Is the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 reliable?

The 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 has 15 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2?

Top problems: STEERING (4 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (2 complaints, avg repair $500); WHEELS (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): STEERING. Contact any Mazda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Mazda MAZDA2?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Mazda MAZDA2

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Mazda MAZDA2 has 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 15. The most common issue is steering problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: 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.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

4 complaints

27%

• 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.
• 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 FAILUR
• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Mazda MAZDA2

Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 31K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

STEERING11/04/2016

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 knuckle to separate.

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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Mazda MAZDA2

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda MAZDA2 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2013 MAZDA2, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 15 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: UPON STOPPING, TURNING OFF VEHICLE AND REMOVING IGNITION FOB KEY; FOB KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE VERY, VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: 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 T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)