2016 Mazda MX-5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Mazda MX-5: 3 recalls, 34 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #19V072000 · 2019 · 14,370 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to incorrect programming of the transmission control module (tcm), certain conditions May cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
Why it matters: If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver May lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the tcm with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #19V496000 · 2019 · 2,476 vehicles
What's wrong: The skid plate and metal bracket May detach from underneath the vehicle.
Why it matters: Parts that separate from the vehicle May become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V695000 · 2024 · 77,670 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the sophisticated air bag sensor (sas) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), hard / delayed shifting (3), warning light on (2).
- Other / unknown (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 has 34 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 21 MX-5 model years for complaints (4.6× the average MX-5 year). Complaints peaked in 2016 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 21,829 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2017 (11 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 36 | 30 | Premium |
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 2016 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Mazda MX-5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Mazda MX-5 problems?
Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (11), other / unknown (7), airbags (5).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Mazda MX-5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.