2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls and problems

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 has 3 recalls and 34 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is power train.

How the 2016 compares

Highest

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Highest complaint count among 21 MX-5 model years — the most of any year.

3recalls

34complaints

3crashes

0fires

2injuries

24,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

3 recalls

Air Bags

Sep 18, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V695000 · 77,670 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Structure

Jun 27, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V496000 · 2,476 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.

Risk: Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Train

Feb 1, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V072000 · 14,370 vehicles

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.

Risk: If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3019A.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Unknown or other7

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2016 vs. other Mazda MX-5 years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2016. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns covering the 2016 Mazda MX-5, the latest from Sep 18, 2024 (air bags). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda MX-5?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention power train (11), unknown or other (7), air bags (5). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.