- 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
2021 Mazda MX-5 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2021 Mazda MX-5 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in September 2024 for the software. For comparison, the 2020 has 3 and the 2022 has 5.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical MX-5 year, for its age
#371 most complained-about 2021 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2021 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2021 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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1 complaints about the 2021 Mazda MX-5
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The contact owns a 2021 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and a burning odor was detected. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Mazda MX-5: every year compared
All MX-5 years2021 Mazda MX-5 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda MX-5 | 1 | 1 | A | |
| 2021 Dodge Charger | 35 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 20 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2021 Dodge Challenger | 19 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2021 Subaru WRX | 13 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 2021 Toyota Supra | 0 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2021 Volkswagen GTI | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2021 Honda Civic Type R | 0 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2021 Chevrolet Corvette | 0 | 2 | C | 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 2021 Mazda MX-5
Does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 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 2021 Mazda MX-5?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 2021 Mazda MX-5 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 18, 2022 and the latest on August 18, 2022. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 77 out of 100 (grade A: far 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 2021 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