Most common 2016 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of the 34 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 →
2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls (3)
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.
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.
What 2016 Mazda MX-5 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
6 speed manual transmission failure at 59,000 miles Started not shifting into 3rd, then shortly after, the transmission locked up in a intersection. Which stalled the vehicle out. Was able to move the vehicle by hand, out of heavy traffic. Since this effects all ND1, ND2 and ND3 manual transmissions. I dropped and changed it for a used one. While I rebuild the original. As I am also outside of warranty.
On December 7, 2023 at approximately 10:30pm, I was traveling west bound on [redacted] . Suddenly, there was a loud thumping noise from under the passenger seat. After about 10 seconds, it escalated to an extremely loud banging and the smell of oil. Not a single warning light appeared on my dashboard. I immediately attempted to pull off the road. This area is in the middle of a mesa with no streetlights and a speed of a 65mph road. I immediately put on my hazard lights and was stranded. The dangerousness of this situation was insurmountable. I was in a 2 seated convertible, partially on the road with no streetlights as cars and trucks flew by me at speeds above 65mph. Had I been hit from behind; I would have been killed instantaneously. I contacted AAA for emergency towing. The tow truck was deployed. In the meantime, I sat there helplessly. …
Air bags
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V695000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the bumper of a parked 2001 Lexus LS400 was crashed into and the vehicle came to a stop. There was damage to the contact's license plate holder and the other vehicle bumper. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver's and passenger's side air bags deployed in the minor collision. No police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. No one else was injured. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. …
I was in an accident on May 1st 2022. I was traveling south when another car hit me. The airbags didn't deploy at all none of them did you can see from the pics and video I have attached and hear the audio from my dash cam saying the airbag deployment was detected but no airbags came out. (Dash cam video won't upload but I can email or text it if needed) the car is currently at the Ken garff Honda body shop in Riverdale Utah.
Body & structure
Owners manual (attached) does not mention the foam filters located beneath the plastic filters (photo attached). Complaint is that the foam filters do not dry, and become caked with black mold. In the attached photo, the foam filters have been soaked with bleach to kill the mold, and washed to clean out the mold "scale". In addition to the potential health hazard to occupants of the vehicle, clogged with mold filters can prevent proper operation of the drains, resulting in flooding of the car interior, and rust. Water exposure can be from car washing as well a rain, both being routine exposures.
The top windshield trim piece popped off while on the highway. The windshield has never been replaced and this trim piece has never been removed. All but one of the clips failed.
2016 Mazda MX-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 27 / 34 / 30 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 26 / 36 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 a good car?
Based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 MX-5 rates avoid: 3.5× 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 2016 Mazda MX-5?
The transmission & drivetrain — 11 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (5) and body & structure (4).
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2016 Mazda MX-5, the most recent from September 18, 2024 (software). 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 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 2016 Mazda MX-5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 24,000 miles; 77% 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.