Mazda MX-5 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 155 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the Mazda MX-5, across 21 model years (2006–2026). The 2016 model year has the most complaints (34). The most reported problem area overall is power train.
Mazda MX-5 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MX-5 year: 2006, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2019. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2016 MX-5: 34 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2006 MX-5: 25 complaints, 1 recall
- 2007 MX-5: 17 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Mazda MX-5 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 32 | 13 | 2 |
| Air Bags | 22 | 11 | 6 |
| Electrical System | 20 | 10 | 3 |
| Structure | 20 | 8 | 1 |
| Steering | 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 7 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Tires | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Seats | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Suspension | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Mazda MX-5 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MX-5 | 1 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2025 MX-5 | 3 | 1 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2024 MX-5 | 5 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2023 MX-5 | 7 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2022 MX-5 | 5 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2021 MX-5 | 1 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2020 MX-5 | 3 | 1 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2019 MX-5 | 11 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2018 MX-5 | 3 | 3 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2017 MX-5 | 11 | 2 | — | Visibility/wiper | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2016 MX-5 | 34 | 3 | — | Power Train | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2015 MX-5 | 1 | 0 | — | Fuel/propulsion System | |
| 2014 MX-5 | 6 | 0 | — | Structure | |
| 2013 MX-5 | 2 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2012 MX-5 | 5 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2011 MX-5 | 1 | 0 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2010 MX-5 | 4 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2009 MX-5 | 3 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2008 MX-5 | 7 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2007 MX-5 | 17 | 0 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2006 MX-5 | 25 | 1 | — | Structure | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Mazda: all Mazda models · Mazda VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda MX-5 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2006 (25), 2007 (17), 2016 (34), 2017 (11), 2019 (11) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MX-5 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Mazda MX-5?
Power Train, with 32 complaints across 13 model years.
How many recalls does the Mazda MX-5 have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.