FaultScore

FaultScore report

2014 Mazda MAZDA2 problems

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2014 Mazda MAZDA2 with NHTSA between 2014 and 2023. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.

D

FaultScore 69/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mazda MAZDA2.

How this is worked out

The numbers

15

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries reported

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 50 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure not reported
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 — 100
33.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.

How 2014 compares with every other Mazda MAZDA2

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2014 Mazda MAZDA2

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 3 20.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Steering 3 20.0%
Body & Structure 2 13.3%
Equipment & Accessories 1 6.7%

Median failure at 5,039 miles

Seats 1 6.7%
Tires 1 6.7%
Lights 1 6.7%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 6.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 640,000 mi

Airbags 1 6.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 9,700 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 6.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires

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.

Sep 2014 peak 3 Nov 2023

NHTSA investigations into the 2014 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.

1 investigation is still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

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 2014 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 2017120 39 units in Canada

Label

Certain vehicles may have an incorrect compliance label that does not meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. The vehicle’s compliance label was misprinted with an incorrect manufacturing date of "12/99". Correction: Dealers will replace the compliance label with a corrected one.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 640,000 miles Austin, TX Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS TURNING LEFT ON A PROTECTED GREEN ARROW WHEN A TRUCK ON THE LEFT LANE SPED UP AND I NOTICED T MERGED AND I WOULD GET HIT I TRIED TO GO OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS IT DID NOT MOVE THEN IT JERKED ME FORWARD.

NHTSA complaint #11340631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 9,700 miles Pendergrass, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MAZDA 2. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CHEST INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11162948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brown Deer, WI Crash

POWER TRAIN

2014 MAZDA 2. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT AXLE BROKE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10763630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brown Deer, WI Crash

SUSPENSION

2014 MAZDA 2. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT AXLE BROKE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10763630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Hartford, WI

SEATS

I have taken my car to two separate Mazda dealerships in 2019 and two separate non-dealership mechanics to address the same issue with a vibrating coming from the front driver when driving at lower speeds. It was not a constant noise until recently and saw there was a recall for my vehicle in May 2016. Mazda however says that my VIN does not qualify even though the build date range does show its covered. The problem at first was noted by the Kent Mazda dealership in 2019 but said the vehicle's small framing could cause this. This vibrating has become more clear and causing my vehicle to shake violently when steering. It has made me very fearful as each mechanic I take it to cannot find the source of the issue and overlook it. Mazda Corporate has not been helpful and overlooks the safety as it is something I've brought up to them. The original recall is below: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11553002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hartford, WI

STEERING

I have taken my car to two separate Mazda dealerships in 2019 and two separate non-dealership mechanics to address the same issue with a vibrating coming from the front driver when driving at lower speeds. It was not a constant noise until recently and saw there was a recall for my vehicle in May 2016. Mazda however says that my VIN does not qualify even though the build date range does show its covered. The problem at first was noted by the Kent Mazda dealership in 2019 but said the vehicle's small framing could cause this. This vibrating has become more clear and causing my vehicle to shake violently when steering. It has made me very fearful as each mechanic I take it to cannot find the source of the issue and overlook it. Mazda Corporate has not been helpful and overlooks the safety as it is something I've brought up to them. The original recall is below: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11553002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hartford, WI

SUSPENSION

I have taken my car to two separate Mazda dealerships in 2019 and two separate non-dealership mechanics to address the same issue with a vibrating coming from the front driver when driving at lower speeds. It was not a constant noise until recently and saw there was a recall for my vehicle in May 2016. Mazda however says that my VIN does not qualify even though the build date range does show its covered. The problem at first was noted by the Kent Mazda dealership in 2019 but said the vehicle's small framing could cause this. This vibrating has become more clear and causing my vehicle to shake violently when steering. It has made me very fearful as each mechanic I take it to cannot find the source of the issue and overlook it. Mazda Corporate has not been helpful and overlooks the safety as it is something I've brought up to them. The original recall is below: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11553002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cleveland Heights, OH

TIRES

Tire size: P 185 / 55 R 15 I believe there is a manufacturing defect with the Firestone Firehawk tires. The tires are prematurely cracking, these tires are supposed to have a 50,000 mile limited warranty. I replaced all four tires on 6/18/2022 and today (7/15/2023) I noticed there was deep cracking through the treads and into the sidewall. I currently have the tires and it is available for inspection upon request. I believe that cracked tires are a safety issue that could put myself and other cars at risk. The Firestone store mentioned the Firehawk tires were discontinued for the car. That cracking was a known issue on these tires and they refused to send the tires in for a warranty replacement. Tire Identification information: Front driver side tire: DOT RB8X FH1 4320 Front passenger side tire: DOT RB8X FH1 3421 Both rear tires: DOT RB8X FH1 4521

NHTSA complaint #11532487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearfield, PA

STEERING

I bought this 2014 Mazda 2 Sport HB on Thursday January 26, 2023. Upon driving it home, this vehicle with only 41,280 miles on it, shook, vibrating , hearing a very loud popping clicking sounds. Like body metal clanging. It was hard to see. I don’t know if the low beams were set wrong or what but visibility wasn’t good with the low beams at all. I told him that the air conditioner made a horrible loud noises when cranked on high. I asked to take it to a mechanic and I was assured that their mechanics looked it over thoroughly. It has so much wrong with it. I was ripped off. Over $ 13,000 today. The car is in bad shape. It had one wreck I found out. This car looks ok, but it’s the worst car I have ever driven. My short instructed test drive wasn’t long enough to tell everything, but by the time I got home I knew that I was sold a lemon. Perhaps they didn’t know, but come on… This car is junk. It needs junked. This is the truth. I don’t believe it should be on the highway or resold again. Especially not 11,500 that turned into 13,000. I don’t have money for gas to be trying to fix garbage . Why would it have 2 owners and be a 2014 and only have 41,280 miles on it. They saw me coming and I explained that I can’t be ripped off. They didn’t care. I only drove it home and I know it’s really unsafe and not road worthy at all. Very difficult to steer compared to any other vehicle I have ever driven. It scares me truthfully.

NHTSA complaint #11503910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearfield, PA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I bought this 2014 Mazda 2 Sport HB on Thursday January 26, 2023. Upon driving it home, this vehicle with only 41,280 miles on it, shook, vibrating , hearing a very loud popping clicking sounds. Like body metal clanging. It was hard to see. I don’t know if the low beams were set wrong or what but visibility wasn’t good with the low beams at all. I told him that the air conditioner made a horrible loud noises when cranked on high. I asked to take it to a mechanic and I was assured that their mechanics looked it over thoroughly. It has so much wrong with it. I was ripped off. Over $ 13,000 today. The car is in bad shape. It had one wreck I found out. This car looks ok, but it’s the worst car I have ever driven. My short instructed test drive wasn’t long enough to tell everything, but by the time I got home I knew that I was sold a lemon. Perhaps they didn’t know, but come on… This car is junk. It needs junked. This is the truth. I don’t believe it should be on the highway or resold again. Especially not 11,500 that turned into 13,000. I don’t have money for gas to be trying to fix garbage . Why would it have 2 owners and be a 2014 and only have 41,280 miles on it. They saw me coming and I explained that I can’t be ripped off. They didn’t care. I only drove it home and I know it’s really unsafe and not road worthy at all. Very difficult to steer compared to any other vehicle I have ever driven. It scares me truthfully.

NHTSA complaint #11503910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clearfield, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

I bought this 2014 Mazda 2 Sport HB on Thursday January 26, 2023. Upon driving it home, this vehicle with only 41,280 miles on it, shook, vibrating , hearing a very loud popping clicking sounds. Like body metal clanging. It was hard to see. I don’t know if the low beams were set wrong or what but visibility wasn’t good with the low beams at all. I told him that the air conditioner made a horrible loud noises when cranked on high. I asked to take it to a mechanic and I was assured that their mechanics looked it over thoroughly. It has so much wrong with it. I was ripped off. Over $ 13,000 today. The car is in bad shape. It had one wreck I found out. This car looks ok, but it’s the worst car I have ever driven. My short instructed test drive wasn’t long enough to tell everything, but by the time I got home I knew that I was sold a lemon. Perhaps they didn’t know, but come on… This car is junk. It needs junked. This is the truth. I don’t believe it should be on the highway or resold again. Especially not 11,500 that turned into 13,000. I don’t have money for gas to be trying to fix garbage . Why would it have 2 owners and be a 2014 and only have 41,280 miles on it. They saw me coming and I explained that I can’t be ripped off. They didn’t care. I only drove it home and I know it’s really unsafe and not road worthy at all. Very difficult to steer compared to any other vehicle I have ever driven. It scares me truthfully.

NHTSA complaint #11503910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baytown, TX

STEERING

The steering was making loud knocking noises at low-speed turns. When looked up Mazda2 issues, found that there was a recall for Steering, Recall no. 16V203000, dated 2016-04-10, states: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. When the dealership looked up my VIN, it was not a serial number listed under the recall list. However, it had the same issues as the recall. These issues were listed as "requires immediate attention." The Steering rack and pinion, and also the front struts with bearing mounts have all been replaced by the dealership and an alignment was performed. I had to pay for this safety issue out of pocket because my VIN was not listed under the recall list. I would like to report this VIN under the recall list and request a refund for the work performed.

NHTSA complaint #11432440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baytown, TX

SUSPENSION

The steering was making loud knocking noises at low-speed turns. When looked up Mazda2 issues, found that there was a recall for Steering, Recall no. 16V203000, dated 2016-04-10, states: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. When the dealership looked up my VIN, it was not a serial number listed under the recall list. However, it had the same issues as the recall. These issues were listed as "requires immediate attention." The Steering rack and pinion, and also the front struts with bearing mounts have all been replaced by the dealership and an alignment was performed. I had to pay for this safety issue out of pocket because my VIN was not listed under the recall list. I would like to report this VIN under the recall list and request a refund for the work performed.

NHTSA complaint #11432440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 640,000 miles Austin, TX Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I WAS TURNING LEFT ON A PROTECTED GREEN ARROW WHEN A TRUCK ON THE LEFT LANE SPED UP AND I NOTICED T MERGED AND I WOULD GET HIT I TRIED TO GO OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STIFF AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS IT DID NOT MOVE THEN IT JERKED ME FORWARD.

NHTSA complaint #11340631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 9,700 miles Pendergrass, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 MAZDA 2. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CHEST INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11162948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brown Deer, WI Crash

POWER TRAIN

2014 MAZDA 2. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT AXLE BROKE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10763630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brown Deer, WI Crash

SUSPENSION

2014 MAZDA 2. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT AXLE BROKE WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10763630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leeds, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

THERE WAS/IS NO INFORMATION ON THE DOOR OR IN THE OWNERS MANUAL TO INDICATE TIRE PRESSURE FOR THIS VEHICLE. HAD TO OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #10748876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 5,039 miles Sunnyvale, CA

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM DID NOT ALERT ME TO MY FRONT LEFT TIRE THAT WAS BLOWING OUT.

NHTSA complaint #10631296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.