NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mazda Mazda2 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mazda Mazda2 scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mazda Mazda2 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects its robust crash protection, which is somewhat offset by a minimal avoidance-technology score and two active recall campaigns. Prospective owners should prioritize verifying recall completion.
The 2020 Mazda Mazda2 received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 ranks 61 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 61 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mazda Mazda2?
The 2020 Mazda Mazda2 posts a Safety Index of 86 out of 100, a one-point slip from the 2019 model year's 87, while both years remain firmly in the Strong band. The crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 is the engine of that rating, reflecting the vehicle's sweep of 5-star marks in overall, frontal, and side testing from NHTSA. The rollover result of 4 out of 5 stars with a 13 percent risk figure and a passing No Tip dynamic result is the only place crash protection falls short of perfect. Where this specific model year loses ground is the avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10: forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both absent as standard equipment, with only electronic stability control fitted as standard. That technology gap is the structural reason the index sits at 86 rather than higher. The defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20 reflects two recall campaigns, one headlight-specific to the 2020-2021 Mazda2 and one fuel pump campaign that sweeps in this generation. Zero NHTSA complaints round out a profile where crash performance is the clear strength and technology content is the clear limitation for this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Mazda Mazda2 achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. Its rollover performance, while still strong at 4 out of 5 stars, presents a relative weak point, with a 13 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test, however, resulted in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14196
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the headlight system: certain 2020-2021 Mazda2 vehicles were built with headlights missing an adjustment prevention cap. The second is a broader fuel pump campaign spanning multiple Mazda models including the 2019-2020 Mazda2. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the data provided, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS22V885000
Risk: Improperly adjusted headlights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install the missing adjustment prevention caps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners in Puerto Rico may contact Mazda customer service at (787) 620-7546. Owners in the United States may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5622K.
Reported 2022-11-30
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V875000
Risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Reported 2021-11-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mazda Mazda2?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda Mazda2. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged in submissions to the federal database. There are no top components to report. This absence of unverified allegations is itself a data point worth noting.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mazda Mazda2?
Shoppers considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether both the headlight adjustment cap and fuel pump campaigns have been remedied. An unresolved recall is a negotiating point and a safety obligation before driving the vehicle.
- The 2020 Mazda Mazda2 is subject to a headlight recall specific to 2020-2021 model years involving a missing adjustment prevention cap - remedy status must be verified by VIN.
- A separate fuel pump recall issued in 2021 covers the 2019-2020 Mazda2 alongside several other Mazda models, making this vehicle part of a multi-nameplate campaign that should also be confirmed as completed.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, a meaningful gap compared to contemporaries that offered those systems as standard.
- NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2020 Mazda Mazda2, meaning no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been alleged in federal submissions - an unusually clean complaint record for a vehicle of this age.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 places
The 2020 Mazda Mazda2 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mazda Mazda2 safety questions
Was the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mazda Mazda2, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mazda Mazda2 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mazda Mazda2. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mazda Mazda2?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mazda Mazda2. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mazda2 years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14196), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda2 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 61 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.