2011 Mazda MAZDA2: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Mazda2. The contact stated while driving at 70 mph, the glass sunroof spontaneously exploded and shattered causing the glass to enter the vehicle. The contact stated that no object hit or caused the sunroof to shatter. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road to clean up the class that was in the vehicle and then continued driving to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 150,000. Consumer stated sunroof was an aftermarket installation.”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2021
“The driver seat shifts from the base, on occasion it has slid forward. The car was in motion when this took place but I was able to push back and it went back into place. There could be bolts that have been loosened.”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2020
“I was notified of a recall. I attempted to get the repair done at my local mazda dealer. Scheduling the appointment was challenging, when I arrived, interactions were stressful. I dropped my car off, within 45 min, I was called stating that they did not have the part needed to fix the recall, but that they would call me when they did. They sent a follow-up email asking about the visit and I was very candid & honest in the reply. The appointment was 6-8-19. I have yet to receive a call that the part has arrived.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 mazda 2. While making a u-turn, the front driver's seat disconnected and caused the driver to fall towards the front passenger seat. The driver was not injured and there was no warning indicator illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 53,916.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2019
“We had our rack and pinion steering replaced at the mazda dealer on november 20, 2018 due to clonking in the steering rack. My son is reporting that the clonking and steering is much worse when sitting still and turning the steering wheel and when making right and left hand turns while driving. He also said that the car doesn't want to steer straight on the freeway. I replaced the front pads and rotors and front struts in 2018 as well. I inspected the struts and brakes and suspension today and found them to be in excellent condition. I find that the rack and pinion is defective.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2018
“Steering "clunks" when turning left or right, and metallic "clanks" are heard on driver's side under dash when going over bumps. Took car to local mazda dealership, who diagnosed "bad steering gear" and stated "this car is unsafe to drive." repair bill is $1,200. Looking online, multiple mazda2 owners have reported the same problem. Dealer is currently repairing vehicle.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2018
“The symbol front passenger airbag is off and belt light keeps blinking on the dashboard since dec 2017. I bought this for the mazda dealer and they told me to pay for the repairs, I don't have money for the repair because I don't have work. Please help me with the repair, we hardly use and park only in the garage.thank you very much.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2017
“At low speed driving a clunking noise could be felt in the steering. On 11-20-2015 the local mazda dealer diagnosis showed a failure in the electrical power steering unit and it had to be replaced at considerable expense. Dealer advised that no tsb was issued and since the warranty had expired it was my responsibility to pay for the repair. It seems to me that a failure in the electrical power assist unit is a serious, if not dangerous ,condition that should cause the NHTSA to order a recall of the 2011 mazda 2 to make sure the vehicles are road worthy and safe. Ref: roger beasley mazda, georgetown,tx invoice: 160299 dated 11-20-2015.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2015
“I purchased this mazda 2 new in january 2012. Sept 2014 I noticed the steering binding and making noise. Dealership diagnosed as rack and pinion assembly defective. A year later sept of 2015 the symptoms happened again, and assembly is replaced again. Now september 2017 the unit had gone bad again and dealership advised assembly needs replaced. I have had all work done at mazda dealership. When I contacted mazda about this issue I never received a response. Dealership was also to talk to mazda tech support and again nothing. Three rack and pinion units in 5 years seems to indicate a problem. I have 51,000 miles on the car. I drive back and forth to work and to the y.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2014
“When speeds under 20mph the steering rack rattles. Currently there is a tsb for the repair to replace the rack and pinion. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2013
Recalls - 1 campaign
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact MAZDA2 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2011 Mazda MAZDA2 reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2011 Mazda MAZDA2. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2011 Mazda MAZDA2 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seats. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.