2013 Mazda Mazda2 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (4) · Wheels (2) · Seats (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mazda Mazda2 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Steering 2016-04-11 · campaign 16V203000 · 578 vehicles
Defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckl
Risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
Service bulletins (210)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-09-11 · SA-041-26a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
description if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical con
Engine 2026-06-19 · SA-041-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this sa supersedes the previously issued sa(s) listed below. the changes are noted in red. sa-061/25 12/17/25 description if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by ask
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-21 · SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service alert supersedes the previously issued sa listed below: the changes are noted in red. sa-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 description mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. mazda recommends dealers follow the sch
Electrical System 2025-12-17 · SA-061-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
if you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, dtc(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal mgss diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. below
Unknown Or Other 2025-12-10 · 07-004-25a · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
a musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (a/c) system is operating. it is most noticeable when the a/c is first turned on. this odor is the result of mold growth in the a/c evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling
Unknown Or Other 2025-08-22 · SA-039/25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or low-e windows. this may be caused by the sun's reflection. if a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and a
Showing the 6 most recent of 210 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-04-22 · Electrical System · 64,000 mi · 🔥 fire“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 …”
2018-12-15 · Seats · 99,000 mi“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 (doo…”
2018-07-02 · 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 currentl…”
2018-02-12 · Steering · 8,000 mi“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 …”
2017-11-13 · Steering · 15,000 mi“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. occ…”
2017-09-28 · Suspension · 65,000 mi“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.…”
2017-06-19 · Wheels · 1 mi“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…”
2017-03-08 · Steering · 84,000 mi“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.…”
2015-05-01 · Wheels · 20,300 mi“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 b…”
2014-11-15 · Vehicle Speed Control · 41,498 mi“gas pedal stuck down causing unwanted accelerating. *tr…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.