Mazda MX-5 years to avoid and best years
Newer Mazda MX-5 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2016 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (34 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2020 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2021 at 0 (from 1 complaint). The Mazda MX-5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2016 Mazda MX-5, 10 of 34 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2015
2020
2021
2025–26
Mazda MX-5 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mazda MX-5. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 29 |
| 2025 Too early | 2 | 3 | 1 | Exterior lighting | 29 |
| 2024 → | 2 | 5 | 1 | Powertrain | 29 |
| 2023 → | 2 | 7 | 1 | Powertrain | 29.5 |
| 2022 → | 1 | 5 | 1 | Powertrain | 29.5 |
| 2021 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 1 | Powertrain | 29.5 |
| 2020 Fewest | 0 | 3 | 1 | Air bags | 29.5 |
| 2019 → | 2 | 11 | 2 | Fuel system, gasoline | 29.5 |
| 2018 → | 1 | 3 | 3 | Electrical system, Speed control, Engine | 29 |
| 2017 → | 2 | 11 | 2 | Visibility and wipers | 29 |
| 2016 → Most | 4 | 34 | 3 | Powertrain | 30 |
| 2015 Fewest | 0 | 1 | 0 | Service brakes, Fuel and propulsion system | 23.7 |
| 2014 → | 1 | 6 | 0 | Structure | 23.7 |
| 2013 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Air bags | 23.7 |
| 2012 → | 1 | 5 | 0 | Air bags | 23.7 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Roadster
- Oil
- SAE 5W-30 (2.0L MZR)
- Tire size
- 205/45R17
- Body styles
- Roadster
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (SKYACTIV-G 2.0L) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/50R16, 205/45R17 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 24V695000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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.". An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Remedy: 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.
- Body styles
- Roadster
- Oil
- SAE 0W-20 (SKYACTIV-G 2.0L) · 4.5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/50R16, 205/45R17 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 25V336000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. The Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may fail to illuminate as intended due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems.". An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of a TCS or DSC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace the DSC unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7425E.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda MX-5 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 0 (from 1 complaint), 2020 at 0 (from 3 complaints), and 2021 at 0 (from 1 complaint).
Which Mazda MX-5 year has the most owner complaints?
2016 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (34 complaints). On the 2016 Mazda MX-5, 10 of 34 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Mazda MX-5 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Mazda MX-5 years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Mazda MX-5 years are too early to compare?
The Mazda MX-5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Mazda MX-5 Miata use?
NC (2012-2015): SAE 5W-30 for the 2.0L MZR. ND/NE (2016-on): SAE 0W-20 for SKYACTIV-G 2.0L.
What does NHTSA recall 24V695000 cover on ND MX-5?
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.
What tire size does the NC MX-5 use?
205/45R17 on the NC generation listed here.