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. As such, these...
2011-2026 · 16 model years
Mazda MX-5 Problems by year
Owners have filed 99 complaints about the Mazda MX-5 across 16 model years, and it has 5 recalls. The 2016 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (34), while 2011, 2013, 2015 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain, followed by the airbags.
- Complaints
- 99
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 8
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
MX-5 complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common MX-5 problems
Mazda MX-5 recalls 5
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply...
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...
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.
Covers2016 Mazda MX-5
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...
Latest MX-5 complaints
After driving on slight up or down hill with headlights on, I'm getting Headlight malfunction warning on my almost brand new (700 miles) Miata.
The contact owns a 2026 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 80 MPH, the vehicle was erroneously swaying from left to right. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the road crown needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact was concerned about a failure within the differential. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Recall has been open for two years and Mazda still hasn't provided the tools to dealerships to fix it. Mazda keeps emailing to go to a dealership but they they have to turn you away as they are unable to repair the vehicle.
Taking my car in for now the 3rd time for the headlight error "Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected. The first 2 times it occurred around 3000 miles where they first tried a software and reset then it did it again so took it back and they swapped the left headlight which had failed. Then it was good for a few months until the issue came back recently around 7500 or so miles. Now it's doing it pretty consistently again and I suspect the right headlight has failed. Taking it in today to get...
Read the full complaint
checked out again. I'm surprised it's not a recall at this point as headlights are important and allow you to see at night. Seems to have the issue whenever the lights come on now so it's pretty consistent. I've checked forums and I am not the only 1. There are many ND3 owners with the same issues of failing headlights or in some cases other modules.
Mazda and NHTSA have sent out multiple notices calling owner to go to dealers to have the recall remediated. If one schedules to go to a dealership they are informed that Mazda does not yet have a tool available to remedy the issue. I've been on a waiting list for over 4 months and no tool is available yet. Since this appears to be a software issue it's very concerning that it's taking this long to create a "tool" to resolve an airbag issue.
2016 Mazda MX5 club: In warmer weather(70 degree F or higher) and after driving for 5+ miles, the steering becomes less sensitive and gets "stuck/sticky" and requires more force to turn. When applied more force the car over corrects and you swerve cause the amount of force you needed to apply. Seems like something in the steering rack expands with heat which then creates friction which you have to overcome to continue driving. Seems like it's becoming more of a issues the more people drive
Questions about the Mazda MX-5
Which Mazda MX-5 years have the most problems?
Which Mazda MX-5 years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Mazda MX-5 problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the transmission & drivetrain (27), airbags (12), electrical system (12) most often.
How many recalls does the Mazda MX-5 have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls across all Mazda MX-5 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data