I was driving down the expressway at about 55 mph, when my steering wheel locked up, and my car went up on the center divider. I could not steer my car off the divider, and the brakes weren't working as well either. I imagine what happened was that the engine stopped and my car powered off without warning (the car has a history of failed warning lights or warning lights going on for no reason, having the instrument panel replaced once, but not solving the problem). My car ended up spinning out across the road and slamming into a tree on the passenger side. If the timing was different by a split-second, I would have probably hit the tree with the driver's side, or slammed head-on into a light pole. My car was totaled and I split my head open and had to get stitches. I am very lucky to be alive. I have had nothing but problems with this car, and another one of it's stupid failures almost killed me.

- San Jose, CA, USA

While in motion, the red engine coolant light illuminated. Consumer checked the coolant reservoir and found it to be empty. The cause, a leaking coolant reservoir cap. The red engine oil pressure light illuminates occasionally. The oil level was extrememly low. Mazdas service manager informed consumer that the new Beetles tends to use oil. The engine control unit failed also. The oil pan has a hole in it which allowed the oil level to continuously be low, therefore allowing the engine oil pressure light to continuously illuminate, also the timing belt and tensioner belt were replaced.

- Dover , NH, USA

At various speeds vehicle will stall out and die without warning. Dealer has repaired electrical system, and fuel tank. But, problem still exists vehicle experiences oil leaks. Air bag light is on, dealer secured loose connector clear codes. Passenger seat would not move up or down. Trunk very hard to close, dealer adjusted upper and lower trunk lock assembly.

- Pelham, NY, USA

Engine cover is poorly designed, and the car is too low. Engine cover gets pulled and scrapes on the ground and rippes apart which goes back into the engine. This occurs when going over a large speed bump also pulling up to a cylinder block.

- Ft Myers, FL, USA

A hole developed in the oil pan, causing oil to leak which resulted in vehicle stalling. Dealer & manufacturer have been notified.

- New Milford, CT, USA