NHTSA Data Explorer

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Complaints

490

Active records

Recalls

13

Active records

TSBs

838

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

0

Injuries

52

Crashes

54

Fires

10

Top reported issues — Mazda MX-5 Miata

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

149

Operating state

138

Safety restraint issue

123

Reporting mechanism

70

Safety restraint behavior

62

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

46

Noise

41

Braking behavior

40

Engine behavior

31

Fluid issue

23

Performance issue

22

Thermal issue

18

Access/entry issue

15

Driver assistance issue

15

Steering behavior

15

Electrical issue

11

Lighting behavior

11

Smell

11

Starting behavior

10

Vibration/harshness

8

Ride/handling behavior

7

Recent change

6

Powering on/off behavior

4

Infotainment behavior

3

HVAC behavior

1

Wiper/washer behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2020 MAZDA MX-5

Filed May 12, 2026


Mazda and NHTSA have sent out multiple notices calling owner to go to dealers to have the recall remediated. If one schedules to go to a dealership they are informed that Mazda does not yet have a tool available to remedy the issue. I've been on a waiting list for over 4 months and no tool is available yet. Since this appears to be a software issue it's very concerning that it's taking this long to create a tool to resolve an airbag issue.

2016 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Apr 30, 2026


2016 Mazda MX5 club: In warmer weather(70 degree F or higher) and after driving for 5+ miles, the steering becomes less sensitive and gets “stuck/sticky” and requires more force to turn. When applied more force the car over corrects and you swerve cause the amount of force you needed to apply. Seems like something in the steering rack expands with heat which then creates friction which you have to overcome to continue driving. Seems like it’s becoming more of a issues the more people drive

2023 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Apr 1, 2026


Steering feels sticky at higher speeds, once the vehicle is at full operating temp. The steering requires some pressure to “break free” from whatever position it is in. If I’m continually moving the wheel, it steers normally. However, if I’m driving straight and need to initiate a turn or make minor steering corrections (like on the highway), I have to turn the wheel harder than normal, then it gives way and turns with regular force. This makes it difficult to control, causing the car the jerk…

2017 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Mar 19, 2026


I am filing this complaint regarding a manual transmission failure on my 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata (VIN: [XXX] ) at 55,000 miles. The failure occurred without warning while driving, causing immediate and significant transmission malfunction. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin 05 [XXX] c addressing this exact defect — defective synchros in 2nd and 3rd gear causing grinding, inability to engage gears, and transmission failure. My VIN falls within the TSB coverage range. The cutoff is sequential…

2001 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA

Filed Feb 27, 2026


The contact owns a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The contact received notification of TSB: 3505H (Non-Methane Organic Gas (NMOG) levels exceeding standards. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were no longer being manufactured to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a search would be done to find a…

2024 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Feb 25, 2026


My current vehicle has a headlight malfunction issue that has plagued the car since 2k. Under turning the swivel in the headlight will break or become off track.The headlight if it becomes off track the adaptive headlight will stick in place causing a lost of field of view at night. Mazda has warranty the drive side headlight due this issue. Their new headlight house was redesigned for 2024 year. It continues to be an issue. When getting the vehicle inspected they say it because of spirited…

2017 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Feb 13, 2026


1 injured
Crash

Happened at US 101 Southbound 0.1 MILES SOUTH of RENGSTORFF AVENUE. “Power Steering Malfunction” light came on, then suddenly after 1 second, the car’s steering went stiff and suddenly braked while at freeway speed flow of traffic. Car then sharply veered left into center divider due to automatic sudden braking with no control of the steering wheel

2024 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Jan 23, 2026


The contact owns a 2024 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that while…

2024 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Dec 20, 2025


The vehicle has a recurrent malfunction of the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), part of the exterior headlight system and advertised as a safety feature within Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® technology. The failure presents as a dashboard warning stating: “Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” The affected components remain installed and are available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a potential safety risk because it affects a system intended to improve…

2024 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Dec 17, 2025


Driving vehicle on highway could not get the manual transmission into 3rd gear. Had to double clutch in order to do so. The vehicle only had 5,700 miles. The transmission produced a loud whining sound that could be heard outside the car. Took vehicle to dealership in which entire transmission was replaced.

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.