VehicleVerdict

2024 Mazda MX-5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2024 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.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2024 compare to other MX-5 years?

MX-5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2024 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, 2024 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MX-5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2024 Mazda MX-5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System229%
Transmission229%
Lighting114%
Speed Control114%
Visibility & Wipers114%

Does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V336000Electrical SystemJune 3, 2025 · 12,244 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. The Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may fail to illuminate as intended due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence

An indicator light that does not illuminate may fail to warn the driver of a TCS or DSC system issue, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the DSC unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7425E.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was driving on interstate 30 with the cruise control on and I needed to slow down as there was roadwork so I pressed down the brakes to disengage the cruiser control and slow the vehicle down, the vehicle not only not slow down but lunged forward. The brake pedal did not disengage the cruise…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 9, 2025

“Driving vehicle on highway could not get the manual transmission into 3rd gear. Had to double clutch in order to do so. The vehicle only had 5,700 miles. The transmission produced a loud whining sound that could be heard outside the car. Took vehicle to dealership in which entire transmission was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 22, 2025

“The vehicle has a recurrent malfunction of the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), part of the exterior headlight system and advertised as a safety feature within Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® technology. The failure presents as a dashboard warning stating: “Headlight System Malfunction. Have the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 19, 2025

“The vehicle has a recurrent malfunction of the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), part of the exterior headlight system and advertised as a safety feature within Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE® technology. The failure presents as a dashboard warning stating: “Headlight System Malfunction. Have the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 19, 2025

“I was driving on interstate 30 with the cruise control on and I needed to slow down as there was roadwork so I pressed down the brakes to disengage the cruiser control and slow the vehicle down, the vehicle not only not slow down but lunged forward. The brake pedal did not disengage the cruise…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 9, 2025

2024 Mazda MX-5 — common questions

Is the 2024 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2024 Mazda MX-5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2024 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.