VehicleVerdict

2016 Mazda MX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.0 times the median MX-5 year — the 2016 model ranks #1 of 21 MX-5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (26% of the total).

42

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other MX-5 years?

MX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted42 complaints2006: 36 complaints2007: 23 complaints2008: 11 complaints2009: 4 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 13 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 3 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 8 complaints2024: 7 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 1 complaints
MX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mazda MX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1126%
Other717%
Airbags512%
Body & Structure410%
Electrical System410%
Steering25%
Engine25%
Lighting25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Speed Control12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V695000AirbagsSeptember 18, 2024 · 77,670 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 6924I.

19V496000Body & StructureJune 27, 2019 · 2,476 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.

Consequence

Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.

19V072000TransmissionFebruary 1, 2019 · 14,370 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2019 MX-5 (Miata) vehicles with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.

Consequence

If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3019A.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MAZDA MX-5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH ACROSS AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING ACROSS THE INTERSECTION COLIDED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. POLICE REPORT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 13, 2019 · crash

“CAR WAS IN MOTION, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE RED KEY LIGHT ON THE ENGINE START BUTTON STARTED FLASHING. WHEN WE GOT HOME THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF. ALSO COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR. FINALLY GOT THE CAR TO TURN OFF AND WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR DEALERSHIP FOUND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 1, 2018

“I was in an accident on May 1st 2022. I was traveling south when another car hit me. The airbags didn't deploy at all none of them did you can see from the pics and video I have attached and hear the audio from my dash cam saying the airbag deployment was detected but no airbags came out. (Dash cam…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 1, 2022 · crash

“THE PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY MIATA IS FULL OF CHIPS AND I HAVE ONLY 941 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE OWNED 6 CARS PRIOR TO THIS ONE, I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE AND THIS MIATA IS MY SECOND CAR USED MOSTLY ON WEEKENDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 12, 2017

“SPIDER CRACKING ON CENTER DISPLAY MAZDA SERVICE BULLETIN R018/18. SINCE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY WILL NOT REPAIR EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A NOTED MFG DEFECT. SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS SCREEN WILL BECOME ON READABLE AND SAFETY IS A 5 YR WARRANTY ADV NO. MAZDA SHOULD OF NOTIFIED OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2019

2016 Mazda MX-5 — common questions

Is the 2016 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 2016 model at #1 of 21 MX-5 years. It is one of the MX-5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 MX-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (11 complaints), other (7 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Mazda MX-5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda MX-5 years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.