2021 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2021 Mazda MX-5 has a complaint index of 16, one of the lowest among the 20 model years tracked, ranking 17th worst (near the best end). It has one NHTSA complaint, one recall for an airbag software issue, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 16/100
- #17 of 20 MX-5 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 26 city / 34.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (100%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- One owner reported a sudden loss of motive power while driving, accompanied by a burning smell.
- The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the clutch was found melted and requiring replacement.
- This failure occurred at low mileage, around 1,000 miles, and nearly caused a collision.
2021 Mazda MX-5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
2021 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 34.5 MPG
- Combined
- 29.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 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.
2021 compared with other MX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 MX-5 has a complaint index of 16, among the lowest of the 20 model years on record, with just one complaint filed.
- What problems does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 have?
- The only reported issue involves the transmission and powertrain: a single complaint describes a loss of power and a melted clutch at 1,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 24V695000) covers a software error in the airbag control module that could cause the front airbags to deploy with excessive force; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2021 MX-5 compare to other MX-5 model years?
- With a complaint index of 16, the 2021 model ranks better than years like 2016 (index 100) and 2019 (index 89), which carry Avoid verdicts.