapolis, MD
STEERING
PROGRESSIVE POWER STEERING RACK FAILURE POWER STEERING RACK, WHILE TURNING, MAKES AUDIBLE CLUNKING/POPPING NOISE ACCOMPANIED BY VIBRATION AND EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING. MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN MAKING A LOW-SPEED THREE POINT TURN, I.E. BACKING INTO OR OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE MAY RESULT IF NOT CAUGHT OR ADDRESSED EARLY. OCCURRED IN A NEW, VERY LOW-MILAGE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11045823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesCuyahoga Falls, OH
SUSPENSION
REAR SHOCKS HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER 65,000 MI. NO SIGN OF AN ISSUE PRIOR. DROVE TO AND FROM WORK ON A SUNDAY, MONDAY MORNING ALL FLUID HAS LEAKED ONTO MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11030316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesNorth Chicago, IL
WHEELS
TAKATA INFLATORS , MY CAR MAKES A RUMBLING NOIRS COMMING FROM MY BACK TIRES WHICH SOUNDS LIKE THE REAR WHEEL HUB AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT IT'S MY BACK TIRES AND WENT TO ANOTHER PLACE AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS THE REAR WHEEL HUBS
NHTSA complaint #11000123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesB, TX
STEERING
RATTLING NOISE AND KNOWING OF STEERING COLUMN. INDEPENDENT SERVICE WON'T REPAIR SINCE THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR FAULTY STEERING KNUCKLE ON SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL CAR. ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURE MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER RECALL BECAUSE OF VIN NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #10959631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,300 milesScottsdale, AZ
WHEELS
ON THE NIGHT DEC 24,2014, I HAD PICKED UP MY RENTAL CAR(1013 MAZDA 2 SILVER SEDAN) FROM DOLLAR RENTAL CAR AT BWI AIRPORT. ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER I DROVE OFF THE LOT, ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY FROM THE PICKUP GARAGE, I NOTICED THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN THE CAR, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TREAD WAS SEPARATED. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY NEGLIGENCE ON PART OF THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY. WHOEVER DID THE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY CHECK NEVER SHOULD HAVE ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO BE DRIVEN OFF THE LOT. NO WHERE IN THE RENTAL CONTRACT DOES IT STATE THAT THE RENTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATIONAL & MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTRACT ALSO DOESN'T STATE THAT THE RENTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENT OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE OWNER/RENTAL CAR COMPANY. I WAS FORTUNATE I DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. BECAUSE DOLLAR/THRIFTY RENTAL CAR REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE/RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS NEGLIGENCE, THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY HAPPEN TO ANOTHER CUSTOMER.
NHTSA complaint #10714114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,300 milesScottsdale, AZ
TIRES
ON THE NIGHT DEC 24,2014, I HAD PICKED UP MY RENTAL CAR(1013 MAZDA 2 SILVER SEDAN) FROM DOLLAR RENTAL CAR AT BWI AIRPORT. ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER I DROVE OFF THE LOT, ABOUT 5 MILES AWAY FROM THE PICKUP GARAGE, I NOTICED THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON. BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO TURN AROUND AND RETURN THE CAR, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE TREAD WAS SEPARATED. THIS WAS OBVIOUSLY NEGLIGENCE ON PART OF THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY. WHOEVER DID THE MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY CHECK NEVER SHOULD HAVE ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO BE DRIVEN OFF THE LOT. NO WHERE IN THE RENTAL CONTRACT DOES IT STATE THAT THE RENTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATIONAL & MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTRACT ALSO DOESN'T STATE THAT THE RENTER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENT OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE OWNER/RENTAL CAR COMPANY. I WAS FORTUNATE I DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. BECAUSE DOLLAR/THRIFTY RENTAL CAR REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE/RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS NEGLIGENCE, THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY HAPPEN TO ANOTHER CUSTOMER.
NHTSA complaint #10714114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,498 milesConcord, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
GAS PEDAL STUCK DOWN CAUSING UNWANTED ACCELERATING.
NHTSA complaint #10655205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,498 milesConcord, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GAS PEDAL STUCK DOWN CAUSING UNWANTED ACCELERATING.
NHTSA complaint #10655205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,507 milesCocoa Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UPON STOPPING, TURNING OFF VEHICLE AND REMOVING IGNITION FOB KEY; FOB KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE VERY, VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH.
NHTSA complaint #10605041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.