NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mazda Mazda2 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mazda2 achieved a strong safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100. This places it firmly in the Strong band, supported by a single recall and no open complaints from owners. The vehicle demonstrated near-perfect crash protection in federal tests. However, its overall safety score is notably constrained by the absence of advanced driver-assistance systems, specifically forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 5 HB FWD received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mazda Mazda2 ranks 50 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 50 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mazda Mazda2?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 received a 4-star rating in rollover resistance, despite earning a 5 out of 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA. This overall score reflects 5-star ratings in both frontal and side impact categories, demonstrating excellent occupant protection. The NHTSA Safety Index, at 87 out of 100, places the Mazda2 in the Strong band, a one-point increase over the 2020 model's 86 out of 100. While its crash protection earned 66 out of a possible 70 points, the absence of advanced driver-assistance features notably affects the overall score. The vehicle received only 2 out of 10 points for avoidance technology. This is due to the lack of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. Electronic stability control is standard, providing minimal credit in this category. For a 2021 model year, this omission of key active-safety features significantly impacts the overall safety assessment. The defect record contributes 19 out of a possible 20 points, supported by a single recall campaign concerning a missing headlight adjustment prevention cap and zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 demonstrates high levels of occupant protection and a clean defect history, but its lack of modern collision avoidance systems is a clear disadvantage.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mazda Mazda2 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mazda2 achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It earned perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash protection. Rollover resistance represents the only category where the Mazda2 did not achieve a 5-star rating, scoring 4 out of 5 stars with a rollover risk of 13 percent, though the dynamic tip test indicated No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15160
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mazda Mazda2 have any recalls?
The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 carries one recall campaign, covering 2020-2021 Mazda2 vehicles. The issue involves exterior lighting, specifically headlights missing an adjustment prevention cap. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign. Shoppers should verify remedy completion 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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mazda Mazda2?
NHTSA records zero owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda Mazda2. There are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths on file. No top components have been flagged. Because NHTSA complaints are unverified consumer allegations, the absence of any reports is itself a notable data point for this model year.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mazda Mazda2?
Unresolved recalls transfer to the new owner, making remedy verification a critical safety step before purchasing a used vehicle. For the 2021 Mazda Mazda2, shoppers should confirm the headlight adjustment prevention cap recall has been completed.
- The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 scores 87/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, one point above the 2020 model year's 86/100, with both years in the Strong band.
- NHTSA awarded the 2021 model perfect 5-star frontal and side crash-test scores, while rollover came in at 4 stars with a 13 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- One recall exists for this model year, covering a missing headlight adjustment prevention cap on 2020-2021 Mazda2 vehicles - VIN verification of remedy completion is essential for used-market buyers.
- Neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning is present on this vehicle, which is why the avoidance technology component scores only 2 out of 10 in the Safety Index breakdown.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mazda Mazda2 places
The 2021 Mazda Mazda2 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mazda Mazda2 safety questions
Was the 2021 Mazda Mazda2 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mazda Mazda2, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2021 Mazda Mazda2 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Mazda Mazda2 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Mazda Mazda2. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mazda Mazda2?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15160), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mazda Mazda2 2021.
- 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 50 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.