MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Mazda Mazda2

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
0Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE MAZDA MAZDA2

The Mazda Mazda2 is a subcompact sedan aimed squarely at budget-conscious urban drivers and first-time car buyers who want something nimble, efficient, and easy to park. Sitting at the entry level of Mazda's lineup, the Mazda2 competes in one of the most crowded and price-sensitive segments in the American market, where safety credentials can make or break a purchase decision.

VERDICT

The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally find the Mazda2 to be one of the more engaging and well-rounded entries in the subcompact segment, praising its responsive driving character and interior quality relative to its price point. Most acknowledge it punches above its class in refinement, though some note the expected limitations in space and feature content that come with any entry-level offering.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 13%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15160

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record19/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths

Other Mazda2 years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15160), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Mazda Mazda2 2021. Class rank 50 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure