VehicleVerdict

2020 Mazda MX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2020 Mazda MX-5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other MX-5 years?

MX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Mazda MX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags267%
Fuel System133%

Does the 2020 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 21, 2026

“2020 mx5 rf club edition with 65k miles lost engine power while driving in rush hour traffic. Car would not re-start, required a tow, and I was left stranded and without transportation. Since car was inoperable it was towed to nearby reputable mechanic and per the mechanic fuel pump has failed.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 16, 2024

2020 Mazda MX-5 — common questions

Is the 2020 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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.