2017 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Mazda MX-5 has a Complaint Index of 74, ranking 6th worst out of 20 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 11 complaints and 2 recalls, with windshield and top visibility issues the top problem area at 36% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 74/100
- #6 of 20 MX-5 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 26 city / 34 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2017 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers4 (36%)
- Brakes2 (18%)
- Steering2 (18%)
- Airbags1 (9%)
- Electrical System1 (9%)
- Other1 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshields and rear convertible-top windows crack or shatter spontaneously, sometimes with dozens of rock chips appearing by low mileage.
- A power steering malfunction warning can appear suddenly, followed by stiff steering and unexpected automatic braking at speed.
- Front Brembo brakes have been reported to lock up after the car sits parked overnight, releasing with a loud snap.
- The convertible top headliner detaches and sags, partially blocking rear visibility even after repeated repairs.
- Owners with the airbag recall report difficulty getting dealers to schedule the free repair.
- A rear tire sidewall blew out during highway driving despite normal use, triggering a low-pressure warning.
2017 Mazda MX-5 recalls
2 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 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.
2017 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,750
- 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.
2017 compared with other MX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 MX-5 a Complaint Index of 74, the 6th worst of 20 model years tracked, earning a Caution verdict relative to other MX-5 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Mazda MX-5?
- Visibility and wiper-related issues, mainly windshield cracking and convertible-top headliner sagging, make up 36% of complaints. Brakes and steering each account for 18%.
- Does the 2017 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 MX-5: an airbag control module software error and a transmission control module reprogramming for automatic transmission cars.
- How does the 2017 MX-5 compare to other years?
- The 2017 model's Complaint Index of 74 is lower than 2016 (100) and 2006 (79), both rated Avoid, but higher than years like 2008, 2012, and 2014, which rate Good.
- What mileage do 2017 MX-5 problems tend to show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues for 2017 is 8,150 miles, with visibility complaints centered around 8,300 miles and brake complaints around 4,957 miles.