Is the 2012 Mazda MX-5 a reliable year?

Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 ranks #12 of 20 among MX-5 model years (Complaint Index 42/100, verdict: Good). It has 5 complaints and 0 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda MX-5?

The most reported problem areas are brakes (2 complaints), airbags (1 complaints), and engine (1 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 450 miles.

Does the 2012 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?

No safety recall campaigns list the 2012 Mazda MX-5 in NHTSA’s recall database at the time of the last data update.

What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mazda MX-5?

EPA rates the 2012 Mazda MX-5 at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

2012 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2012 Mazda MX-5 has 5 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 42 out of 100 — #12 highest of 20 MX-5 model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is brakes (2 complaints, 40% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 42/100; #12 of 20 MX-5 years
Verdict: Good; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 5; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 0; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 1; reported in complaints
Fires: 0
Injuries: 0
Top issue: Brakes
Best nearby year: 2014; rated Good

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 24; 21 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 0 / 0

2012 Mazda MX-5 recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2012 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 21 MPG
Highway: 27 MPG
Combined: 24 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $3,300; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Premium
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2012 compared with other MX-5 years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	MPG
2010	No verdict	26	4	24
2011	No verdict	5	1	24
2012	Good	42	5	24
2013	No verdict	11	2	24
2014	Good	37	6	24

All Mazda MX-5 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Mazda MX-5 a reliable year?: Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 ranks #12 of 20 among MX-5 model years (Complaint Index 42/100, verdict: Good). It has 5 complaints and 0 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda MX-5?: The most reported problem areas are brakes (2 complaints), airbags (1 complaints), and engine (1 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 450 miles.
Does the 2012 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?: No safety recall campaigns list the 2012 Mazda MX-5 in NHTSA’s recall database at the time of the last data update.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mazda MX-5?: EPA rates the 2012 Mazda MX-5 at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.