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Mazda MX-5 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Mazda MX-5 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
21
Years to Avoid
2016
2026
1 complaints0 recalls50 TSBs
2025
3 complaints1 recalls82 TSBs
2024
7 complaints1 recalls134 TSBs
2023
8 complaints1 recalls118 TSBs
2022
6 complaints1 recalls167 TSBs
2021
1 complaints1 recalls213 TSBs
2020
3 complaints1 recalls253 TSBs
2019
15 complaints2 recalls219 TSBs
2018
5 complaints3 recalls367 TSBs
2017
13 complaints2 recalls415 TSBs
2016Avoid
42 complaints3 recalls522 TSBs
2015
2 complaints0 recalls184 TSBs
2014
8 complaints0 recalls184 TSBs
2013
2 complaints0 recalls206 TSBs
2012
6 complaints0 recalls207 TSBs
2011
1 complaints0 recalls207 TSBs
2010
5 complaints0 recalls206 TSBs
2009
4 complaints0 recalls212 TSBs
2008
11 complaints0 recalls201 TSBs
2007
23 complaints0 recalls200 TSBs
2006
36 complaints1 recalls170 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Mazda MX-5 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 is the most problematic year, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

21 model years analyzed