Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median MX-5 year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 21 MX-5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (6), airbags (5), and seat belts (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
36
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 6 | 17% | new |
| Airbags | 5 | 14% | new |
| Other | 4 | 11% | new |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 11% | new |
| Electrical System | 3 | 8% | new |
| Transmission | 3 | 8% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 6% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BOLT ATTACHING THE HORN ASSEMBLY TO THE STEERING WHEEL HUB MAY FAIL DURING A DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
Consequence
SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE HORN ASSEMBLY MAY SEPARATE AND COULD INJURE THE DRIVER.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 800-222-5500.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE MX-5 HAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ROOF DRAINS ON THE CANVAS CONVERTIBLE TOP. IT FLOODS CONSTANTLY. I AM REALLY GROWING TIRED OF VACUUMING UP WATER IN THIS CAR. IT EVEN FLOODS THE TRUNK. WET FEET IN STANDING WATER MAKES FOR A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL YOU CAN GET TO A WET VAC TO EVACUATE…”
“PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR NOT DETECTING PERSONS IN SEAT. AIRBAGS REMAIN TURNED OFF. PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATED, CODE 48 FLASHES ON DASH. COMMON PROBLEM. DOESN'T MATTER IF CAR IS MOVING OR NOT.”
“THE MX-5 HAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ROOF DRAIN ON THE CANDACE CONVERTIBLE TOP. IT FLOODS YOUR CAR YOUR FLOORBOARDS AND YOUR TRUCK IS FILLED WITH WATER. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO HAVE THIS REPLACED AND CARPETS DRAINED OF WATER AND THEN CLEANED. I LOVE MY CAR BUT IF I HAD KNOWN OF THIS DEFECT I WOULD NOT…”
“Started out as intermittent Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner system warning light about 3 months ago. Over the last 2 weeks, the warning stayed on per the manual and required replacement. I had this service performed on 3/6/2024 at a cost of $811.43 by Sumter Tire and Auto using Preordered Mazda…”
“COMPLETE POWER LOSS AT 40 MILES PER HOUR WHILE IN OPERATION. ALL WARNING DASH LIGHTS CAME ON CONCURRENT WITH LOSS OF POWER. NO RESTART. *NM”
NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 21 MX-5 years. It is one of the MX-5 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (6 complaints), airbags (5 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Mazda MX-5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MX-5 years to avoid are 2016, 2006. The cleanest record among MX-5 years belongs to 2026.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.