VehicleVerdict

2023 Mazda MX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2023 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other MX-5 years?

MX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Mazda MX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission450%
Airbags113%
Other113%
Seat Belts113%
Steering113%

Does the 2023 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 manual transmission has a synchronizer failure. Safety was put at risk due to inability to safely complete a gear change reliably. The problem has been reported to the dealer and the transmission has been replaced once and is scheduled to go in 9/23/24 for a possible second transmission…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 14, 2023

“Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 18, 2024

“Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 18, 2024

“On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving the vehicle and at low speed (30 mph or under) lost control of the vehicle in a turn. The vehicle hit a telephone pole that was rotted from termite infestation which shattered into three pieces (one piece landing on the cars windshield frame and driver roll bar…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 19, 2024 · crash

“Steering feels sticky at higher speeds, once the vehicle is at full operating temp. The steering requires some pressure to “break free” from whatever position it is in. If I’m continually moving the wheel, it steers normally. However, if I’m driving straight and need to initiate a turn or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 31, 2026

2023 Mazda MX-5 — common questions

Is the 2023 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2023 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 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.