Mazda MX-5 Complaints

22 consumer complaints on file.

#11751572July 20, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
After driving on slight up or down hill with headlights on, I'm getting Headlight malfunction warning on my almost brand new (700 miles) Miata.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746164June 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 80 MPH, the vehicle was erroneously swaying from left to right. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the road crown needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact was concerned about a failure within the differential. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741731June 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Taking my car in for now the 3rd time for the headlight error "Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected. The first 2 times it occurred around 3000 miles where they first tried a software and reset then it did it again so took it back and they swapped the left headlight which had failed. Then it was good for a few months until the issue came back recently around 7500 or so miles. Now it's doing it pretty consistently again and I suspect the right headlight has failed. Taking it in today to get checked out again. I'm surprised it's not a recall at this point as headlights are important and allow you to see at night. Seems to have the issue whenever the lights come on now so it's pretty consistent. I've checked forums and I am not the only 1. There are many ND3 owners with the same issues of failing headlights or in some cases other modules.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728605April 1, 2026
STEERING
Steering feels sticky at higher speeds, once the vehicle is at full operating temp. The steering requires some pressure to “break free” from whatever position it is in. If I’m continually moving the wheel, it steers normally. However, if I’m driving straight and need to initiate a turn or make minor steering corrections (like on the highway), I have to turn the wheel harder than normal, then it gives way and turns with regular force. This makes it difficult to control, causing the car the jerk around a lot. This is an issue many others have noticed on online forums, and there does not seem to be a known fix for this. The Mazda dealership near me could not duplicate the issue (since it takes 20-30 minutes of continuous driving for this steering issue to get worse to the point of concern), and therefore refused to look any further. This makes it unsafe to drive longer than 20-30 minutes. I am currently awaiting an appointment with an independent service center. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms that I'm aware of
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720320February 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My current vehicle has a headlight malfunction issue that has plagued the car since 2k. Under turning the swivel in the headlight will break or become off track.The headlight if it becomes off track the adaptive headlight will stick in place causing a lost of field of view at night. Mazda has warranty the drive side headlight due this issue. Their new headlight house was redesigned for 2024 year. It continues to be an issue. When getting the vehicle inspected they say it because of spirited drive and yet to fix the issue with programming or other means. This is common issue with refresh Miatas.In the forums many owners of the refresh are complaining about it. Mazda is aware of the issue but has not come out with a solution and dealer support not really there.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712930January 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that while The contact owns a 2024 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred several times. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted the vehicle. In addition, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that there was an unknown recall for an unknown software update. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was released; however, there was no information if any repairs were performed, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 14,408. To start the vehicle, the vehicle started. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights went off. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair, however the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that there was an unknown recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706227December 20, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
The vehicle has a recurrent malfunction of the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), part of the exterior headlight system and advertised as a safety feature within Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® technology. The failure presents as a dashboard warning stating: “Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” The affected components remain installed and are available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a potential safety risk because it affects a system intended to improve visibility during night driving and around curves, creating uncertainty about headlight performance under low-visibility conditions. The issue has been confirmed by an authorized Mazda dealer, which recorded fault logs related to the headlight system. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times. Repairs performed include replacement of the headlamp wiring harness and replacement of the entire headlamp assembly, but the malfunction continues and has increased in frequency over time. The problem first appeared intermittently over a year ago, progressed to weekly, and now occurs daily. The failure occurs under normal driving conditions, including at very low speeds (approximately 5 mph) while exiting a parking lot. One documented instance occurred with the engine still cold (blue low-engine-temperature indicator illuminated), indicating no aggressive driving. Several additional occurrences happened below 35 mph with no harsh steering or acceleration. Suggestions that this is related to “spirited driving” are contradicted by observed conditions and video evidence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705699December 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Driving vehicle on highway could not get the manual transmission into 3rd gear. Had to double clutch in order to do so. The vehicle only had 5,700 miles. The transmission produced a loud whining sound that could be heard outside the car. Took vehicle to dealership in which entire transmission was replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704155December 10, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On two occasions the vehicle (which is silver--more about that below) has suddenly and without warning activated its emergency braking. The most recent occasion was summer of 2023. On a clear, dry afternoon the system activated while I was at speed on the Suncoast parkway approaching an automatic toll arch. Fortunately there were no other vehicles nearby. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off and on again to attempt to clear whatever glitch had happened. The incident was so dramatic I've actually forgotten what the prior incident was. I remember one reason that was mentioned in the manual was a dirty windshield, and that was not the case at that time. I have *never* experienced a justified engagement of the system despite driving in heavy traffic for more than half an hour twice each weekday. I was put in mind of the incident by a recent recall of Genesis G90 sedans painted silver, like my car. Apparently the paint reflected radar and set off the emergency braking system. I surmise there may have been some radar-emitting device in use temporarily on or around the toll arch.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693271October 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving on interstate 30 with the cruise control on and I needed to slow down as there was roadwork so I pressed down the brakes to disengage the cruiser control and slow the vehicle down, the vehicle not only not slow down but lunged forward. The brake pedal did not disengage the cruise control after pumping the brake pedal several times and tried to bring the vehicle back to the set speed. I avoided major collision and possible saved my wife's life and mine by going into the grassy center median at 70mph. I had to pull the emergency brake handle to slow the vehicle down enough to stall the engine to come to a complete stop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688791September 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Manual transmission will not reliably shift from 2nd to 3rd gear without a grinding noise. Other owners are reporting similar issues that have required a full replacement of the transmission in MY2023 cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665240June 6, 2025
AIR BAGS
On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving the vehicle and at low speed (30 mph or under) lost control of the vehicle in a turn. The vehicle hit a telephone pole that was rotted from termite infestation which shattered into three pieces (one piece landing on the cars windshield frame and driver roll bar hoop) . He impacted the airbags and had an unstable anterior fracture of the c5 vertebrae and a stable posterior fracture of the C5 vertebrae. He was graded an Asia B spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down. He spent 42 days in trauma ICU and then Neuro Rehab learning how to walk and use the bathroom. He has many lingering effects and still has loss of use of fingers on both hands as well as difficulties walking and gripping objects. His passenger did not hit the airbags and was uninjured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11649884March 22, 2025
SEAT BELTS
my driver-side seatbelt buckle has been jamming since about one month after purchase. When I brought the issue to the dealership, they were able to temporarily fix it using an air compressor, citing that the buckle was full of "small debris". Upon further inquiry, I was told the debris consisted of "air particles and dust" and was advised not to leave the door open or drive with the top down. Given that this is a convertible, such a recommendation is unreasonable. It is unacceptable for a seatbelt buckle, one of the most critical safety components of a vehicle, to malfunction under normal usage conditions, especially in a brand-new car. This is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction prevents me at times from fully engaging my seat belt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639795January 31, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle has only 8700 miles. At around 2500 miles first gear refused to engage, and I had to start the car in second for a week. That week I scheduled for service but the problem was not reproducible, since then it has been intermittent by never prolonged like that full week. This is and was a safety risk because I have been stuck on a hill, stop signs, and green traffic lights etc. Because it was not reproducible, the claim was dismissed. At around 4000 miles and on, third gear became very inconsistent in shift action. Typically it won't allow me to shift into third at all, other times it will grind, or requires excessive force to engage gear. This happens both in motion and at a stop. In traffic, the sudden loss in speed and rpm from being unable to shift into third poses a risk, especially getting onto on ramps. The dealer still cannot reproduce the issue, and in fact I have a 2 minute long video of the fault - pending their response to the video. Mazda corporate claims this is not a known or common issue. No warning lights pick up this fault. I have since continued to come to a resolution, and will return to the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629330December 6, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in operation, the rooftop failed to remain sealed opened or closed as intended, causing the alarm system to be disarmed. The contact stated that the vehicle would not move forward or backward while shifted into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the rearview would independently turn on and off. The contact stated that unless the mirror was turned off, the steering wheel would become loosened or become difficult to steer. The contact stated that the odometer was inoperable. The contact stated that while holding the RF switch down for a long while, an error code would appear on the instrument penal. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622604October 29, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SEAT BELTS
Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disruptions. I urge NHTSA to assist in expediting a resolution with Mazda to minimize further impact on my work. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613520September 9, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The manual transmission has a synchronizer failure. Safety was put at risk due to inability to safely complete a gear change reliably. The problem has been reported to the dealer and the transmission has been replaced once and is scheduled to go in 9/23/24 for a possible second transmission replacement. There are no warning lights associated with the failure. The only symptom is the inability to complete a shift with no warnings of this failure prior to it first presenting itself.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11599585July 6, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Mazda Miata model years 2022-2024 with manual 6sp transmission are experiencing a large number of failures at low mileage. Some owners are reporting 2 failed transmissions at less than 10,000 miles. 3rd and 4th great become unusable without warning, increasing the potential for a crash. There have been over 50 reports of manual transmission failure from 2022-2024 Miata owners. Concern: When the transmission internals fail without warring the vehicle experiences loss of power and forward movement, substantially increasing the chance of an accident in a highway driving scenario. This problem has been confirmed by Mazda dealer network. Mazda is offering to replacement transmissions, but has not told the owners if there have been modifications and improvements to the replacement units to resolve the issue, or if they are replacing the defective transmission with same kind.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595167June 18, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure due to bad synchros
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595125June 18, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Manual transmission synchronizers fail, causing erratic gear shift operation and the inability to change gears, which could result in an accident. The ND Mazda Miata Owners Group on Facebook has polled its owners and found a 10% failure rate of manual transmissions among owners in the group who required replacement of the transmission. On [XXX], at approximately 20,000 miles on the odometer, my 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata experienced a grind from the transmission while downshifting to third gear at city speeds. I alerted Mazda North American Operations on May 30, 2024. On [XXX], the gearbox began grinding during downshifts into second gear. My car entered service at Mazda of Knoxville around June 3, 2024. Mazda of Knoxville confirmed that the vehicle required transmission replacement. Parts were not immediately available, and due to a work assignment in Des Moines, I had to drive the vehicle to Iowa. On [XXX], I noticed fourth gear began grinding during upshifts. On June 10, 2024, the vehicle entered Ramsey Mazda of Des Moines for service. Mazda North American Operations did not immediately approve repair, stating that their engineering department requested information from Mazda of Knoxville and is reviewing the claim. I am still awaiting an update. The vehicle is available for NHTSA inspection at Ramsey Mazda in Des Moines. Manual transmission failures are a serial problem for the ND-chassis Mazda MX-5 Miata since the 2016 model year, with significant failure rates reported among owners for 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2023 model years. Symptoms begin with difficulty upshifting to third gear that feels like a blocked shift gate. Grinding in the transmission soon leads to complete failure, which causes loss of throttle control and could result in an accident. My inability to select the correct gear impeded my ability to maintain safe speeds. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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