RoadVitals

2010 Mazda MX-5

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest May 16, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Mazda MX-5, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and seat belts categories. 204 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags120.0%
  • Driver assistance120.0%
  • Seat belts120.0%
  • Suspension120.0%
  • Visibility120.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Seat belts
Filed May 16, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING A 2010 MAZDA MIATA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT AND SECURE BOTH PASSENGERS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ID
10865052
Incident
May 9, 2016
Mileage
59,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Oct 2, 2014

WENT FOR OIL CHANGE AND THEY NOTICE REAR TIRES HAS EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR TIRES. REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES , ONLY 16,000 MILES. MECHANIC NOTICED REAR STRUTS ARE LEAKING AND FEELS THIS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRE. DEALER STATES OUT OF WARRANTY 36 MONTHS OR 36,000 MILES. ONLY 16,000 MILES AND THEY ARE LEAKING CAUSING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR? SEE THIS LINK OF OTHER MAZDA CUSTOMERS - HTTPS://GRASSROOTSMOTORSPORTS.COM/FORUM/GRM/MAZDA-3-STRUT-3-YEAR-LIFE/26276/PAGE2/. *TR

NHTSA ID
10640790
Incident
Oct 1, 2014
Mileage
16,000 mi
AirbagsVisibility
Filed Nov 13, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THAT THE SUN VISOR WOULD NOT COME COMPLETELY DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG CRASH CENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE SUN VISOR SINCE THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800......UPDATED 01/14/13 *BF UPDATED 01/16/2013 *JS

NHTSA ID
10484105
Incident
Jun 12, 2011
Mileage
1,800 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 21, 2010

I BOUGHT A NEW MIATA MX5 (2010) AND I NOTICED AFTER A WHILE THAT DUE TO THE LIMITED SPACE - I AM 6 FOOT TALL - I HAVE CRAMPS IN MY RIGHT FOOT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT AN ACCIDENT. I WENT TO A MAZDA DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT FOOT IS IN AN AWKWARD POSITION THAT TAKES THE WEIGHT OF THE ENTIRE LEG. HOWEVER, THEY SAID THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR

NHTSA ID
10312506
Incident
Feb 21, 2010
Mileage
3,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SA-041-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.

SA-029-26

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).

SA-061-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

07-004-25a

A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.

SA-039/25

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.

SA-036-25

When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mazda MX-5 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026100
2025310
2024510
2023710
2022510
2021110
2020310
2019113050.7
2018330
2017112059.3
2016343052.9
2015100
2014600
2013200
2012500
2011100
2010Viewing400
2009300
2008700
2007170031.6
2006251034.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.