2021 Mazda MX-5 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 19, 2024 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MX-5 years
Not enough data 18th of 21 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2021 Mazda MX-5. That ranks 18th out of 21 MX-5 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 1,000 miles. 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.

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Most common 2021 Mazda MX-5 problems

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

Power Train1 · ~1,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train1100%1,000——

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

2021 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.

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…

Power Train · received Aug 18, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11479986

Other Mazda MX-5 years

← 2020 MX-5 · 2022 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 2021 Mazda MX-5?

Owners most often report power train problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2021 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 2021 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 2021 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.