NHTSA Data Explorer
Mazda Miata
Data refreshed May 30, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Mazda Miata.
Complaints
490
Active records
Recalls
7
Active records
TSBs
173
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
0
Injuries
52
Crashes
54
Fires
10
Top reported issues — Mazda Miata
Click a category to expand its values.
Condition issue
Operating state
Safety restraint issue
Reporting mechanism
Safety restraint behavior
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Noise
Braking behavior
Engine behavior
Fluid issue
Performance issue
Thermal issue
Access/entry issue
Driver assistance issue
Steering behavior
Electrical issue
Lighting behavior
Smell
Starting behavior
Vibration/harshness
Ride/handling behavior
Recent change
Powering on/off behavior
Infotainment behavior
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2020 MAZDA MX-5
Filed May 12, 2026
Mazda and NHTSA have sent out multiple notices calling owner to go to dealers to have the recall remediated. If one schedules to go to a dealership they are informed that Mazda does not yet have a tool available to remedy the issue. I've been on a waiting list for over 4 months and no tool is available yet. Since this appears to be a software issue it's very concerning that it's taking this long to create a tool to resolve an airbag issue.
2016 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Apr 30, 2026
2016 Mazda MX5 club: In warmer weather(70 degree F or higher) and after driving for 5+ miles, the steering becomes less sensitive and gets “stuck/sticky” and requires more force to turn. When applied more force the car over corrects and you swerve cause the amount of force you needed to apply. Seems like something in the steering rack expands with heat which then creates friction which you have to overcome to continue driving. Seems like it’s becoming more of a issues the more people drive
2023 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Apr 1, 2026
Steering feels sticky at higher speeds, once the vehicle is at full operating temp. The steering requires some pressure to “break free” from whatever position it is in. If I’m continually moving the wheel, it steers normally. However, if I’m driving straight and need to initiate a turn or make minor steering corrections (like on the highway), I have to turn the wheel harder than normal, then it gives way and turns with regular force. This makes it difficult to control, causing the car the jerk…
2017 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Mar 19, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a manual transmission failure on my 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata (VIN: [XXX] ) at 55,000 miles. The failure occurred without warning while driving, causing immediate and significant transmission malfunction. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin 05 [XXX] c addressing this exact defect — defective synchros in 2nd and 3rd gear causing grinding, inability to engage gears, and transmission failure. My VIN falls within the TSB coverage range. The cutoff is sequential…
2001 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA
Filed Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. The contact received notification of TSB: 3505H (Non-Methane Organic Gas (NMOG) levels exceeding standards. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the remedy was not yet available. The contact was informed that parts were no longer being manufactured to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a search would be done to find a…
2024 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Feb 25, 2026
My current vehicle has a headlight malfunction issue that has plagued the car since 2k. Under turning the swivel in the headlight will break or become off track.The headlight if it becomes off track the adaptive headlight will stick in place causing a lost of field of view at night. Mazda has warranty the drive side headlight due this issue. Their new headlight house was redesigned for 2024 year. It continues to be an issue. When getting the vehicle inspected they say it because of spirited…
2017 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Feb 13, 2026
Happened at US 101 Southbound 0.1 MILES SOUTH of RENGSTORFF AVENUE. “Power Steering Malfunction” light came on, then suddenly after 1 second, the car’s steering went stiff and suddenly braked while at freeway speed flow of traffic. Car then sharply veered left into center divider due to automatic sudden braking with no control of the steering wheel
2024 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that while…
2024 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Dec 20, 2025
The vehicle has a recurrent malfunction of the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), part of the exterior headlight system and advertised as a safety feature within Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® technology. The failure presents as a dashboard warning stating: “Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected.” The affected components remain installed and are available for inspection upon request. This malfunction poses a potential safety risk because it affects a system intended to improve…
2024 MAZDA MX-5
Filed Dec 17, 2025
Driving vehicle on highway could not get the manual transmission into 3rd gear. Had to double clutch in order to do so. The vehicle only had 5,700 miles. The transmission produced a loud whining sound that could be heard outside the car. Took vehicle to dealership in which entire transmission was replaced.