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Vehicle Stats/Mazda/MX 5 Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

Mazda MX 5 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Average reliability signalOur verdict from 50 complaints and 13 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Mazda MX 5 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

50
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
13
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
4
Crash-Related
crash complaints
0
Fire-Related
fire complaints
4
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2017–2026

Free VIN check

Found a Mazda MX 5? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mazda MX 5 has 50 owner complaints and 13 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.

Mazda MX 5 — key reliability facts
Make
Mazda
Model
MX 5
Model years analyzed
2017–2026 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
50
Safety recall campaigns
13
Crash-related complaints
4
Fire-related complaints
0
Worst model year (by complaints)
2017 (11 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2025 (3 complaints)
Top reported issue area
POWER TRAIN
Reliability signal
Average
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 4, 2026
This MX 5 has 13 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Mazda MX 5: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
201711 complaints201911 complaints20225 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20253 complaints20203 complaints20183 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2017 Mazda MX 5? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.

What the complaint data suggests

Average
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The MAZDA MX 5 has 50 NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 50 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 13 federal recall campaigns
  • 4 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2017
11
2018
3
2019
11
2020
3
2022
5
2025
3

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

13 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

#25V336000TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMApril 6, 2025
Safety recall

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

#25V336000TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMApril 6, 2025
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#21V875000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPDecember 11, 2021
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#21V875000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPDecember 11, 2021
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

#19V072000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)January 2, 2019
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

#19V072000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)January 2, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V695000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V695000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V695000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V695000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V695000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V695000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#24V695000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 50 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
POWER TRAIN15 complaints
02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8 complaints
03
STEERING5 complaints
04
AIR BAGS5 complaints
05
VISIBILITY/WIPER5 complaints
06
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3 complaints
07
STRUCTURE3 complaints
08
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

50 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

POWER TRAINJun 2024

2018 Mazda Miata MX-5 Club Sport, manual transmission Heading home from a friends house that evening, transmission started whirring/whining in 6th gear, then 5th, and so on through 2nd - 1st gear seems to be unaffected. I was forced to apply hazard flashers and travel well below the speed limit in the right lane of the PA turnpike until I made my way to local roads. As I got closer to home, there was also a slight crunch between gears. All of the symptoms above got worse until arriving home, where the vehicle was parked to await diagnosis/repair. 2016+ Mazda Miata MX-5 manual transmissions are infamous for being fragile, but I never expected my transmission to fail before I reached 20,000 miles on the odometer. Mazda also refused to refund it due to my car being just months out of warranty. I am now out $2000+ from sourcing a new transmission and having it installed on a relatively new car, which is unheard of.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINEDec 2020

I'VE OWNED MY 2018 MAZDA MX-5 FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. THE PROBLEMS SLOW STARTED ARISING. AT FIRST I HADN'T NOTICED, BUT WHEN GOING IN AND OUT OF 'DRIVE' THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS EITHER GOING TO STALL OR ACCELERATE. I HAD INITIALLY THOUGHT WAS BECAUSE IT'S A 'SPORTS CAR.' IN AUGUST OF 2020 THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. FAST FORWARD TO DECEMBER 2020, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS MALFUNCTION AS WELL. I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AS TO WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE THAT'S ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD. I'VE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE OCTOBER OF 2018. INTERNET FORUMS SUGGESTED FAULTS WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING. I'VE INFORMED THE MAZDA OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THESE ISSUES AND INFORMED THEM OF THE INCONVENIENCE. MAKE NOTE I HAVE ONLY MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILING. I'VE PROVIDED THEM WITH MY VIN AND YET TO HEAR FROM THEM SINCE. IT DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME TO DO RESEARCH ON MY VIN, SO I DID AND MUCH TO MY CHAGRIN AFTER APOLOGIZING FOR POSSIBLY BEING RUDE, I FIND THAT MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A SERIOUS RECALL SINCE FEBRUARY 01ST OF 2019. A YEAR AND 10 MONTHS AND NO RECALL NOTICE WHAT SO EVER! SHOULDN'T THE DEALERSHIP KNOW OF THE PROBLEMS! SERIOUSLY I COULD HAVE DIED! I QUOTE, DIRECTLY FROM NHTSA, 'THE SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DOWNSHIFT WHILE DRIVING MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, AND COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.' THIS IS INCREDIBLY DEPRESSING, SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. THEY HAD CLOSE TO 2 YEARS TO INFORM ME OF THIS RECALL AND I HAD TO FIND OUT MYSELF.

STRUCTURENov 2019

STARTED FROM CREAK NOISE AS CAR START TO MOVE, ACCELERATE OR STOP. NOW IT DEVELOPED TO SOME TICKING NOISE EVERY TIME CAR ACCELERATE OR DECELERATE. THE CAR IS ONLY AT ABOUT 9700 MI WENT TO SPREEN MAZDA LOMA LINDA CA TO INSPECT THE CAR. THEY SAID IT IS NORMAL AND COME BACK WHEN IT GETS WORSE

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJul 2026

After driving on slight up or down hill with headlights on, I'm getting Headlight malfunction warning on my almost brand new (700 miles) Miata.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJun 2026

Taking my car in for now the 3rd time for the headlight error "Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected. The first 2 times it occurred around 3000 miles where they first tried a software and reset then it did it again so took it back and they swapped the left headlight which had failed. Then it was good for a few months until the issue came back recently around 7500 or so miles. Now it's doing it pretty consistently again and I suspect the right headlight has failed. Taking it in today to get checked out again. I'm surprised it's not a recall at this point as headlights are important and allow you to see at night. Seems to have the issue whenever the lights come on now so it's pretty consistent. I've checked forums and I am not the only 1. There are many ND3 owners with the same issues of failing headlights or in some cases other modules.

SEAT BELTSMar 2025

my driver-side seatbelt buckle has been jamming since about one month after purchase. When I brought the issue to the dealership, they were able to temporarily fix it using an air compressor, citing that the buckle was full of "small debris". Upon further inquiry, I was told the debris consisted of "air particles and dust" and was advised not to leave the door open or drive with the top down. Given that this is a convertible, such a recommendation is unreasonable. It is unacceptable for a seatbelt buckle, one of the most critical safety components of a vehicle, to malfunction under normal usage conditions, especially in a brand-new car. This is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction prevents me at times from fully engaging my seat belt.

Read 14 more owner reports
POWER TRAINAug 2022

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.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKESDec 2023

On the Dash the amber ABS light came on as well as the red Brake light and they stayed on for a couples and I took it to the shop and they said it was the "Steering Angle Sensor" and they changed it and the lights came back on a day later and they took another look from head to toe and they couldn't find a reason why the ABS and Brake Lights were staying on and now its only intermit after four weeks, it cost me about $644.00 dollars for the SAS plus $130.00 for diagnostic plus renter car and the lights still come on (Meineke Auto Shop.) On the screen of the car it states something wrong with the Electrical Vacuum Pump but they checked and the scanner is not pulling nothing up and the shop end up stating, it was probably an "electrical issue." I believe with the miles the car has, it shouldnt had needed any new sensor and there is a possible electrical defect or bad wiring. Car has no accidents and drives fine and straight but the lights come on a few times a week but never when Im driving only when its first turned on.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2023

While driving 65 mph,I lost power steering control then the electronics system shut down momentarily then it restarted itself and made to destination.Next morning, I tried to drive the car but the steering wasn't working. Later on that day ,I checked it again then it worked.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAug 2022

I've had the car about 4,500 miles. No problems. Current mileage is 8899. Drove about 30 miles. 88 degrees. Humid. Dry. Slowed and turned right into my driveway. Stopped to run and open the garage. Standard tranny. The moment I slipped it out of gear, the engine began to howl, revving to between 5,500 and 6,000 r.p.m.s. Turned it off. Turned it back on after 15 seconds. Immediately went to 6,000 r.p.m.s. Turned it off. Started it again after 30 seconds. Was okay and is now in my garage.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJun 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

SEAT BELTSApr 2022

Seat belts fail to retract or tighten properly. I have to hand feed the belt slowly back into the housing when I put the seat belt on to get it to properly tighten. It also fails to retract when I remove the belt, once I got caught in the loop almost falling onto pavement when I was exiting the vehicle. My dogs have on occasion gotten snarled in the belt while entering or exiting the car. A dealership confirmed the belts were failing to retract, but blamed it on repairs done by a non dealership garage. No warning lamps etc etc

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFeb 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and called the manufacturer to schedule an appointment to have the recall serviced. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle would be towed to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who then informed him that the part for the repair was not yet available. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced and that the vehicle would remain in their possession. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 37,150. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

WHEELSMay 2021

IN OCT. OF 2018, I PURCHASED A MAZDA WITH YOKOHAMA ADVAN SPORT V105, 195/50R16, 84V TIRES. THESE WERE THE STANDARD TIRES THAT CAME ON THE CAR. NOW SOME 15,832 MILES LATER AND LESS THAN 3 YRS., I AM TOLD THAT THEY HAVE "MICRO CRACKS" AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. CLOSER RESEARCH REVEALED THAT THESE ARE "SUMMER TIRES" THAT "FLEXING OF THE SPECIALIZED RUBBER COMPOUNDS USED IN MAX PERFORMANCE SUMMER TIRES DURING COLD-WEATHER USE CAN RESULT IN IRREVERSIBLE COMPOUND CRACKING. COMPOUND CRACKING IS NOT A WARRANTABLE CONDITION BECAUSE IT OCCURS AS THE RESULT OF IMPROPER USE OR STORAGE, TIRES EXHIBITING COMPOUND CRACKING MUST BE REPLACED." AT NO TIME WAS I WARNED THAT DRIVING WITH THESE TIRES IN THE WINTER COULD CAUSE THIS DAMAGE. MORE IMPORTANT IS THE FACT THAT THEY GET DANGEROUSLY LITTLE TRACTION UNDER THESE COLD CONDITIONS-ESPECIALLY WITH EVEN A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF SNOW. A CONSUMER SHOULD BE WARNED ABOUT THIS FORESEEABLE DANGEROUS CONDITION-ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS CAR IS SOLD IN A STATE WITH SEVERE WINTERS.

Crash 1 InjuryELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKESDec 2020

AS I WAS EXITING A BP GAS STATION (62 GRIFFIN CORPORATION DR, CHELSEA, AL 35043) AND MAKING A RIGHT ONTO COUNTY ROAD 11, THE REAR TIRES OF THE CAR STARTED TO SPIN (1/4 THROTTLE). I NOTICED THAT ABS OR THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE REAR TIRES CONTINUED SPINNING AND I FELT THE CAR'S BACK END FISHTAILING. AT THIS POINT, I STARTED TO GET ON THE BRAKES HARD AND TRY TO DO MINOR CORRECTIONS, WHEN I FELT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT PULSATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN AT ALL. AT THIS POINT, I WAS FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE RAILROAD TRACKS THAT WERE ABOUT >500 FT IN FRONT OF ME. I LOOK TO MY RIGHT AND NOTICE THAT I AM ABOUT TO SLIDE INTO THE RAILROAD CROSSING SIGN. THE IMPACT WAS HARD ENOUGH TO WHERE MY RIGHT BUTTOCK ENDED UP NEXT TO THE HANDBRAKE OF THE CAR. MY ARM IS SLIGHTLY BRUISED FROM IT BEING SWUNG TO THE RIGHT AND HITTING THE PASSENGER WINDOW. THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED AT ALL. HOWEVER, THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR IS, LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM SCRATCHED/SCUFFED/DAMAGED, THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR BROKEN OFF, THE PASSENGER DOOR DENTED INWARDS, THE SIDE SKIRT (THE PART THAT RUNS ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR) RIPPED OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND BENT UPWARDS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND FINALLY, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SILL DENTED/BENT INWARDS. THE PICTURES ATTACHED ARE THE PHOTOS OF MY BRUISE AND AND THE INCIDENT.

Crash 1 InjuryPOWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,ENGINEDec 2020

AS I WAS EXITING A BP GAS STATION (62 GRIFFIN CORPORATION DR, CHELSEA, AL 35043) AND MAKING A RIGHT ONTO COUNTY ROAD 11, THE REAR TIRES OF THE CAR STARTED TO SPIN (1/4 THROTTLE). I NOTICED THAT ABS OR THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE CAR WAS NOT IN "SPORT" MODE. IT WAS IN THE "D" DRIVING MODE. THE REAR TIRES CONTINUED SPINNING AND I FELT THE CAR'S BACK END FISHTAILING. AT THIS POINT, I STARTED TO GET ON THE BRAKES HARD AND TRY TO DO MINOR CORRECTIONS, WHEN I FELT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT PULSATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN AT ALL. AT THIS POINT, I WAS FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE RAILROAD TRACKS THAT WERE ABOUT >500 FT IN FRONT OF ME. I LOOK TO MY RIGHT AND NOTICE THAT I AM ABOUT TO SLIDE INTO THE RAILROAD CROSSING SIGN. THE IMPACT WAS HARD ENOUGH TO WHERE MY RIGHT BUTTOCK ENDED UP NEXT TO THE HANDBRAKE OF THE CAR. MY ARM IS SLIGHTLY BRUISED FROM IT BEING SWUNG TO THE RIGHT AND HITTING THE PASSENGER WINDOW. THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED AT ALL. HOWEVER, THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR IS, LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM SCRATCHED/SCUFFED/DAMAGED, THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR BROKEN OFF, THE PASSENGER DOOR DENTED INWARDS, THE SIDE SKIRT (THE PART THAT RUNS ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR) RIPPED OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND BENT UPWARDS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND FINALLY, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SILL DENTED/BENT INWARDS. THE PICTURES ATTACHED ARE THE PHOTOS OF MY BRUISE AND THE INCIDENT.

STRUCTUREJul 2020

SOUL RED CRYSTAL PAINT EXCESSIVE PAINT CHIPPING. FRONT OF CAR AND HOOD HAS MORE THAT 50 WHITE SPOTS FROM CHIPPING PAINT. 23,000 MILES AND THE CAR LOOKS TERRIBLE FROM THE FRONT.

POWER TRAINMay 2019

TCM RECALL 2016-2019 MX-5 (ND) TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE CONCERN SAFETY RECALL 3019A; NHTSA CAMPN NUMBER 19V-072 DID NOT WORK PROBLEM STILL EXIST GETTING WORSE. SEE PDF FILE IN COMPLAINT UPLOADS

AIR BAGSJun 2026

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 BAGSMay 2026

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.

Showing 20 of 50 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Mazda MX 5

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mazda MX 5, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mazda MX 5 has 50 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mazda MX 5 has 13 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the Mazda MX 5's 50 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mazda MX 5 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mazda MX 5 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mazda MX 5 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Mazda MX 5 by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mazda MX 5.

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Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Mazda MX 5 reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda MX 5 reliable?

Average. The Mazda MX 5 has 50 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Mazda MX 5 years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (11 complaints), 2019 (11 complaints), 2022 (5 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Mazda MX 5 problems?

Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (15 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints); STEERING (5 complaints).

Does the Mazda MX 5 have recalls?

Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mazda MX 5. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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