2024 Mazda MX-5 Owner Complaints

My current vehicle has a headlight malfunction issue that has plagued the car since 2k. Under turning the swivel in the headlight will break or become off track.The headlight if it becomes off track the adaptive headlight will stick in place causing a lost of field of view at night. Mazda has warranty the drive side headlight due this issue. Their new headlight house was redesigned for 2024 year. It continues to be an issue. When getting the vehicle inspected they say it because of spirited drive and yet to fix the issue with programming or other means. This is common issue with refresh Miatas.In the forums many owners of the refresh are complaining about it. Mazda is aware of the issue but has not come out with a solution and dealer support not really there.

NHTSA ID

11720320

Incident

Sep 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that while The contact owns a 2024 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred several times. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted the vehicle. In addition, the warning lights were no longer illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that there was an unknown recall for an unknown software update. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was released; however, there was no information if any repairs were performed, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 14,408. To start the vehicle, the vehicle started. In addition, the contact stated that the warning lights went off. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of an unknown recall repair, however the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that there was an unknown recall

NHTSA ID

11712930

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Mileage

14,408 mi

The vehicle has a recurrent malfunction of the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), part of the exterior headlight system and advertised as a safety feature within Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® technology. The failure presents as a dashboard warning stating: “Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” The affected components remain installed and are available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a potential safety risk because it affects a system intended to improve visibility during night driving and around curves, creating uncertainty about headlight performance under low-visibility conditions. The issue has been confirmed by an authorized Mazda dealer, which recorded fault logs related to the headlight system. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times. Repairs performed include replacement of the headlamp wiring harness and replacement of the entire headlamp assembly, but the malfunction continues and has increased in frequency over time. The problem first appeared intermittently over a year ago, progressed to weekly, and now occurs daily. The failure occurs under normal driving conditions, including at very low speeds (approximately 5 mph) while exiting a parking lot. One documented instance occurred with the engine still cold (blue low-engine-temperature indicator illuminated), indicating no aggressive driving. Several additional occurrences happened below 35 mph with no harsh steering or acceleration. Suggestions that this is related to “spirited driving” are contradicted by observed conditions and video evidence.

NHTSA ID

11706227

Incident

Dec 19, 2025

Driving vehicle on highway could not get the manual transmission into 3rd gear. Had to double clutch in order to do so. The vehicle only had 5,700 miles. The transmission produced a loud whining sound that could be heard outside the car. Took vehicle to dealership in which entire transmission was replaced.

NHTSA ID

11705699

Incident

Nov 22, 2025

I was driving on interstate 30 with the cruise control on and I needed to slow down as there was roadwork so I pressed down the brakes to disengage the cruiser control and slow the vehicle down, the vehicle not only not slow down but lunged forward. The brake pedal did not disengage the cruise control after pumping the brake pedal several times and tried to bring the vehicle back to the set speed. I avoided major collision and possible saved my wife's life and mine by going into the grassy center median at 70mph. I had to pull the emergency brake handle to slow the vehicle down enough to stall the engine to come to a complete stop.

NHTSA ID

11693271

Incident

Oct 9, 2025