VehicleVerdict

2017 Mazda MX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2017 Mazda MX-5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other MX-5 years?

MX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Mazda MX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers431%
Electrical System215%
Steering215%
Other18%
Airbags18%
Tires & Wheels18%
Transmission18%
Brakes18%

Does the 2017 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

2 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.

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.

“THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT. THE CRACK APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND RAPIDLY PROPOGATED HORIZONTALLY ALONG THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD TO ROUGHLY THE CENTER OF THE GLASS. THE CAR HAD 12000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 30, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 9, 2026 · 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 9, 2026 · crash

“I have 205/45/R 17 on a car that I drive on short trips maybe once a week or two. Driving on the highway, the tpms light came on and the handling was instantly strange. I pulled over and checked the tire, the sidewall was blown out on the passenger rear. I had it replaced. Now about 2 months later,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 20, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 5, 2026

2017 Mazda MX-5 — common questions

Is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 MX-5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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.