Mazda MX-5 problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every MX-5 from 2006 to 2026: 155 owner complaints and 18 recalls across 21 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2016 (34), 2006 (25), 2007 (17). Best fuel economy: 30 mpg combined (2023).
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 25 | 24 | |
| 2007 | 0 | 17 | 24 | |
| 2008 | 0 | 7 | 24 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 3 | 24 | |
| 2010 | 0 | 4 | 24 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 1 | 24 | |
| 2012 | 0 | 5 | 24 | |
| 2013 | 0 | 2 | 24 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 6 | 24 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 1 | 24 | |
| 2016 | 3 | 34 | 30 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 11 | 29 | |
| 2018 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 11 | 30 | |
| 2020 | 1 | 3 | 30 | |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 | 30 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 5 | 30 | |
| 2023 | 1 | 7 | 30 | |
| 2024 | 1 | 5 | 29 | |
| 2025 | 1 | 3 | 29 | |
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | 29 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mazda MX-5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
What is the worst year for the Mazda MX-5?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2016 (34), 2006 (25), 2007 (17).
How many recalls has the Mazda MX-5 had?
Across 2006–2026, NHTSA lists 18 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).