2021 Mazda MX-5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
13/100
#14 most-complained of 16 MX-5 years
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 has 1 NHTSA complaint, a complaint index of 13, and ranks 14th worst out of 16 model years, making it one of the better years. It has 1 recall for airbag software affecting 2016-2023 models.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 26 city / 34.5 hwy
Top 2021 Mazda MX-5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (100%)
What owners report
- Owner reported total loss of motive power while driving, accompanied by a burning odor.
- The clutch was found to have melted and required replacement.
- The failure nearly caused a collision before the vehicle could be brought to a stop.
- The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer and remained there unrepaired after diagnosis.
- This failure occurred at a median mileage of 1,000 miles, an early failure point.
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 data, the 2021 MX-5 has only 1 complaint and a complaint index of 13, ranking 14th worst out of 16 model years covered. This makes it one of the better years for this model.
- What problems does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 have?
- NHTSA has one complaint on record involving loss of motive power and a melted clutch at 1,000 miles. The top problem area listed is Transmission & Powertrain, accounting for 100% of the single complaint.
- Does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 have a recall?
- Yes. Recall 24V695000 covers a software error in the airbag control module that could cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force. It affects 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles, including 2021, and is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2021 MX-5 compare to other MX-5 years?
- The 2021 model year has a complaint index of 13, far below years like 2016 (100), 2019 (87), and 2023 (93), which carry 'Avoid' verdicts. Among the 16 model years with data, 2021 ranks 14th worst, meaning it performs well relative to the rest.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Mazda MX-5?
- The EPA rates the 2021 MX-5 at 29.5 mpg combined (26 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.