2016 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Mazda MX-5 has the highest complaint index (100) of the 20 model years tracked, ranking worst overall, with 34 complaints and 3 recalls. Transmission & Powertrain problems dominate, making up 32% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 31,500.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 20 MX-5 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 34
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 26.5 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2016 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (32%)
- Other7 (21%)
- Airbags5 (15%)
- Electrical System5 (15%)
- Structure & Body4 (12%)
- Engine3 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
- Steering2 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Transmission gears reportedly disintegrated during acceleration, cutting power while turning or crossing intersections.
- Transmission stopped responding when accelerating from a stop, causing sudden loss of acceleration in traffic.
- A loud bang from the transmission was followed by an unusual whining noise in third gear at highway speeds.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during crashes, including a rollover, despite dash systems indicating deployment was detected.
- Tire pressure monitoring system reportedly triggered false low-pressure warnings even with tires at normal pressure.
- Hood paint reportedly chipped extensively after very low mileage, and foam air filters were found caked with mold.
2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V695000Sep 18, 2024Airbags77,670 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module:software
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."
Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 19V496000Jun 27, 2019Structure & Body2,476 vehicles
Structure:frame and members:underbody shields
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.
Risk: Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.
- NHTSA 19V072000Feb 1, 2019Transmission & Powertrain14,370 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
Risk: If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2016 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,650
- 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.
2016 compared with other MX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- Among the 20 MX-5 model years NHTSA has data for, 2016 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and the top verdict of Avoid. Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 32% of its 34 complaints.
- Does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have transmission problems?
- Yes. Transmission & Powertrain is the top problem area, with 11 complaints (32% share) and a median failure mileage of 31,500. Owners describe loss of acceleration and unusual noises.
- What recalls affect the 2016 Mazda MX-5?
- NHTSA lists three recalls: an airbag control module software issue (24V695000), a skid plate that may detach (19V496000), and a transmission control module programming issue (19V072000). None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 MX-5 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst among all MX-5 years with data, compared to years like 2011 (index 5) and 2015 (index 0), which show far fewer reported problems.