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 PER YEAR
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 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
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, 20191122
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, 20240619
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, 20201220
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
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, 20201220
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V072000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V875000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V695000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Mazda MX-5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V072000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V875000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V695000 (air bags) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.