Most common 2013 Mazda Mazda2 problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda Mazda2 complaints by model year
Best Mazda2 years: 2020, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2011, 2013. Compare all years →
2013 Mazda Mazda2 recalls (1)
Steering
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…
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 Mazda Mazda2:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2013 Mazda Mazda2 owners say
Steering
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 failure May result if not caught or addressed early. Occurred in a new, very low-milage vehicle.
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 the energy absorber shaft. Mazda is aware of the flaw.
2013 Mazda Mazda2 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 29 / 34 / 31 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 28 / 33 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Mazda Mazda2 a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Mazda2 rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Mazda2 at the same age. It is one of the Mazda2 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Mazda Mazda2?
The steering — 4 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (2) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 Mazda Mazda2 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 Mazda Mazda2, the most recent from April 11, 2016 (steering). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda Mazda2?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011 and 2013. See the full Mazda Mazda2 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Mazda Mazda2 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 41,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.