repaired · 2026 Q3
Air bag/restraint control module: software
Risk. An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
2016 Mazda MX-5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 34 owner complaints about the 2016 Mazda MX-5, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-695 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Mazda MX-5 has problems
34 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Power train1 crash/fire/injury
5Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
4Structure
4Electrical system
2Engine
2Exterior lighting
2Steering
2Wheels
1Vehicle speed control
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 11 | 1 |
| Air bags | 5 | 3 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 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.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Frame and members: underbody shields
Risk. Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2016 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
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Mazda MX-5 safety ratings
2016 Mazda MX-5 C RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What MX-5 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
6 speed manual transmission failure at 59,000 miles Started not shifting into 3rd, then shortly after, the transmission locked up in a intersection. Which stalled the vehicle out. Was able to move the vehicle by hand, out of heavy traffic. Since this effects all ND1, ND2 and ND3 manual…
On December 7, 2023 at approximately 10:30pm, I was traveling west bound on [XXX]. Suddenly, there was a loud thumping noise from under the passenger seat. After about 10 seconds, it escalated to an extremely loud banging and the smell of oil. Not a single warning light appeared on my dashboard. I…
6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION, VEHICLE STATIONARY AND DOESN'T WANT TO GO INTO 1ST GEAR AND YOU SOMETIMES MUST SHOVE IT IN, INTERMITTENT ISSUE. ALSO A TON OF GEAR WHINE UNDER MODERATE THROTTLE IN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. FAILURE MILEAGE IS 41,118 MILES. FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AT SPEED COULD…
Own a 2016 MX-5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.