VehicleVerdict

2021 Mazda MX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2021 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other MX-5 years?

MX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Mazda MX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1100%

Does the 2021 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.

“The contact owns a 2021 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and a burning odor was detected. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the clutch had melted and needed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 18, 2022

2021 Mazda MX-5 — common questions

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

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

Does the 2021 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.