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Model year record

2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls & problems

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 has 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (11 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints34filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsSep 18, 2024

Air bag/restraint control module › Software

Recall 24V69500077,670 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
StructureJun 27, 2019

Frame and members › Underbody shields

Recall 19V4960002,476 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.
Risk
Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.
Power trainFeb 1, 2019

Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Recall 19V07200014,370 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
Risk
If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3019A.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2016 Mazda MX-5 C RWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

MX-5

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 34 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,750/year to fuel

MX-5

30mpg combined
City / highway26 / 36 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,750/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Power train1110031,500 mi
Unknown or other70005,200 mi
Air bags5202—
StructureBody4000—
Electrical system400025,850 mi
Wheels2000—
Engine2000—
Exterior lighting2000—
Steering2000—
Vehicle speed control1000—
Visibility/wiper1000—
Suspension1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.