2006 Mazda MX-5
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2006: 25 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 25 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 34 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
6 of 25 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-01
Excessive flooding in cabin on drivers and passenger side as well as trunk. Mazda has since modified their roof drain system as this is a known defect.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-19
Air bags
5 of 25 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger airbag seat sensor not detecting persons in seat. Airbags remain turned off. Passenger airbag off indicated, code 48 flashes on dash. Common problem. Doesn't matter if car is moving or not.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-06
Seat belts
4 of 25 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
Started out as intermittent Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner system warning light about 3 months ago. Over the last 2 weeks, the warning stayed on per the manual and required replacement.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-06
Power train
3 of 25 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing floor shift assembly and clutch assembly.
Tires
2 of 25 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Goodyear eagle gt 205 45/R17 88V tires on a Mazda MX-5 grand tour, 2006. The tires had about 25000 miles on them with lots of tread left when the incident happened.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-03
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2006-04-28Air bags06V103000 On certain passenger vehicles, the bolt attaching the horn assembly to the steering wheel hub may fail during a driver side front air bag deployment in extremely low ambient temperature.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side frontal air bag module free of charge. The recall began on April 28, 2006. Owners may contact Mazda at 800-222-5500.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Mazda MX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V103000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2006 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda MX-5?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Mazda MX-5 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.