Most common 2007 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda MX-5 complaints by model year
Best MX-5 years: 2018, 2012, 2014. Years to avoid: 2016, 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2007 Mazda MX-5 owners say
Air bags
Airbag warning light shows code 22 on intermittent basis not repeated during multiple dealer visits. Critical safety systems, such as airbags, must be made to be reliable. Dealer indicates Mazda does not cover parts or labor to repair, or provide assurance that other components of the SRS will not need repair also. 20.000 to 45,000 miles on odometer since this first arose. Ignition switch function also a potential cause for warning light to trigger.
The passenger airbag disabled dash light remains on when the passenger seat is pushed to the rear with no one in the seat. The passenger seat belt unbuckled warning light is also lit even though no one is in the seat. Both lights turn off when the empty seat is moved forward. I am unsure if the air bag will deploy if needed. A Mazda dealer told me they had seen the problem before in other vehicles and there are discussions on the internet about the problem in other cars. The dealer diagnosed my car and told me it could be one of two parts but they could not be sure which part caused the problems. All they could suggest was replacing one part and then the other part if the problem persisted. The parts are the seat weight sensor ($1281.03) and the seat weight control ($523). The car has never been wrecked and nothing has been modified or altered on the airbag or seat belt system. …
Body & structure
There is a leak on the passenger side footwear which has caused rust on the from cross frame and the wires for the airbag to get wet and other wires.
I first noticed the floor under my drivers seat in the back was soaked. I took it to a Mazda dealer immediately and was told that the drainage system was probably backed up with debris causing the water to back up inside the car and it would cost approx. $700.00. It seemed to happen when my car was exposed to heavy rain. Also whenever I went to a car wash. The problem seemed to have gotten worse and I came home to find the inside of my car filled with water in the back and the front under the driver's and passenger seats. This problem can lead to a more serious problem if not fixed immediately because eventually rusting will occur under the carpeting which could be a potential danger to me as the driver. I do not feel safe driving this car with this recurring water problem. I have asked around as to how to fix this problem and have had no resolution with Mazda. …
Seats
The passenger airbag disabled dash light remains on when the passenger seat is pushed to the rear with no one in the seat. The passenger seat belt unbuckled warning light is also lit even though no one is in the seat. Both lights turn off when the empty seat is moved forward. I am unsure if the air bag will deploy if needed. A Mazda dealer told me they had seen the problem before in other vehicles and there are discussions on the internet about the problem in other cars. The dealer diagnosed my car and told me it could be one of two parts but they could not be sure which part caused the problems. All they could suggest was replacing one part and then the other part if the problem persisted. The parts are the seat weight sensor ($1281.03) and the seat weight control ($523). The car has never been wrecked and nothing has been modified or altered on the airbag or seat belt system. …
The airbag warning light came on. I took the car to the dealer, dyer Mazda in vero beach, fl. The dealer told me the airbag May or May not deploy in the event of a crash. They said I needed a passenger weight sensor, a passenger seat track adjuster, and an sas unit. Approximately $2,000 just for the parts. I called the manufacturer, Mazda, and after review, the manufacturer concurred that the airbag May or May not deploy unless these 3 parts were replaced. Mazda agreed to pay for the labor only, $650, but I would be responsible for the $2,000 in parts. My car is in excellent condition, only 11,752 miles on it. There was never any damage to the parts - impact, water or otherwise. Since all 3 parts are required for the airbag to work properly, I feel Mazda should cover the cost of the parts - not just the labor. This is a huge safety issue. …
2007 Mazda MX-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Mazda MX-5 a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 MX-5 rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the MX-5 at the same age. It is one of the MX-5 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 2007 Mazda MX-5?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the body & structure (3) and seats (3).
How many recalls does the 2007 Mazda MX-5 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2007 Mazda MX-5. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda MX-5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2012 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2006 and 2007. See the full Mazda MX-5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Mazda MX-5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 12,000 miles; 70% 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.