RoadVitals

2016 Mazda MX-5 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
34
Latest Apr 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Mazda MX-5, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags514.3%
  • Body & structure411.4%
  • Electrical411.4%
  • Exterior lighting25.7%
  • Engine25.7%
  • Other / unspecified25.7%
  • Steering25.7%
  • Visibility12.9%
  • Suspension12.9%
  • Driver assistance12.9%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. Since this effects all ND1, ND2 and ND3 manual transmissions. I dropped and changed it for a used one. While I rebuild the original. As I am also outside of warranty.

NHTSA ID 11595214 · filed Jun 19, 2024

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. Not a single warning light appeared on my dashboard. I immediately attempted to pull off the road. This area is in the middle of a mesa with no streetlights and a speed of a 65mph road. I immediately put on my hazard lights and was stranded. The dangerousness of this situation was insurmountable. I was in a 2 seated convertible, partially on the road with no streetlights as cars and trucks flew by me at speeds above 65mph. Had I been hit from behind; I would have been killed instantaneously. I contacted AAA for emergency towing. The tow truck was deployed. In the meantime, I sat there helplessly. A passerby stopped to try to help but was unable to get the car to roll to a safe area off the road. Time passed. About an hour later, I called AAA again stating the dire need for assistance and the call was elevated to emergency. At this time a police officer drove by. I explained the situation and he parked behind me with lights on, potentially stopping a fatal situation. The tow truck finally arrived, and my car was towed to the address on my warranty above. I contacted Southern Automotive in Rio Rancho and was placed on a wait list for the car to be seen. I contacted CareGuard and they stated I could take the car to any automotive place for repair that was qualified to work on a Mazda. I confirmed this with Southern Automotive. They are AAA qualified, and service qualified for Mazda. They were not able to get the car in until 12/18/23. The car sat in my garage. On 12/18/23, Southern Automotive sent a tow truck to pick up the car. On Tuesday, 12/19/23, I received a call from Cody at Southern Automotive. The car had had a “catastrophic event in the rear differential” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

NHTSA ID 11563848 · filed Jan 5, 2024
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the bumper of a parked 2001 Lexus LS400 was crashed into and the vehicle came to a stop. There was damage to the contact's license plate holder and the other vehicle bumper. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags deployed in the minor collision. No police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. No one else was injured. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer did not want to repair the recall per the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11653763 · filed Apr 9, 2025

Contacted Rohrich Mazda 2690 W Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh Pa 412.344.3600 regarding the airbag recall today. They have no knowledge of this recall and therefore I am unable to have it corrected. Is my car safe to drive? When will I be able to get it fixed? Thanks, Bill

NHTSA ID 11624787 · filed Nov 12, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The top windshield trim piece popped off while on the highway. The windshield has never been replaced and this trim piece has never been removed. All but one of the clips failed.

NHTSA ID 11478826 · filed Aug 11, 2022

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND I HEARD A LOUD CRACKING NOISE. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO CHECK AND SAW THAT THE UPPER MOLDING PART OF THE CAR HAD BROKEN OFF.

NHTSA ID 11416144 · filed May 11, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Since 2019 there have been several instances with my vehicle where someone has been able to knock the power offline thereby disabling it. It happened in five locations - a storage location in Olive BranchN MS, a former address in Memphis, TN (4330 Angarath Dr), a restaurant (Sonic) in Greenville, MS and twice in Greenville, MS both at a local park (Hardee Park). I never received any recall notices during this time regarding my vehicle ref a problem with the internal lighting for the odometer / gas meter, for the alarm system, for the battery, chasis - the frame shakes - I even reported feeling something when I first bought it back in Nov of 2015, and the door locks on the driver side stated losing the notification of being locked so I have to walk back to check and have found out that some additional delay is happening causing it not to lock properly so I open and close it to get it to lock. I have received any notifications for issues with locks, power, or the suspension (chasis). My car has been stole from the dealership in Memphis near the Germantown TN area, from storage and then from the parking lot of my current address in Greenville MS. I reported all of this to local management and I told the prior people that had the dealership that something had happened to my car and they joked around trying to make a joke out of it. I called the prior service manager and a Mazda dealer in Atlanta when it was knocked offline in 2019 and was told it was an issue they could not resolve over the phone but told me to try a couple of things to see it would start. I finally heard back from the one in Memphis who agreed and I got it to start after sitting in that park almost stranded. They did it again yesterday but it would not start even after I know I spent almost $200 on a new battery after it shutdown at a local restaurant and it would not start after an electrical spark hut the car and shocked my leg. The car is only 5 years old; it shouldn't have these problems.

NHTSA ID 11443205 · filed Dec 9, 2021

SPIDER CRACKING ON CENTER DISPLAY MAZDA SERVICE BULLETIN R018/18. SINCE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY WILL NOT REPAIR EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A NOTED MFG DEFECT. SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS SCREEN WILL BECOME ON READABLE AND SAFETY IS A 5 YR WARRANTY ADV NO. MAZDA SHOULD OF NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE DID NOT.

NHTSA ID 11386764 · filed Jan 6, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Since 2019 there have been several instances with my vehicle where someone has been able to knock the power offline thereby disabling it. It happened in five locations - a storage location in Olive BranchN MS, a former address in Memphis, TN (4330 Angarath Dr), a restaurant (Sonic) in Greenville, MS and twice in Greenville, MS both at a local park (Hardee Park). I never received any recall notices during this time regarding my vehicle ref a problem with the internal lighting for the odometer / gas meter, for the alarm system, for the battery, chasis - the frame shakes - I even reported feeling something when I first bought it back in Nov of 2015, and the door locks on the driver side stated losing the notification of being locked so I have to walk back to check and have found out that some additional delay is happening causing it not to lock properly so I open and close it to get it to lock. I have received any notifications for issues with locks, power, or the suspension (chasis). My car has been stole from the dealership in Memphis near the Germantown TN area, from storage and then from the parking lot of my current address in Greenville MS. I reported all of this to local management and I told the prior people that had the dealership that something had happened to my car and they joked around trying to make a joke out of it. I called the prior service manager and a Mazda dealer in Atlanta when it was knocked offline in 2019 and was told it was an issue they could not resolve over the phone but told me to try a couple of things to see it would start. I finally heard back from the one in Memphis who agreed and I got it to start after sitting in that park almost stranded. They did it again yesterday but it would not start even after I know I spent almost $200 on a new battery after it shutdown at a local restaurant and it would not start after an electrical spark hut the car and shocked my leg. The car is only 5 years old; it shouldn't have these problems.

NHTSA ID 11443205 · filed Dec 9, 2021

HEADLIGHTS SHAKE. MIRROR COVERS ON VISORS BROKE, NEVER EVEN USED MIRRORS. BURNS OIL.

NHTSA ID 11163300 · filed Dec 24, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HEADLIGHTS SHAKE. MIRROR COVERS ON VISORS BROKE, NEVER EVEN USED MIRRORS. BURNS OIL.

NHTSA ID 11163300 · filed Dec 24, 2018

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. FINALLY GOT THE CAR TO TURN OFF AND WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR DEALERSHIP FOUND SEVERAL CODES STORED, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH RED WARNING LIGHTS START FLASHING WHEN DRIVING, CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND WE COULD NOT SHIFT THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 11099285 · filed Jun 2, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THESE TIRES ARE THE ORIGINAL TIRES THAT CAME ON MY CAR WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016. WHEN I WAS ROTATING THESE TIRES FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 6138 MILES I NOTICED THAT THESE TIRES WERE SPLITTING OPEN IN THE GROOVES THAT RUN AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR FOR FEAR OF A BLOWOUT IN ONE OR MORE TIRES. THESE BRIGESTONE POTENZA S001 TIRES SHOULD BE WATCHED CLOSELY IF THEY ARE SPLITTING OPEN WITH ONLY 6138 MILES AND 3 1/2 YEARS OF USE. I FEEL THAT THESE ARE VERY UNSAFE TIRES.

NHTSA ID 11315608 · filed Mar 2, 2020

FALSE POSITIVE WARNING LIGHT ON TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. LOW PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH TIRES ARE EQUAL AND NORMAL PRESSURE. THIS FALSE POSITIVE WARNING COMES ON FREQUENTLY AND RENDERS THE TPMS INEFFECTIVE. LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON DURING NORMAL DRIVING ONLY 125 MILES AFTER BEING RESET AFTER LAST OCCASION. BOTH TIMES RESET WAS DONE AT THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID 10966190 · filed Mar 15, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2016 Mazda MX5 club: In warmer weather(70 degree F or higher) and after driving for 5+ miles, the steering becomes less sensitive and gets “stuck/sticky” and requires more force to turn. When applied more force the car over corrects and you swerve cause the amount of force you needed to apply. Seems like something in the steering rack expands with heat which then creates friction which you have to overcome to continue driving. Seems like it’s becoming more of a issues the more people drive

NHTSA ID 11734925 · filed Apr 30, 2026

Steering: At 55+ MPH I feel a slight bind when I make a steering change. It then releases only after I've put in too much steering correction. This occurs when in a steady direction, or whether I'm in a steady, high speed turn. It feels like a snapping rubber band. You can read about other Miata drivers who have the same issue at: miata.net in the forum. The link: https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=714849&highlight=steering+stick

NHTSA ID 11516406 · filed Apr 10, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SUN VISORS ON FIRST GENERATION ND MX-5 SUBJECT TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, LEADING TO DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. I WAS AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR FAILED ON MY CAR. THE VISOR WOULD NO LONGER STAY IN POSITION. IT JUST HUNG AT THE BOTTOMMOST POSITION. AS A TALL DRIVER I FIRST SCRUNCHED DOWN IN THE SEAT IN ORDER TO SEE PROPERLY OUT THE WINDSHIELD. EVENTUALLY I HELD THE SAGGING VISOR UP WITH MY LEFT HAND AND STEERED/SHIFTED WITH MY RIGHT HAND. NOT IDEAL AND DEFINITELY NOT PERFECTLY SAFE. ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH FIRST GENERATION NDS.THOUGH THE SUN VISORS IN MY 2016 ND HAVE BEEN USED SPARINGLY, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE VISORS HAVE FAILED IN THE SAME PLACE: AT THE HINGE NEAR THE DOME LIGHT. THE REPLACEMENT PART IS NEARLY $300, NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION. THE PART WAS QUICKLY REDESIGNED BY MAZDA BUT OWNERS OF EARLY VINS ARE OUT OF LUCK.

NHTSA ID 11365631 · filed Oct 21, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Since 2019 there have been several instances with my vehicle where someone has been able to knock the power offline thereby disabling it. It happened in five locations - a storage location in Olive BranchN MS, a former address in Memphis, TN (4330 Angarath Dr), a restaurant (Sonic) in Greenville, MS and twice in Greenville, MS both at a local park (Hardee Park). I never received any recall notices during this time regarding my vehicle ref a problem with the internal lighting for the odometer / gas meter, for the alarm system, for the battery, chasis - the frame shakes - I even reported feeling something when I first bought it back in Nov of 2015, and the door locks on the driver side stated losing the notification of being locked so I have to walk back to check and have found out that some additional delay is happening causing it not to lock properly so I open and close it to get it to lock. I have received any notifications for issues with locks, power, or the suspension (chasis). My car has been stole from the dealership in Memphis near the Germantown TN area, from storage and then from the parking lot of my current address in Greenville MS. I reported all of this to local management and I told the prior people that had the dealership that something had happened to my car and they joked around trying to make a joke out of it. I called the prior service manager and a Mazda dealer in Atlanta when it was knocked offline in 2019 and was told it was an issue they could not resolve over the phone but told me to try a couple of things to see it would start. I finally heard back from the one in Memphis who agreed and I got it to start after sitting in that park almost stranded. They did it again yesterday but it would not start even after I know I spent almost $200 on a new battery after it shutdown at a local restaurant and it would not start after an electrical spark hut the car and shocked my leg. The car is only 5 years old; it shouldn't have these problems.

NHTSA ID 11443205 · filed Dec 9, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN THE 2016 MX-5 ND GT WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS ABOUT 35,000 ISH MILES ON IT, BUT IT'S STARTING TO HAVE TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SHIFT PROBLEMS. 1) THE CAR HAS ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION DELAY FROM GEAR 1 & 2, THE TORQUE, HP, NONE OF IT FEEL THE SAME AS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. 2) THE CAR WILL START HAVING RATTLING NOISE ISSUES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, I SUSPECT FROM THE HEAT SHIELD WHICH IS MADE FROM THIN ALUMINUM MATERIAL. ALSO RATTLING FROM INSIDE, ALL THE PLASTIC PARTS FROM WITHIN THE CABIN, SEAT, DASHBOARD, ETC 3) THE GEAR BOX IS NOT SMOOTH AND SOMETIMES WOULD HAVE HARD TIME SHIFTING. IN MY CASE, I HAVE ISSUES FROM 5 TO 6. I LITERALLY HAVE TO GIVE IT 1 OR 2 SEC DELAY AFTER SHIFTING HALF WAY SO THAT IT WILL EASE ITSELF IN. ALSO SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION JERKS 4.) WHEN MOVING OR TURNING FROM STATIONARY, THE CAR MAKES GRINDING NOISE FROM UNDER THE CAR

NHTSA ID 11210051 · filed May 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .