2024 Mazda MX-5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2024 Mazda MX-5 has a complaint index of 63 and ranks 8th worst out of 20 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #8 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
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 26 city / 34.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2024 Mazda MX-5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (60%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (40%)
- Engine1 (20%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Cruise control reportedly failed to disengage when the brake pedal was pressed, causing the car to lunge forward instead of slowing down.
- Some owners report the manual transmission would not shift into 3rd gear on the highway, requiring double-clutching to engage it.
- One owner described a loud whining noise from the transmission before the dealership replaced the entire unit.
- Headlight assemblies reportedly broke or shifted off track when turning, with the adaptive headlight sticking and reducing night visibility.
2024 Mazda MX-5 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V336000May 22, 2025Brakes12,244 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc):control module
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. The Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may fail to illuminate as intended due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk: An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of a TCS or DSC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the DSC unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7425E.
2024 Mazda MX-5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 34.5 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.
2024 compared with other MX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2024 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 5 complaints and a complaint index of 63 for the 2024 MX-5, giving it a Caution verdict. It ranks 8th worst among 20 model years of the MX-5, so it is not among the more troubled years but also not the cleanest.
- What problems does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 have?
- The top problem area is the Electrical System, making up 60% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 40%. Owners also reported single complaints involving the Engine and Visibility & Wipers systems.
- Does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 25V336000) covers a brake-related issue where the Traction Control System and Dynamic Stability Control indicator light may fail to illuminate. It is not a do-not-drive recall, and Mazda will replace the DSC unit free of charge.
- How does the 2024 MX-5 compare to other MX-5 years?
- The 2024 model's complaint index of 63 is lower than the worst year, 2016, which scored 100 and carries an Avoid verdict with 34 complaints and 3 recalls. It is higher than cleaner years like 2011, which scored 5.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Mazda MX-5?
- EPA rates the 2024 MX-5 at 29 mpg combined (26 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,750.