2012 Mazda MX-5 reliability
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Mazda MX-5 holds 5 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most MX-5 years here — under the median of the other years, which is 1. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
5
1
0
15
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (1 of 5), then Engine (1) and Hydraulic brakes (1). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash.
The 2013 MX-5 has 2 complaints, 1 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Mazda MX-5. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (5 total)
1
0
0
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
-
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MZ5 (NA). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER…"
-
"TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MX-5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT…"
-
"PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON SAYING THE AIR BAG IS NOT ON. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. MY WIFE WEIGHS 101 LBS. I HAVE CONTACTED MIATA USA TODAY AND MY DEALER (3RD TIME). SO FAR NO SATISFACTION. I'M BRINGING THE CAR…"
-
"I PURCHASED THE NEW MIATA ON 4/23. WHEN GOING OVER THE FUNCTIONS WITH THE SALESMAN, HE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP VERY HARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RELEASED IT WITH BOTH HANDS. HE APOLOGIZED FOR PULLING IT UP TOO FAR &…"
-
"2012 MAZDA MIATA SUN VISORS DO NOT ROTATE LEFT TO RIGHT, MAKING MORNING SOUTHBOUND DRIVE AND EVENING NORTHBOUND DRIVE DANGEROUS, AS LEFT HAND IS OCCUPIED BLOCKING SUN, AND RIGHT HAND REQUIRED TO OPERATE BOTH MANUAL…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 C RWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Rear-wheel drive | 21 | 27 | 23 MPG | $3450 |
| MX-5 | 2L, 4-cyl | Manual 5-speed | Rear-wheel drive | 22 | 27 | 24 MPG | $3300 |
| MX-5 | 2L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Rear-wheel drive | 21 | 27 | 24 MPG | $3300 |
Specs and fitment
Compare
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
NHTSA's file on the 2012 Mazda MX-5 holds 5 complaints after 15 years, a rate of 1 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most MX-5 years here — under the median of the other years, which is 1. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2012 Mazda MX-5?
The complaints owners file most often name Air bags (1 of 5), then Engine (1) and Hydraulic brakes (1). Those filings include 1 that reports a crash.
Is the 2012 Mazda MX-5 more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2013 MX-5 has 2 complaints, 1 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.
Has the 2012 Mazda MX-5 been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2012 Mazda MX-5.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mazda MX-5?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2012 Mazda MX-5 with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2012 Mazda MX-5 get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Mazda MX-5 is 23.7 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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.