2017 Mazda MX-5
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2017
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2017: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility/wiper
4 of 11 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
At 8300 miles this car has dozens of rock chips in the windshield, most of which were picked up from driving on relatively clean interstates and some of which have begun to spiderweb.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-13
The headliner on my convertible top comes unfastened right above the rear window. It sags down blocking the veiw by an inch and a half. This has been fixed 3 times and continues to happen. This window is small to begin with.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-03-09
Steering
2 of 11 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Happened at US 101 Southbound 0.1 MILES SOUTH of RENGSTORFF AVENUE. âPower Steering Malfunctionâ light came on, then suddenly after 1 second, the carâs steering went stiff and suddenly braked while at freeway speed flow of traffic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-13
Also filed under Electrical system
While making a right turn, suddenly lost all steering with car going straight across lane. "Power steering malfunction" Warning light appeared, then steering returned.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-10
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Tires
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing sidewall.
Service brakes
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
Front brembo brakes locked after car is parked overnight. It unlocked after I force the car forward. It releases with a loud snap. This occurs 2 or 3 times a month. Car drives fine. Dealer has no solution.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-30
Power train
1 of 11 total reports mentions: power train.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Mazda MX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V072000 · Power train
- Recall 24V695000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2017 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 2017 Mazda MX-5?
- The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Mazda MX-5 have?
- 2 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.