2024 Mazda MX-5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
73/100
#5 most-complained of 16 MX-5 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2024 Mazda MX-5 has a Complaint Index of 73 and ranks 5th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Caution" verdict. It has 5 complaints and 1 recall, with Electrical System issues making up 60% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 26 city / 34.5 hwy
Top 2024 Mazda MX-5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (60%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (40%)
- Engine1 (20%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (20%)
What owners report
- Cruise control fails to disengage when the brake pedal is pressed, causing the vehicle to lunge forward instead of slowing down.
- A manual transmission became stuck and would not shift into 3rd gear, requiring the driver to double-clutch to force the gear change.
- The transmission produced a loud whining noise audible from outside the car and was replaced by the dealership at 5,700 miles.
- Adaptive headlights swivel out of track when turning, sticking in place and reducing the driver's field of view at night.
- Mazda has provided warranty replacement for at least one headlight housing due to a redesign addressing the swivel defect.
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?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2024 MX-5 has a Complaint Index of 73 and a "Caution" verdict, ranking 5th worst among 16 model years of the MX-5.
- What problems does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 have?
- NHTSA lists 5 complaints for the 2024 MX-5, with the Electrical System as the top problem area at 60% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 40%.
- Does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2024 MX-5, campaign 25V336000, involving a Brakes-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.
- How does the 2024 MX-5 compare to other years?
- The 2024 MX-5 has a Complaint Index of 73, lower than 2016 (100), 2023 (93), and 2019 (87), all of which carry "Avoid" verdicts, but higher than years like 2014 (47, "Good") and 2021 (13).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Mazda MX-5?
- EPA rates the 2024 MX-5 at 29 mpg combined, 26 mpg city, and 34.5 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $2,750.