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2006 Mazda MX-5Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2006 Mazda MX-5, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2006 Mazda MX-5
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints252 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage30kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 6, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2006 Mazda MX-5 has problems

25 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure60
Seat belts40
Power train30
Air bags20
Steering21
Tires20
Electrical system20
Visibility10
Electronic stability control (ESC)10
6 other systems61

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2006 Mazda MX-5 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.

Best & worst years

2006 vs. every other MX-5 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MX-5 median. How we score

'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What MX-5 owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHEN IT RAINS, WATER LEAKS INTO AND POOLS UNDER SEATS AND IN THE TRUNK. JUST HAD THE TOP REPLACED, SO IT IS NOT DUE TO AN OLD TOP. JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR.
Complaint 11119348 · Aug 11, 2018 · 68,125 miles
MY CAR WAS PARKED AT WORK. IT WAS RAINING. WHEN I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS FLOODED ON THE INSIDE UP TO 6 INCHES. THE GAS PEDAL WAS SLIPPERY. IT SMELLED MUSTY, LIKE MILDEW AND MOLD. I CONTACTED THE DEALER BUT GOT NO RETURN PHONE CALLS. I WROTE THEM A LETTER AND RECEIVED A PHONE CALL THEN. THEY…
Complaint 10585977 · May 1, 2014 · 30,000 miles
THE MX-5 HAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ROOF DRAINS ON THE CANVAS CONVERTIBLE TOP. IT FLOODS CONSTANTLY. I AM REALLY GROWING TIRED OF VACUUMING UP WATER IN THIS CAR. IT EVEN FLOODS THE TRUNK. WET FEET IN STANDING WATER MAKES FOR A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL YOU CAN GET TO A WET VAC TO EVACUATE…
Complaint 10585837 · May 1, 2014 · 45,500 miles

Own a 2006 MX-5?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.