Took possession of new car 3/31/2001. Drove it that night and succeeding nights on the two lane road around the area where I live. I encountered numerous incidents where the oncoming auto would flash their bright lights at me, but my lights were already in the dim mode. I came to find out that there is no way to adjust the headlight beam lower. I contacted mazda USA three times with no response to the problem. I took the cat to the dealer where I told them that there is nothing they can do. The light beam is set at the factory. On a subsequent trip to carlsbad, nm we decided to take a count of the number of oncoming cars passing us, and the number of times they flashed their bright at us (our lights were on dim). We met a total of 1,232 vehicle. Of those, 471 flashed their high beams at us; that's 38&. I keep being told by the dealer that my lights are supposed to be bright. I agree, but the should not blind the driver in the oncoming vehicle. I have to apply tape over the driver side headlight to "fix" the problem and now I get zero bright beam flashes from oncoming cars. Other auto manufacturers offer the same type of lighting for their produce, but they also install a dial that is used to adjust the light beams up and down. This car does not have such a device. Affixing an ugly piece of tape to my cat is not what I expected when I paid $ 34,000 for this automobile , and I cannot get anyone who is willing to help me find a reasonable solution to the problem and honor the 3-year warranty for this vehicle. The situation can be very dangerous, and it tends toward inviting a head-on-collision; a horrible tragedy that is just waiting to happen. It is either tape, or I am limited to no driving this car at night, both are which not acceptable. All they have to do is ask themselves, "would I want to be driving this car at night like it is? Updated 07/28/11
The worst 2011 Mazda MX-5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
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Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Mazda MX-5 208
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below
- Description
- Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid
- This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below
- This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red....
- If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...),...
- A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating
- Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a...
- When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing...
- Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement
2011 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | RWD | 21-22 | 27 | 23-24 |
What 2011 Mazda MX-5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2011 Mazda MX-5
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Questions about the 2011 Mazda MX-5
Is the 2011 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2011 Mazda MX-5, fewer than a typical MX-5 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mazda MX-5?
Lights, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda MX-5 have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Mazda MX-5 get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Mazda MX-5 range from 23 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 21-22 city and 27 highway.
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