2025 Mazda MX-5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 MX-5 years
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 has a complaint index of 67, ranking 6th worst out of 16 model years. NHTSA lists 3 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported for this year.
- Complaints
- 3
- 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 2025 Mazda MX-5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System1 (33%)
- Other1 (33%)
- Seat Belts1 (33%)
What owners report
- Driver-side seatbelt buckle jams shortly after purchase, reportedly due to debris inside the buckle mechanism.
- Dealership technicians have used an air compressor to temporarily clear the seatbelt buckle rather than replace it.
- Owners were advised not to leave the door open or drive with the seatbelt issue unresolved.
- A headlight malfunction warning appears when driving on slight uphill or downhill grades with headlights on, reported on a nearly new car with low mileage.
2025 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.
2025 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.
2025 compared with other MX-5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2025 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 3 complaints and 1 recall for the 2025 MX-5, with a complaint index of 67. That places it 6th worst among the 16 MX-5 model years tracked, though no crashes, fires, or injuries were reported.
- What problems does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 have?
- The top problem areas reported are the Electrical System and Seat Belts, each accounting for 33% of complaints. Owners describe a seatbelt buckle jamming issue and a headlight malfunction warning triggered on hills.
- Does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 have a recall?
- 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 as intended. This is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2025 MX-5 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 67, the 2025 MX-5 ranks 6th worst of 16 years tracked. Years like 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023 have higher complaint indexes and carry an Avoid verdict.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Mazda MX-5?
- The EPA rates the 2025 MX-5 at 29 mpg combined (26 city / 34.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,750.