- The problem
- 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 with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- The risk
- An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- The fix
- 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. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
Vehicle safety record
2020 Mazda MX-5 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2020 Mazda MX-5 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (2) and the fuel system (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in September 2024 for the software. For comparison, the 2019 has 11 and the 2021 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical MX-5 year, for its age
#252 most complained-about 2020 vehicle
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2020 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of all 3 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2020 Mazda MX-5 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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3 complaints about the 2020 Mazda MX-5
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
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.
2020 mx5 rf club edition with 65k miles lost engine power while driving in rush hour traffic. Car would not re-start, required a tow, and I was left stranded and without transportation. Since car was inoperable it was towed to nearby reputable mechanic and per the mechanic fuel pump has failed. Same fuel pump has been recalled by other manufacturers and hundreds of thousands of 2018-2019 mx5's have been recalled due to a similar defective fuel pump. I believe my car is effected by a defective fuel pump and should...
Read the full complaint
be included in the recall and replaced by the manufacturer free of charge. Part can be inspected. Part has been inspected by an independent service center. No warning signs prior to the issue occurring, battery and engine lights appeared as vehicle lost power.
Mazda MX-5: every year compared
All MX-5 years2020 Mazda MX-5 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda MX-5 | 3 | 1 | B | |
| 2020 Dodge Charger | 58 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro | 33 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2020 Dodge Challenger | 20 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2020 Subaru WRX | 18 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2020 Subaru BRZ | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2020 Toyota 86 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2020 Nissan 370Z | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2020 Toyota Supra | 0 | 8 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2020 Mazda MX-5
Does the 2020 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Mazda MX-5: software (September 2024). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda MX-5?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (2), fuel system (1).
How many complaints has the 2020 Mazda MX-5 had?
3 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 23, 2024 and the latest on June 15, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2020 Mazda MX-5 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 61 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Mazda MX-5 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda MX-5 years have the most complaints?
2016 (34), 2017 (11), 2019 (11). See every Mazda MX-5 year compared.
What should I do if my 2020 Mazda MX-5 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data