Automotive Safety and Recalls

Three Mazda models have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the group's highest measure of safety on the road.

The three models are the 2024 Mazda 3 sedan, Mazda 3 hatchback and Mazda CX-30. The first two are small cars while the CX-30 is a small SUV.

What, exactly, sets them apart? All three were judged to have a “good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, original moderate overlap front and updated side tests.

All three have “acceptable” or “good” headlights across all trim levels and have a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

On the other hand, the next-highest tier of IIHS ratings –  TOP SAFETY PICK award – only requires an acceptable rating in the updated side test and only an advanced or superior rating in the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian test.

According to IIHS, the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback both meet the requirements for the higher-tier award with all standard equipment. The standard front crash prevention system earns superior ratings in both the daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. 

Two separate headlight variations are offered with different trims, one rated good and the other rated acceptable.

‘Constant pursuit of advanced safety’

"Mazda is proud to add to our list of top award winners," said Tom Donnelly, president and CEO of Mazda North America Operations. "We do so out of our constant pursuit of advanced safety, always aiming to provide our customers with the highest level of support and protection."

Previously, all three models earned IIHS's lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK award. For the 2024 model year, Mazda said it made  system enhancements that improved safety and allowed the vehicles to earn the top, superior ratings in IIHS's pedestrian crash avoidance ratings, including their new nighttime tests.

IIHS says the CX-30 also qualifies for the “plus” with standard equipment. All models come with a front crash prevention system that earns superior ratings in the daytime and nighttime tests, and the two available headlight variations both earn good ratings.

Brakes are among the most important equipment on a car or truck but it seems lots of car owners are reporting brake problems in recent weeks.

A ConsumerAffairs analysis of car owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates the problem is showing up among various makes and models.

It’s especially a problem for various Toyota models, including the 2018 Toyota Corolla, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius and the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The reported defects appear to be related to the ABS brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies, which can cause accidents due to difficulty operating the brakes.

While those cars are not yet subject to recalls, other recalled vehicles are still unrepaired because of a shortage of needed parts, especially for airbags and fuel systems. Among the recalled vehicles that still have no remedy are the GMC Acadia models, Chevrolet Traverse models, 2016 and 2017 Buick Enclave, and 2022 Ram 1500. 

Safety experts say the unavailability of parts poses a potential safety risk and has led to complaints about the manufacturer exceeding a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

Owners of 2018 Chevrolet Malibus. 2019 Honda Odysseys, 2017 Ford Expeditions and various Jeep Compass models have reported instances of stalling and unexpected shutdown – an obvious safety risk.

Chevy had the most complaints

Chevrolet led all brands with the most complaints in late September with 19. The most common safety defect reported is related to the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, with the “Shift to Park” message frequently appearing.

This issue has been reported in multiple complaints and poses a significant safety concern as it can potentially lead to the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly.

Jeep and RAM both collected 18 complaints. Various Jeep models have reported stalling and shutdown complaints. The most common RAM complaint is related to the 2018 RAM 2500 model. 

Owners have reported the failure of the ABS and traction control systems, which intermittently stop working, causing the corresponding warning lights to flash. This defect has been reported to occur at various speeds and times, and can sometimes be temporarily resolved by restarting the vehicle. 

While these vehicles have yet to be called, NHTSA collects months of owner complaints before asking a manufacturer to issue a recall. Owners who are experiencing repeated problems with their vehicles can report the problem to NHTSA here.