Most common 2023 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of the 7 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 →
2023 Mazda MX-5 recalls (1)
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.
What 2023 Mazda MX-5 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
My vehicle has only 8700 miles. At around 2500 miles first gear refused to engage, and I had to start the car in second for a week. That week I scheduled for service but the problem was not reproducible, since then it has been intermittent by never prolonged like that full week. This is and was a safety risk because I have been stuck on a hill, stop signs, and green traffic lights etc. Because it was not reproducible, the claim was dismissed. At around 4000 miles and on, third gear became very inconsistent in shift action. Typically it won't allow me to shift into third at all, other times it will grind, or requires excessive force to engage gear. This happens both in motion and at a stop. In traffic, the sudden loss in speed and rpm from being unable to shift into third poses a risk, especially getting onto on ramps. …
Mazda Miata model years 2022-2024 with manual 6sp transmission are experiencing a large number of failures at low mileage. Some owners are reporting 2 failed transmissions at less than 10,000 miles. 3rd and 4th great become unusable without warning, increasing the potential for a crash. There have been over 50 reports of manual transmission failure from 2022-2024 Miata owners. Concern: When the transmission internals fail without warring the vehicle experiences loss of power and forward movement, substantially increasing the chance of an accident in a highway driving scenario. This problem has been confirmed by Mazda dealer network. Mazda is offering to replacement transmissions, but has not told the owners if there have been modifications and improvements to the replacement units to resolve the issue, or if they are replacing the defective transmission with same kind.
2023 Mazda MX-5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 26 / 35 / 30 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 26 / 34 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 MX-5 rates average: 1.4× 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 2023 Mazda MX-5?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seat belts (1) and air bags (1).
How many recalls does the 2023 Mazda MX-5 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2023 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.
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.