Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 1.2× | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2023 | 7 | 1.4× | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2022 | 5 | typical | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2019 | 11 | 1.7× | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2018 | 3 | −50% | 3 | Body | Good |
| 2017 | 11 | 1.2× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2016 | 34 | 3.5× | 3 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2014 | 6 | −48% | — | Brake | Good |
| 2012 | 5 | −48% | — | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2008 | 7 | −56% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2007 | 17 | 1.4× | — | Airbag | Caution |
| 2006 | 25 | 2.3× | 1 | Body | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median MX-5 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Mazda MX-5 problems
Latest Mazda MX-5 recalls
Electronic stability control (ESC) › Control module
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. The Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may fail to illuminate as intended due to a software error.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the DSC unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7425E.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module › Software
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Mazda MX-5 should you avoid?
2016, 2006 and 2007 — these years have the most complaints relative to other MX-5 years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2016.
What is the best year for the Mazda MX-5?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other MX-5 years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Mazda MX-5 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (30), body & structure (20) and electrical system (19). Transmission complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Mazda MX-5 had?
6 recalls across 2006–2024. The model year with the most is 2016. See all Mazda MX-5 recalls by year.
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.