RoadVitals

2019 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.
11
Latest Dec 28, 2023
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.
3
Latest Sep 18, 2024
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.
0
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.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Mazda MX-5, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 300 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

  • Electrical316.7%
  • Fuel system211.1%
  • Body & structure211.1%
  • Powertrain (other)211.1%
  • Steering211.1%
  • Brakes211.1%
  • Engine15.6%
  • Driver assistance15.6%

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

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Sep 18, 2024
77,670 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The 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. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 6924IView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Nov 12, 2021
121,038 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 5321KView on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Feb 1, 2019
14,370 units potentially affected
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
The risk: If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mazda North American OperationsManufacturer number 3019AView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Dec 28, 2023

On the Dash the amber ABS light came on as well as the red Brake light and they stayed on for a couples and I took it to the shop and they said it was the "Steering Angle Sensor" and they changed it and the lights came back on a day later and they took another look from head to toe and they couldn't find a reason why the ABS and Brake Lights were staying on and now its only intermit after four weeks, it cost me about $644.00 dollars for the SAS plus $130.00 for diagnostic plus renter car and the lights still come on (Meineke Auto Shop.) On the screen of the car it states something wrong with the Electrical Vacuum Pump but they checked and the scanner is not pulling nothing up and the shop end up stating, it was probably an "electrical issue." I believe with the miles the car has, it shouldnt had needed any new sensor and there is a possible electrical defect or bad wiring. Car has no accidents and drives fine and straight but the lights come on a few times a week but never when Im driving only when its first turned on.

NHTSA ID
11562316
Incident
Dec 13, 2023
ElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 21, 2023

While driving 65 mph,I lost power steering control then the electronics system shut down momentarily then it restarted itself and made to destination.Next morning, I tried to drive the car but the steering wasn't working. Later on that day ,I checked it again then it worked.

NHTSA ID
11539731
Incident
Aug 19, 2023
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 26, 2022

I've had the car about 4,500 miles. No problems. Current mileage is 8899. Drove about 30 miles. 88 degrees. Humid. Dry. Slowed and turned right into my driveway. Stopped to run and open the garage. Standard tranny. The moment I slipped it out of gear, the engine began to howl, revving to between 5,500 and 6,000 r.p.m.s. Turned it off. Turned it back on after 15 seconds. Immediately went to 6,000 r.p.m.s. Turned it off. Started it again after 30 seconds. Was okay and is now in my garage.

NHTSA ID
11481421
Incident
Aug 25, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Jun 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11470458
Incident
Jan 1, 2022
Seat belts
Filed Apr 11, 2022

Seat belts fail to retract or tighten properly. I have to hand feed the belt slowly back into the housing when I put the seat belt on to get it to properly tighten. It also fails to retract when I remove the belt, once I got caught in the loop almost falling onto pavement when I was exiting the vehicle. My dogs have on occasion gotten snarled in the belt while entering or exiting the car. A dealership confirmed the belts were failing to retract, but blamed it on repairs done by a non dealership garage. No warning lamps etc etc

NHTSA ID
11460418
Incident
Jan 6, 2020
Fuel system
Filed Feb 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V875000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and called the manufacturer to schedule an appointment to have the recall serviced. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle would be towed to the dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who then informed him that the part for the repair was not yet available. The contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced and that the vehicle would remain in their possession. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 37,150. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11450844
Incident
Feb 5, 2022
Mileage
37,150 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed May 6, 2021

IN OCT. OF 2018, I PURCHASED A MAZDA WITH YOKOHAMA ADVAN SPORT V105, 195/50R16, 84V TIRES. THESE WERE THE STANDARD TIRES THAT CAME ON THE CAR. NOW SOME 15,832 MILES LATER AND LESS THAN 3 YRS., I AM TOLD THAT THEY HAVE "MICRO CRACKS" AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. CLOSER RESEARCH REVEALED THAT THESE ARE "SUMMER TIRES" THAT "FLEXING OF THE SPECIALIZED RUBBER COMPOUNDS USED IN MAX PERFORMANCE SUMMER TIRES DURING COLD-WEATHER USE CAN RESULT IN IRREVERSIBLE COMPOUND CRACKING. COMPOUND CRACKING IS NOT A WARRANTABLE CONDITION BECAUSE IT OCCURS AS THE RESULT OF IMPROPER USE OR STORAGE, TIRES EXHIBITING COMPOUND CRACKING MUST BE REPLACED." AT NO TIME WAS I WARNED THAT DRIVING WITH THESE TIRES IN THE WINTER COULD CAUSE THIS DAMAGE. MORE IMPORTANT IS THE FACT THAT THEY GET DANGEROUSLY LITTLE TRACTION UNDER THESE COLD CONDITIONS-ESPECIALLY WITH EVEN A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF SNOW. A CONSUMER SHOULD BE WARNED ABOUT THIS FORESEEABLE DANGEROUS CONDITION-ESPECIALLY WHEN THIS CAR IS SOLD IN A STATE WITH SEVERE WINTERS.

NHTSA ID
11415450
Incident
May 3, 2021
Mileage
15,832 mi
AirbagsEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 7, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

AS I WAS EXITING A BP GAS STATION (62 GRIFFIN CORPORATION DR, CHELSEA, AL 35043) AND MAKING A RIGHT ONTO COUNTY ROAD 11, THE REAR TIRES OF THE CAR STARTED TO SPIN (1/4 THROTTLE). I NOTICED THAT ABS OR THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE CAR WAS NOT IN "SPORT" MODE. IT WAS IN THE "D" DRIVING MODE. THE REAR TIRES CONTINUED SPINNING AND I FELT THE CAR'S BACK END FISHTAILING. AT THIS POINT, I STARTED TO GET ON THE BRAKES HARD AND TRY TO DO MINOR CORRECTIONS, WHEN I FELT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT PULSATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN AT ALL. AT THIS POINT, I WAS FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE RAILROAD TRACKS THAT WERE ABOUT >500 FT IN FRONT OF ME. I LOOK TO MY RIGHT AND NOTICE THAT I AM ABOUT TO SLIDE INTO THE RAILROAD CROSSING SIGN. THE IMPACT WAS HARD ENOUGH TO WHERE MY RIGHT BUTTOCK ENDED UP NEXT TO THE HANDBRAKE OF THE CAR. MY ARM IS SLIGHTLY BRUISED FROM IT BEING SWUNG TO THE RIGHT AND HITTING THE PASSENGER WINDOW. THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED AT ALL. HOWEVER, THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR IS, LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM SCRATCHED/SCUFFED/DAMAGED, THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR BROKEN OFF, THE PASSENGER DOOR DENTED INWARDS, THE SIDE SKIRT (THE PART THAT RUNS ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR) RIPPED OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND BENT UPWARDS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND FINALLY, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SILL DENTED/BENT INWARDS. THE PICTURES ATTACHED ARE THE PHOTOS OF MY BRUISE AND THE INCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
11378247
Incident
Dec 6, 2020
Mileage
252,200 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.

09-020-26

SEATS; STRUCTURE:BODY

DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit scratches (1) on the rear of the seat back bar garnish (2) from contact with the convertible top (3). Due to assembly variations, the clearance between the seat back bar garnish and the convertible top is too small on some vehicles. REPAIR PROCEDURE 6. Install the seat back crossmember assembly from the vehicle according to the instructions on MGSS online or the Workshop Manual (section 09-10 SEAT BACK CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION). 7. Reinstall the rear seat back bar garnish while twisting the garnish so that the garnish can be kept closer to the seat back bar and away from the convertible top (for both left and right sides).

01-008-26

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. 01-008/23 06/05/23 Some vehicles may exhibit rattling noises from the engine compartment and oil leakage from the drive belt auto tensioner. This may be caused by insufficient sealing at the drive belt auto tensioner damper when the auto tensioner fully operates under both high ambient temperature and high load conditions. To eliminate this concern, the shape of the drive belt auto tensioner damper has been changed. REPAIR PROCEDURE If the tensioner is found to be "No Good" after completing the Drive Belt Auto Tensioner Inspection, replace it with a modified part according to the instructions on MGSS online:

SA-031-26

STRUCTURE:BODY

DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may require the replacement of a damaged VIN plate or vehicle certification label. To obtain a replacement VIN plate (bulkhead-mounted and visible through the lower-left area of the windshield), contact DAG (Dealer Assistance Group) using VIN Plate Request Form available on One Mazda. To obtain a replacement vehicle certification label (located on the B􀀀pillar or front door), contact your assigned DSM (District Service Manager) to place the order. If DSM contact information is not available, refer to the Dealer & Field Contact Directory.

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-026-26

ENGINE

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued M-Tip(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. MT-002/19 09/30/19 and 12/19/19 DESCRIPTION If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold. When the new engine assembly is installed, debris in the intake manifold will be ingested into the new engine and cause internal damage. Clean the intake manifold internally to remove any debris from old engine before installing the new replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold cannot be properly cleaned internally, replace it.

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
2019Viewing113050.7
2018330
2017112059.3
2016343052.9
2015100
2014600
2013200
2012500
2011100
2010400
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.