2020 Mazda MX-5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 15, 2026 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MX-5 years
Not enough data 13th of 21 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Mazda MX-5. That ranks 13th out of 21 MX-5 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (2 complaints, 67%). There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 RF in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2020 Mazda MX-5 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags2
Fuel/propulsion System1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags267%———
Fuel/propulsion System133%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2026, with 2 complaints
2024: 1202412026: 220262

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2020 Mazda MX-5 recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module:softwareSep 18, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V695000 · 77,670 vehicles

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."

Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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.

Air Bags · received Jun 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11744243

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…

Air Bags · received May 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11737415

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…

Fuel/propulsion System · received May 23, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11590415

Other Mazda MX-5 years

← 2019 MX-5 · 2021 MX-5 →

See all Mazda MX-5 problems by year, every Mazda model, or the Mazda VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mazda MX-5?

Owners most often report air bags, fuel/propulsion system problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2020 Mazda MX-5?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2020 Mazda MX-5 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MX-5 model years, the 2020 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.