NHTSA Data Explorer

Mazda Miata

Data refreshed August 8, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Mazda Miata.

Complaints

152

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

11

Crashes

13

Fires

0

Top reported issues — Mazda Miata

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

59

Condition issue

54

Safety restraint issue

30

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

27

Reporting mechanism

22

Noise

21

Fluid issue

13

Driver assistance issue

12

Safety restraint behavior

11

Steering behavior

10

Performance issue

9

Braking behavior

8

Electrical issue

5

Access/entry issue

4

Lighting behavior

4

Ride/handling behavior

4

Smell

4

Powering on/off behavior

3

Engine behavior

2

Starting behavior

2

Vibration/harshness

2

Infotainment behavior

1

Recent change

1

Thermal issue

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2025 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Jul 20, 2026


After driving on slight up or down hill with headlights on, I'm getting Headlight malfunction warning on my almost brand new (700 miles) Miata.

2026 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Jun 24, 2026


The contact owns a 2026 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 80 MPH, the vehicle was erroneously swaying from left to right. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the road crown needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact was concerned about a failure within the differential. The…

2020 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Jun 15, 2026


Recall has been open for two years and Mazda still hasn't provided the tools to dealerships to fix it. Mazda keeps emailing to go to a dealership but they they have to turn you away as they are unable to repair the vehicle.

2025 MAZDA MX-5

Filed Jun 3, 2026


Taking my car in for now the 3rd time for the headlight error Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected. The first 2 times it occurred around 3000 miles where they first tried a software and reset then it did it again so took it back and they swapped the left headlight which had failed. Then it was good for a few months until the issue came back recently around 7500 or so miles. Now it's doing it pretty consistently again and I suspect the right headlight has failed. Taking it in…

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…

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


1 injured
Crash

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

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated August 8, 2026. Refreshed nightly.