mazda MX-5 problems
0 safety recalls. 5 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MX-5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON SAYING THE AIR BAG IS NOT ON. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. MY WIFE WEIGHS 101 LBS. I HAVE CONTACTED MIATA USA TODAY AND MY DEALER (3RD TIME). SO FAR NO SATISFACTION. I'M BRINGING THE CAR IN 08/01/2014 AGAIN. I SPOKE TO MAZDA USA TODAY…
I PURCHASED THE NEW MIATA ON 4/23. WHEN GOING OVER THE FUNCTIONS WITH THE SALESMAN, HE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP VERY HARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RELEASED IT WITH BOTH HANDS. HE APOLOGIZED FOR PULLING IT UP TOO FAR & SAID THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY. I USED THE BRAKE A NUMBER OF…
2012 MAZDA MIATA SUN VISORS DO NOT ROTATE LEFT TO RIGHT, MAKING MORNING SOUTHBOUND DRIVE AND EVENING NORTHBOUND DRIVE DANGEROUS, AS LEFT HAND IS OCCUPIED BLOCKING SUN, AND RIGHT HAND REQUIRED TO OPERATE BOTH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND STEERING. RESULT IS, THERE IS AN ACCIDENT…
Common questions
Is the 2012 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 9.2 out of 10 based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Mazda MX-5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Mazda MX-5?
No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.
How do I check if my Mazda MX-5 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Mazda MX-5?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 5 complaints on file, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.