Mazda MX-5 years to avoid
The Mazda MX-5 years to avoid are 2016, 2006 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
205
Total complaints
6
Recall campaigns
2006–2026
Years covered
2
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
MX-5 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | High complaint rate | 42 | |
| 2006 | High complaint rate | 36 |
Every MX-5 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2025 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 18 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 5 | 3 | |
| 2017 | 13 | 2 | |
| 2016avoid | 42 | 3 | |
| 2015 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 23 | 0 | |
| 2006avoid | 36 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Mazda MX-5 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the MX-5 years to avoid are 2016, 2006. The cleanest year on record is 2026.
What is the best year for the Mazda MX-5?
By complaint volume, 2026 has the cleanest NHTSA record among MX-5 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Mazda MX-5 have?
Across all model years, the MX-5 has 6 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 205 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.