Is the 2016 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 2016 Mazda MX-5?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Mazda MX-5

○ Not enough data

2016 Mazda MX-5
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:04.920Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 34
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2016: 34 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

32% · 11 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. While driving approximately 10 MPH across an intersection, the vehicle decelerated. There were no warning indicators illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-16

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-19

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-05

Air bags

15% · 5 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V695000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-09

I was in an accident on May 1st 2022. I was traveling south when another car hit me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-05-16

I had a car accident on 13 nov 2016 whereby the vehicle rolled several times down a steep incline. None of the airbags were deployed. My spinal cord was fractured and my skull cracked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-11-21

Structure

12% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Electrical system

12% · 4 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Car was in motion, while driving the car the red key light on the engine start button started flashing. When we got home the car would not turn off. Also couldn't shift the car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-02

Wheels

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2019-03-14Power train19V072000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3019A.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-02Structure19V496000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.

Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-11-07Air bags24V695000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Mazda MX-5 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 19V072000 · Power train
Recall 19V496000 · Structure
Recall 24V695000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2016 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 2016 Mazda MX-5?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.