Mazda Mx-5 Reliability
196 NHTSA complaints (2006–2025). Complaint rate: 13.3 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2006–2007 Mazda Mx-5. The 2015 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: POWER TRAIN.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
Too New
Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Mazda Mx-5 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24 | 8.3% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20 | 15.0% |
| AIR BAGS | 18 | 33.3% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16 | 0.0% |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 15 | 6.7% |
| SEAT BELTS | 8 | 0.0% |
| STEERING | 8 | 25.0% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 7 | 14.3% |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 6 | 0.0% |
| SUSPENSION | 5 | 20.0% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006AVOID | — | 36 | 3 | — | View 2006View→ |
| 2007AVOID | — | 23 | 1 | — | View 2007View→ |
| 2008 | — | 11 | 1 | — | View 2008View→ |
| 2009GOOD | — | 4 | 2 | — | View 2009View→ |
| 2010 | — | 5 | 0 | — | View 2010View→ |
| 2012 | — | 6 | 1 | — | View 2012View→ |
| 2013GOOD | — | 2 | 0 | — | View 2013View→ |
| 2014 | — | 8 | 0 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2015GOOD | — | 2 | 0 | — | View 2015View→ |
| 2016AVOID | — | 41 | 3 | — | View 2016View→ |
| 2017AVOID | — | 13 | 2 | — | View 2017View→ |
| 2018 | — | 5 | 0 | — | View 2018View→ |
| 2019AVOID | — | 15 | 6 | — | View 2019View→ |
| 2022 | — | 6 | 0 | — | View 2022View→ |
| 2023 | — | 8 | 1 | — | View 2023View→ |
| 2024TOO NEW | — | 7 | 0 | — | View 2024View→ |
See also: Mazda Mx-5accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Mazda Mx-5?
Check the specific VIN for hidden accidents, title issues, and full vehicle history — just $4.99.
Check VIN Free