Mazda MX-5 years to avoid
No model year of the Mazda MX-5 stands out with more than twice its typical number of complaints.
Best Mazda MX-5 years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Mazda MX-5 complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Mazda MX-5 problems
All model years combined.
- Transmission32
- Airbags22
- Electrical20
- Body20
- Visibility10
- Steering10
- Seat belts8
- Brakes8
- Acceleration7
- Tires6
- Lights6
- Fuel system6
Mazda MX-5 problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | - | 1 | Transmission | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2025 | - | 3 | Lights | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2024 | - | 5 | Electrical | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2023 | - | 7 | Transmission | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2022 | - | 5 | Transmission | 1 | 0 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2021 | - | 1 | Transmission | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2020 | - | 3 | Airbags | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2019 | - | 11 | Electrical | 25,220 | 3 | 2 | |
| 2018 | - | 3 | Acceleration | 3 | 0 | ||
| 2017 | - | 11 | Visibility | 8,300 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2016 | - | 34 | Transmission | 24,000 | 3 | 3 | |
| 2015 | - | 1 | Brakes | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2014 | - | 6 | Body | 0 | 0 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2013 | - | 2 | Acceleration | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2012 | - | 5 | Airbags | 0 | 1 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2011 | - | 1 | Lights | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2010 | - | 4 | Acceleration | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2009 | - | 3 | Airbags | 0 | 2 | ||
| 2008 | - | 7 | Electrical | 40,000 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2007 | - | 17 | Airbags | 12,000 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2006 | - | 25 | Body | 20,000 | 1 | 1 |
Recalls 6
Mazda MX-5 warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
Questions about the Mazda MX-5
What years of the Mazda MX-5 should you avoid?
No single model year of the Mazda MX-5 has more than twice its typical number of owner complaints.
What is the best year for a used Mazda MX-5?
2012, 2022 and 2014 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (5, 5 and 6).
What is the most common problem with the Mazda MX-5?
Transmission, with 32 complaints across all years, followed by airbags (22) and electrical (20).
How many recalls does the Mazda MX-5 have?
6 recalls between 2006 and 2026. The 2019 model year has the most, with 3.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used Mazda MX-5?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
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