2022 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2022 Mazda MX-5 has a complaint index of 53, ranking 10th out of 20 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. It has 5 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 53/100
- #10 of 20 MX-5 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- 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 2022 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (60%)
- Electrical System1 (20%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the LATCH child-seat anchor system was missing despite the owner's manual stating it should be present.
- One owner described the retractable roof failing to stay sealed open or closed, which disarmed the alarm system.
- The same owner reported the transmission would not engage forward or reverse gear while this was happening.
- One owner reported the rearview camera or mirror behaving independently or erratically alongside the drivetrain issue.
- A driver reported the automatic emergency braking system activated suddenly and without warning at highway speed near a toll structure, with no other vehicles nearby.
2022 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.
2022 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.
2022 compared with other MX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 5 complaints and 1 recall for the 2022 MX-5, giving it a complaint index of 53 and a Caution verdict relative to other MX-5 model years. It ranks 10th worst out of 20 years tracked.
- What is the top problem area for the 2022 Mazda MX-5?
- Transmission & Powertrain is the top problem area, accounting for 3 of 5 complaints (60%), with a median mileage at failure of 14,000 miles.
- Does the 2022 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall, campaign 24V695000, covers a software error in the airbag control module that may cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force in a crash. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Mazda MX-5 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2006, 2016, 2019, and 2023 carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes of 79, 100, 89, and 84. The 2022 model is milder, rated Caution with an index of 53.
- How is the 2022 MX-5's fuel economy?
- EPA rates the 2022 Mazda MX-5 at 29.5 mpg combined (26 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.