2018 Mazda MX-5
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2018: 3 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 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Structure
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Started from creak noise as car start to move, accelerate or stop. Now it developed to some ticking noise every time car accelerate or decelerate. The car is only at about 9700 mi went to spreen Mazda loma linda ca to inspect the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-22
Power train
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
2018 Mazda Miata MX-5 Club Sport, manual transmission Heading home from a friends house that evening, transmission started whirring/whining in 6th gear, then 5th, and so on through 2nd - 1st gear seems to be unaffected.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-19
Engine
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-12-20
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
3 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
2022-07-18Fuel system, gasoline21V875000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
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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
2018 Mazda MX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V072000 · Power train
- Recall 21V875000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 24V695000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2018 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 2018 Mazda MX-5?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 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.