2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls and problems

The 2016 Mazda MX-5 has 3 safety recalls and 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
34
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls

Recall 24V-695: Air Bags

Reported Sep 18, 2024 · 77,670 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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."

Risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-496: Structure

Reported Jun 27, 2019 · 2,476 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

Risk: Parts that separate from the vehicle may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the skid plate, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3619F.

Recall 19V-072: Power Train

Reported Feb 1, 2019 · 14,370 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the TCM with corrected software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3019A.

2016 Mazda MX-5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train11
Unknown or Other7
Air Bags5
Structure4
Electrical System4
Wheels2
Engine2
Exterior Lighting2
Steering2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Visibility/Wiper1
Suspension1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 24,000 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 2016 Mazda MX-5 complaints

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

Steering · reported Apr 30, 2026
2016 Mazda MX5 club: In warmer weather(70 degree F or higher) and after driving for 5+ miles, the steering becomes less sensitive and gets “stuck/sticky” and requires more force to turn. When applied more force the car over corrects and you swerve cause the amount of force you needed to apply. Seems like something in the steering rack expands with heat which then creates friction which you have to overcome to continue driving. Seems like it’s becoming more of a issues the more people drive
Air Bags · at 60,000 miles · reported Apr 9, 2025
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 was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the bumper of a parked 2001 Lexus LS400 was crashed into and the vehicle came to a stop. There was damage to the contact's license plate holder and the other vehicle bumper.…
Air Bags · reported Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda MX-5. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power Train · reported Jun 19, 2024
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 transmissions. I dropped and changed it for a used one. While I rebuild the original. As I am also outside of warranty.
Power Train · reported Jan 5, 2024
On December 7, 2023 at approximately 10:30pm, I was traveling west bound on [XXX] . Suddenly, there was a loud thumping noise from under the passenger seat. After about 10 seconds, it escalated to an extremely loud banging and the smell of oil. Not a single warning light appeared on my dashboard. I immediately attempted to pull off the road. This area is in the middle of a mesa with no streetlights and a speed of a 65mph road. I immediately put on my hazard lights and was stranded. The dangerousness of this situation was insurmountable. I was in a 2 seated convertible, partially on the road…

Other Mazda MX-5 years

Compare all Mazda MX-5 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Mazda MX-5: 24V-695 (air bags), 19V-496 (structure), 19V-072 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mazda MX-5?

Owners report power train problems most often (11 reports), followed by unknown or other (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 24,000 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.