Mazda MX-5 by year

Two seaters. Every model year EPA has rated, with what owners and NHTSA have on file.

Owner complaints ran highest for the 2016 (34, most about power train) and lowest for the 2019 (11), among years with at least 10. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so a lower count doesn't mean a more reliable year.

Mazda MX-5, each model year
YearComplaintsMost named partRecall campaignsNHTSA overallCombined mpg
20261Power train0–29
20253Exterior lighting1–29
20245Electrical system1–29
20237Power train1–29–30
20225Power train1–29–30
20211Power train1–29–30
20203Air bags1–29–30
201911Electrical system3–29–30
20183Electrical system3–29
201711Visibility/wiper2–29
201634Power train3–30
20151Fuel/propulsion system0–23–24
20146Structure0–23–24
20132Air bags0–23–24
20125Air bags0–23–24
20111Exterior lighting0–23–24
20104Air bags0–23–24
20093Air bags0–23–24
20087Electrical system0–23–24
200717Air bags0–23–24
200625Structure1–23–24

Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales or for how long each year has been on the road: a newer year's lower count doesn't make it more reliable. NHTSA's overall rating is the lowest across the versions it tested that year. About the data