Coupe · Gas
Mazda MX-5 Miata 2016–2026 (ND)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $24,900–$34,000
- MPG
- 30
- Strength: Excellent driving fun
- Strength: Excellent reliability
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Poor passenger space
How it scores for you10 scores
The definitive affordable driver's car, with a joyous RWD chassis and top-tier reliability, but its tiny two-seat cabin, firm ride, and 4.6 cu ft trunk sacrifice all practicality.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; none of its 5 recalls were serious. About 5% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +8 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $2,750 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 46% of cars we track.
4.6 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 10% of other coupes we track.
Strict two-seat roadster with a snug cabin, limited headroom for tall drivers, and just 4.6 cu ft of cargo. Among the least practical vehicles sold.
The MX-5 is the definitive affordable driver's car: lightweight, balanced RWD chassis, sharp steering, slick manual, and near-perfect 50:50 handling. Legendary reputation for pure driving joy.
Later ND models added Mazda Connect infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and basic driver aids, but overall tech is minimal by design and modest versus modern rivals.
Firm ride, tight cockpit, and significant road/wind noise make it tiring on long trips. Small soft-top adds noise; comfort is not its focus.
Typical resale value for a coupe.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls16 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
16 recalls · 2 common complaint areas across 2016–2025
- Powertrain — 11 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Electronic stability control (esc): control module; traction control system (2025)
- Airbags — 5 complaints (2016)
2026
No recorded issues.
2025
- RecallElectronic stability control (esc): control module; traction control system25V336000
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 Vehic
2024
- RecallElectronic stability control (esc): control module; traction control system25V336000
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 Vehic
2023
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
2022
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
2021
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
2020
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
2019
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V875000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
2018
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)19V072000
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.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump21V875000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
2017
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)19V072000
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.
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
2016
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)19V072000
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.
- RecallStructure: frame and members: underbody shields19V496000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Miata MX-5 vehicles. The skid plate and metal bracket may detach from underneath the vehicle.
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software24V695000
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 Vehic
- Complaint clusterPowertrain11 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
6 speed manual transmission failure at 59,000 miles Started not shifting into 3rd, then shortly after, the transmission locked up in a intersection. Which stalled the vehicle out. Was able to move the vehicle by hand, out of heavy traffic. Since this effects all ND1, ND2 and ND3 manual transmiss
- Complaint clusterAirbags5 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V695000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer
Cost to own$23,400 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$24,900–$34,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,750/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
27
Highway MPG
34
Combined MPG
30
Horsepower
181 hp
Doors
2
Length
153.9 in
Width
68.1 in
Height
48.8 in
Wheelbase
90.9 in
Curb weight
2,348 lb
Cargo volume
4.6 cu ft
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