2006 Mazda MX-5 recalls and problems

The 2006 Mazda MX-5 has 1 safety recall and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Mazda MX-5 recalls

Recall 06V-103: Air Bags

Reported Apr 5, 2006 · 2,600 vehicles affected · MAZDA MOTOR CORP

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the bolt attaching the horn assembly to the steering wheel hub may fail during a driver side front air bag deployment in extremely low ambient temperature.

Risk: Should this occur, the horn assembly may separate and could injure the driver.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side frontal air bag module free of charge. The recall began on april 28, 2006. Owners may contact mazda at 800-222-5500.

2006 Mazda MX-5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure6
Air Bags5
Seat Belts4
Power Train3
Unknown or Other3
Steering2
Electrical System2
Tires2
Suspension2
Visibility1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission › Floor Shift Assembly — 2
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 2
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Mazda MX-5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Seat Belts · reported Mar 6, 2024
Started out as intermittent Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner system warning light about 3 months ago. Over the last 2 weeks, the warning stayed on per the manual and required replacement. I had this service performed on 3/6/2024 at a cost of $811.43 by Sumter Tire and Auto using Preordered Mazda parts invoiced on 3/1/2024.
Structure · at 68,125 miles · reported Aug 11, 2018
When it rains, water leaks into and pools under seats and in the trunk. Just had the top replaced, so it is not due to an old top. Just recently purchased this car.
Air Bags · at 177,000 miles · reported Apr 6, 2018
Passenger airbag seat sensor not detecting persons in seat. Airbags remain turned off. Passenger airbag off indicated, code 48 flashes on dash. Common problem. Doesn't matter if car is moving or not.
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 11, 2015
The mx-5 has a design flaw in the roof drain on the candace convertible top. It floods your car your floorboards and your truck is filled with water. It is very costly to have this replaced and carpets drained of water and then cleaned. I love my car but if I had known of this defect I would not have purchased it.
Unknown or Other · at 100,200 miles · reported Nov 20, 2014
Same problem as many of the other people on this website. The drainage system for the canvas convertible is problematic. Having water in your vehicle as well as in the trunk. Could this cause electrical problem? Not sure. It can certainly cause black mold , and I have respiratory difficulties as it is! In my case, the inside of car was musty for many months (6+). I park my car under cover, so it didn't get enough water in to notice the water other than by the smell.but each time I looked for the source and could not find any moisture...but that musty smell persisted, and I didn't even think of…

Other Mazda MX-5 years

Compare all Mazda MX-5 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Mazda MX-5: 06V-103 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mazda MX-5?

Owners report structure problems most often (6 reports), followed by air bags (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.