Most common 2017 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of the 11 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 →
2017 Mazda MX-5 recalls (2)
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.
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 2017 Mazda MX-5 owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Vehicles rear windshield spontaneously shattered. Vehicle was idle and upon starting the vehicle a cracking sound was heard in the cabin and the rear view mirror was unusable as the rear windshield was entirely shattered into <1 inch pieces. Small pieces of loose glass had fallen from both upper corners of the windshield. The windshield is still attached to the vehicle and rear visibility is severely limited. No third-party inspections have been executed. There was no previous damage to the windshield and the car was idling when the failure occurred. There were no indications of potential failure before the incident.
At 8300 miles this car has dozens of rock chips in the windshield, most of which were picked up from driving on relatively clean interstates and some of which have begun to spiderweb. I believe that the glass on this vehicle is abnormally susceptible to picking up chips from rocks which will in time create stress risers and cause the windshield to fail prematurely. I talked to a Mazda rep and they said that there were no recalls on this vehicle nor was the windshield covered by the factory warranty. They directed me to take my complaint to my insurance company. More pictures are available upon request.
2017 Mazda MX-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 26 / 35 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 MX-5 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the MX-5 at the same age. 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 2017 Mazda MX-5?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (2) and stability & traction control (1).
How many recalls does the 2017 Mazda MX-5 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2017 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 2017 Mazda MX-5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 8,000 miles; 100% 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.