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.
2018 Mazda MX-5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2018 Mazda MX-5, most often about the electrical system. 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 September 18, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Mazda MX-5 has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
1Electrical system
1Engine
1Power train
1Structure
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 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 · 2024 Q2
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, 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
2018 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
2018 Mazda MX-5 safety ratings
2018 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 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I'VE OWNED MY 2018 MAZDA MX-5 FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. THE PROBLEMS SLOW STARTED ARISING. AT FIRST I HADN'T NOTICED, BUT WHEN GOING IN AND OUT OF 'DRIVE' THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS EITHER GOING TO STALL OR ACCELERATE. I HAD INITIALLY THOUGHT WAS BECAUSE IT'S A 'SPORTS CAR.' IN AUGUST OF 2020 THE…
Own a 2018 MX-5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.