2014 Mazda MX-5: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
6 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
800 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2014 model year. Data updated: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Structure:Body is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 6 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 50.0% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 33.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure:Body | 2 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Structure:Body: 2; Power Train: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid: 1; Suspension: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2014: 2; 2016: 1; 2020: 1; 2023: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Structure:Body leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10576993 · 2014-04-02 (April 2, 2014)
WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH, APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND GOT OFF THE ROAD, IT WAS STOPPED BY SHIFTING TO PARK. THE BRAKE WORKED AGAIN AFTER STOPPING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN A WEEK AFTER WE RECEIVED THE NEW CAR. WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR COULD NOT BE STOPPED - UNTIL IT WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE. AT THAT TIME, WE DID NOT KNOW FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO CHECK FOR AN INTERNAL BRAK…
Owner-reported narrative. 430 miles reported. Look up ODI 10576993 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10578218 · 2014-04-08 (April 8, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND THEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THE NOISE FROM THE ABS BUT ADVISED THAT THE COMPONENT WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. UPDATED 5/22/14*CN
Owner-reported narrative. 800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10578218 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10925177 · 2016-11-09 (November 9, 2016)
I AM NOT SURE WHEN THIS OCCURRED I NOTICED ABOUT (5) DAYS AFTER BRINGING MY CAR HOME TINY CHIPS IN THE PAINT. I DRIVE SAFELY HAVE TAKEN THE SAFE DRIVER COURSE AND IT HAS BEEN BEAUTIFUL WEATHER HERE I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TOUCH UP THE PAINT WITH THE SAME MAZDA PAINT TOUCH UP PEN THAT THE DEALERSHIP DETAILER TRIED TO TOUCH UP THE PAINT WITH LITTLE SUCCESS . IF A PERSON CAN'T DRIVE ON A SUNNY DAY WITH OUT GETTING CHIPPED PAINT AT REASONABLE SPEED AND DISTANCE ( MY LAST CAR DIDN'T DEVELOP PAINT PROBLEMS UNTIL WELL OVER 200,000 MILES.) THEN WH…
Owner-reported narrative. 22,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10925177 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11343853 · 2020-08-07 (August 7, 2020)
WBAUGHT CAR WHEN IT WAS (2) AND HAD ABOUT 22K MILES IMMEDIATELY WINDSHILED FILLED WITH TINY CHIPS PAINT STARTED CHIPPING AT (6) HUGE SECTIONS OF PAINT GONE. AND CLUTCH FADES AT LIGHT ONLY 41K MILES.MAZDA IMPOSSABLE TO DEAL WITH.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11343853 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11515039 · 2023-04-02 (April 2, 2023)
All four sway bar links went bad at once.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11515039 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11634547 · 2025-01-07 (January 7, 2025)
My car has less than 65,000 and is just 10 years old but the transmission cross member is shot .I have had cars with nearly 300,000 and this never happened the part is on backorder.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11634547 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
6 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 11343853WBAUGHT CAR WHEN IT WAS (2) AND HAD ABOUT 22K MILES IMMEDIATELY WINDSHILED FILLED WITH TINY CHIPS PAINT STARTED CHIPPING AT (6) HUGE SECTIONS OF PAINT GONE. AND CLUTCH FADES AT LIGHT ONLY 41K MILES.MAZDA IMPOSSABLE TO DEAL WITH. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1132.4%ODI 10884455 · 10,000 miWHILE ACCELERATING MY TRANSMISSION GEARS HAVE DISINTEGRATED TWICE LEAVING CAR WITH NO WAY TO USE POWER. ONCE WAS A SIDE STREET, OTHER TIME I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN IN AN INTERSECTION. | 19.1%ODI 11725675I am filing this complaint regarding a manual transmission failure on my 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata (VIN: [XXX] ) at 55,000 miles. The failure occurred without warning while driving, causing immediate and significant transmission malfunction. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin 05 [XXX] c addressing this exact defect , defective synchros in 2nd and 3rd gear causing grinding, inability to engage gears, and transmission failure. My VIN falls within the TSB coverage range. The cutoff is sequential number XXX and my sequential number is XXX, placing… | 133.3%ODI 115952292018 Mazda Miata MX-5 Club Sport, manual transmission Heading home from a friends house that evening, transmission started whirring/whining in 6th gear, then 5th, and so on through 2nd - 1st gear seems to be unaffected. I was forced to apply hazard flashers and travel well below the speed limit in the right lane of the PA turnpike until I made my way to local roads. As I got closer to home, there was also a slight crunch between gears. All of the symptoms above got worse until arriving home, where the vehicle was parked to await diagnosis/repa… | 112.5%ODI 11378247 · 252,200 miAS I WAS EXITING A BP GAS STATION (62 GRIFFIN CORPORATION DR, CHELSEA, AL 35043) AND MAKING A RIGHT ONTO COUNTY ROAD 11, THE REAR TIRES OF THE CAR STARTED TO SPIN (1/4 THROTTLE). I NOTICED THAT ABS OR THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE CAR WAS NOT IN "SPORT" MODE. IT WAS IN THE "D" DRIVING MODE. THE REAR TIRES CONTINUED SPINNING AND I FELT THE CAR'S BACK END FISHTAILING. AT THIS POINT, I STARTED TO GET ON THE BRAKES HARD AND TRY TO DO MINOR CORRECTIONS, WHEN I FELT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT PULSATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT S… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 360.0%ODI 11595125Manual transmission synchronizers fail, causing erratic gear shift operation and the inability to change gears, which could result in an accident. The ND Mazda Miata Owners Group on Facebook has polled its owners and found a 10% failure rate of manual transmissions among owners in the group who required replacement of the transmission. On [XXX], at approximately 20,000 miles on the odometer, my 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata experienced a grind from the transmission while downshifting to third gear at city speeds. I alerted Mazda North American Operat… | 457.1%ODI 11599585Mazda Miata model years 2022-2024 with manual 6sp transmission are experiencing a large number of failures at low mileage. Some owners are reporting 2 failed transmissions at less than 10,000 miles. 3rd and 4th great become unusable without warning, increasing the potential for a crash. There have been over 50 reports of manual transmission failure from 2022-2024 Miata owners. Concern: When the transmission internals fail without warring the vehicle experiences loss of power and forward movement, substantially increasing the chance of an ac… | 240.0%ODI 11705699Driving 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 replaced. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11746164 · 100,000 miThe contact owns a 2026 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 80 MPH, the vehicle was erroneously swaying from left to right. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the road crown needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact was concerned about a failure within the differential. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified … |
| Air Bags | 120.0%ODI 10609242 · 450 miPASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON SAYING THE AIR BAG IS NOT ON. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. MY WIFE WEIGHS 101 LBS. I HAVE CONTACTED MIATA USA TODAY AND MY DEALER (3RD TIME). SO FAR NO SATISFACTION. I'M BRINGING THE CAR IN 08/01/2014 AGAIN. I SPOKE TO MAZDA USA TODAY (07/09/14). IN NOT SO MANY WORDS I WAS TOLD THAT MY WIFE WASN'T POSITIONED PROPERLY IN THE SEAT OR THAT SHE DOESN'T WEIGH ENOUGH. THAT IS AN ABSURD ANSWER. I THEN ASKED WHAT IF A CHILD WAS IN THE SEAT. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT CONJECTURE ON THAT POSSIBILITY. THEY SAID… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 514.7%ODI 10927258 · 1,900 miI HAD A CAR ACCIDENT ON 13 NOV 2016 WHEREBY THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES DOWN A STEEP INCLINE. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. MY SPINAL CORD WAS FRACTURED AND MY SKULL CRACKED. | 19.1%ODI 11625369Airbag recall mail received from Mazda, when trying to book online mazdausa.com service depart denies vehicle has a recall and refused to schedule appointment | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 11378247 · 252,200 miAS I WAS EXITING A BP GAS STATION (62 GRIFFIN CORPORATION DR, CHELSEA, AL 35043) AND MAKING A RIGHT ONTO COUNTY ROAD 11, THE REAR TIRES OF THE CAR STARTED TO SPIN (1/4 THROTTLE). I NOTICED THAT ABS OR THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE CAR WAS NOT IN "SPORT" MODE. IT WAS IN THE "D" DRIVING MODE. THE REAR TIRES CONTINUED SPINNING AND I FELT THE CAR'S BACK END FISHTAILING. AT THIS POINT, I STARTED TO GET ON THE BRAKES HARD AND TRY TO DO MINOR CORRECTIONS, WHEN I FELT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT PULSATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT S… | 266.7%ODI 11737415Mazda and NHTSA have sent out multiple notices calling owner to go to dealers to have the recall remediated. If one schedules to go to a dealership they are informed that Mazda does not yet have a tool available to remedy the issue. I've been on a waiting list for over 4 months and no tool is available yet. Since this appears to be a software issue it's very concerning that it's taking this long to create a "tool" to resolve an airbag issue. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11665240On [XXX] my [XXX] son was driving the vehicle and at low speed (30 mph or under) lost control of the vehicle in a turn. The vehicle hit a telephone pole that was rotted from termite infestation which shattered into three pieces (one piece landing on the cars windshield frame and driver roll bar hoop) . He impacted the airbags and had an unstable anterior fracture of the c5 vertebrae and a stable posterior fracture of the C5 vertebrae. He was graded an Asia B spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the neck down. He spent 42 days in trauma … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 411.8%ODI 11099285 · 25,850 miCAR WAS IN MOTION, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE RED KEY LIGHT ON THE ENGINE START BUTTON STARTED FLASHING. WHEN WE GOT HOME THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF. ALSO COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR. FINALLY GOT THE CAR TO TURN OFF AND WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR DEALERSHIP FOUND SEVERAL CODES STORED, BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH RED WARNING LIGHTS START FLASHING WHEN DRIVING, CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND WE COULD NOT SHIFT THE CAR. | 19.1%ODI 11717758Happened at US 101 Southbound 0.1 MILES SOUTH of RENGSTORFF AVENUE. “Power Steering Malfunction” light came on, then suddenly after 1 second, the car’s steering went stiff and suddenly braked while at freeway speed flow of traffic. Car then sharply veered left into center divider due to automatic sudden braking with no control of the steering wheel | 133.3%ODI 11384229I'VE OWNED MY 2018 MAZDA MX-5 FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. THE PROBLEMS SLOW STARTED ARISING. AT FIRST I HADN'T NOTICED, BUT WHEN GOING IN AND OUT OF 'DRIVE' THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS EITHER GOING TO STALL OR ACCELERATE. I HAD INITIALLY THOUGHT WAS BECAUSE IT'S A 'SPORTS CAR.' IN AUGUST OF 2020 THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. FAST FORWARD TO DECEMBER 2020, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS MALFUNCTION AS WELL. I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AS TO WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE THAT'S ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD. I'VE PURCHASED T… | 337.5%ODI 11378241 · 25,220 miAS I WAS EXITING A BP GAS STATION (62 GRIFFIN CORPORATION DR, CHELSEA, AL 35043) AND MAKING A RIGHT ONTO COUNTY ROAD 11, THE REAR TIRES OF THE CAR STARTED TO SPIN (1/4 THROTTLE). I NOTICED THAT ABS OR THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE REAR TIRES CONTINUED SPINNING AND I FELT THE CAR'S BACK END FISHTAILING. AT THIS POINT, I STARTED TO GET ON THE BRAKES HARD AND TRY TO DO MINOR CORRECTIONS, WHEN I FELT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT PULSATING, AND THE CAR WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN AT ALL. AT THIS POINT, I WAS FACING ONCOMING TRAFFIC … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 11629330 · 14,000 miThe contact owns a 2022 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in operation, the rooftop failed to remain sealed opened or closed as intended, causing the alarm system to be disarmed. The contact stated that the vehicle would not move forward or backward while shifted into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the rearview would independently turn on and off. The contact stated that unless the mirror was turned off, the steering wheel would become loosened or become difficult to steer. The contact stated … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 240.0%ODI 11693271I 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 control after pumping the brake pedal several times and tried to bring the vehicle back to the set speed. I avoided major collision and possible saved my wife's life and mine by going into the grassy center median at 70mph. I had to pull the emergency … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 11343853WBAUGHT CAR WHEN IT WAS (2) AND HAD ABOUT 22K MILES IMMEDIATELY WINDSHILED FILLED WITH TINY CHIPS PAINT STARTED CHIPPING AT (6) HUGE SECTIONS OF PAINT GONE. AND CLUTCH FADES AT LIGHT ONLY 41K MILES.MAZDA IMPOSSABLE TO DEAL WITH. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 720.6%ODI 10919013 · 200 miWE BROUGHT THE MX-5 INTO THE DEALER FOR THE 5K OIL CHANGE AND CHECKUP WITH A COMPLAINT THAT THE INNER LINER COMES UNSNAPPED AND PARTIALLY BLOCKS VISIBILITY OF THE REAR WINDOW WHEN YOU PUT THE TOP DOWN AND LATER PUT IT UP. MAZDA SERVICE DID NOT MAKE NOTE OF THIS IN THE SERVICE AND DIDN'T FIX IT. I ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISOR ABOUT IT WHO THEN BROUGHT THE CAR BACK IN AND A TECH "FIXED" IT IN A FEW MINUTES. WHEN I GOT HOME'.SAME THING. ONCE YOU PUT THE TOP DOWN AND THEN LATER PUT IT UP THE INNER LINER UNSNAPS AND HANGS DOWN PARTIALLY BLOCKING YOUR R… | 19.1%ODI 11155804 · 8,000 miWHEN USING ANDROID AUTO WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION THE TOUCHSCREEN IS DISABLED WHICH MEANS I NEED MY EYES ON THE SCREEN TO WATCH THE SELECTION MOVE BY TURNING THE SELECTION WHEEL RATHER THAN JUST TOUCHING THE SCREEN. I THINK THIS IS MUCH MORE OF A DISTRACTION. OTHER CAR MODELS ALLOW TOUCHSCREEN USE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11622604Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disruptions. I urge NHTSA to assist in expediting a resolution with Mazda to minimize further impact on my work. Thank you for your attention to this matter. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11741731Taking my car in for now the 3rd time for the headlight error "Headlight System Malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected. The first 2 times it occurred around 3000 miles where they first tried a software and reset then it did it again so took it back and they swapped the left headlight which had failed. Then it was good for a few months until the issue came back recently around 7500 or so miles. Now it's doing it pretty consistently again and I suspect the right headlight has failed. Taking it in today to get checked out again. I'm surprised it'… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Structure:Body | 120.0%ODI 10950276TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MZ5 (NA). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V644000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 233.3%ODI 10925177 · 22,250 miI AM NOT SURE WHEN THIS OCCURRED I NOTICED ABOUT (5) DAYS AFTER BRINGING MY CAR HOME TINY CHIPS IN THE PAINT. I DRIVE SAFELY HAVE TAKEN THE SAFE DRIVER COURSE AND IT HAS BEEN BEAUTIFUL WEATHER HERE I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TOUCH UP THE PAINT WITH THE SAME MAZDA PAINT TOUCH UP PEN THAT THE DEALERSHIP DETAILER TRIED TO TOUCH UP THE PAINT WITH LITTLE SUCCESS . IF A PERSON CAN'T DRIVE ON A SUNNY DAY WITH OUT GETTING CHIPPED PAINT AT REASONABLE SPEED AND DISTANCE ( MY LAST CAR DIDN'T DEVELOP PAINT PROBLEMS UNTIL WELL OVER 200,000 MILES.) THEN WH… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 411.8%ODI 10978670THE PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY MIATA IS FULL OF CHIPS AND I HAVE ONLY 941 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE OWNED 6 CARS PRIOR TO THIS ONE, I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE AND THIS MIATA IS MY SECOND CAR USED MOSTLY ON WEEKENDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11281684 · 9,700 miSTARTED FROM CREAK NOISE AS CAR START TO MOVE, ACCELERATE OR STOP. NOW IT DEVELOPED TO SOME TICKING NOISE EVERY TIME CAR ACCELERATE OR DECELERATE. THE CAR IS ONLY AT ABOUT 9700 MI WENT TO SPREEN MAZDA LOMA LINDA CA TO INSPECT THE CAR. THEY SAID IT IS NORMAL AND COME BACK WHEN IT GETS WORSE | 225.0%ODI 11340423 · 23,000 miSOUL RED CRYSTAL PAINT EXCESSIVE PAINT CHIPPING. FRONT OF CAR AND HOOD HAS MORE THAT 50 WHITE SPOTS FROM CHIPPING PAINT. 23,000 MILES AND THE CAR LOOKS TERRIBLE FROM THE FRONT. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 25.9%ODI 11516406Steering: At 55+ MPH I feel a slight bind when I make a steering change. It then releases only after I've put in too much steering correction. This occurs when in a steady direction, or whether I'm in a steady, high speed turn. It feels like a snapping rubber band. You can read about other Miata drivers who have the same issue at: miata.net in the forum. The link: https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=714849&highlight=steering+stick | 218.2%ODI 10984603 · 915 miWHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, SUDDENLY LOST ALL STEERING WITH CAR GOING STRAIGHT ACROSS LANE. "POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION" WARNING LIGHT APPEARED, THEN STEERING RETURNED. "DSC MALFUNCTION" WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ON AND "TPMS MALFUNCTION" WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ON. IF THERE WAS A CAR IN OPPOSITE LANE, WOULD HAVE RAN INTO. ONCE CAR WAS RESTARTED, ALL WARNINGS DISAPPEARED. BRINGING INTO DEALER 5/11. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 225.0%ODI 11539731While driving 65 mph,I lost power steering control then the electronics system shut down momentarily then it restarted itself and made to destination.Next morning, I tried to drive the car but the steering wasn't working. Later on that day ,I checked it again then it worked. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11728605Steering feels sticky at higher speeds, once the vehicle is at full operating temp. The steering requires some pressure to “break free” from whatever position it is in. If I’m continually moving the wheel, it steers normally. However, if I’m driving straight and need to initiate a turn or make minor steering corrections (like on the highway), I have to turn the wheel harder than normal, then it gives way and turns with regular force. This makes it difficult to control, causing the car the jerk around a lot. This is an issue many others have not… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Seat Belts | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 11460418Seat belts fail to retract or tighten properly. I have to hand feed the belt slowly back into the housing when I put the seat belt on to get it to properly tighten. It also fails to retract when I remove the belt, once I got caught in the loop almost falling onto pavement when I was exiting the vehicle. My dogs have on occasion gotten snarled in the belt while entering or exiting the car. A dealership confirmed the belts were failing to retract, but blamed it on repairs done by a non dealership garage. No warning lamps etc etc | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 11622604Dear, I’m writing to address the delayed response to the recall for my Mazda MX-5, which began on September 18. It has been nearly two months without any remedy or guidance from the manufacturer. As I rely on this vehicle daily for business purposes, this prolonged delay has caused significant disruptions. I urge NHTSA to assist in expediting a resolution with Mazda to minimize further impact on my work. Thank you for your attention to this matter. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11649884my driver-side seatbelt buckle has been jamming since about one month after purchase. When I brought the issue to the dealership, they were able to temporarily fix it using an air compressor, citing that the buckle was full of "small debris". Upon further inquiry, I was told the debris consisted of "air particles and dust" and was advised not to leave the door open or drive with the top down. Given that this is a convertible, such a recommendation is unreasonable. It is unacceptable for a seatbelt buckle, one of the most critical safety compone… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10726116 · 36,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MAZDA MIATA. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO DECELERATE AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.9%ODI 11210051I OWN THE 2016 MX-5 ND GT WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND IT HAS ABOUT 35,000 ISH MILES ON IT, BUT IT'S STARTING TO HAVE TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SHIFT PROBLEMS. 1) THE CAR HAS ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION DELAY FROM GEAR 1 & 2, THE TORQUE, HP, NONE OF IT FEEL THE SAME AS WHEN I BOUGHT IT. 2) THE CAR WILL START HAVING RATTLING NOISE ISSUES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, I SUSPECT FROM THE HEAT SHIELD WHICH IS MADE FROM THIN ALUMINUM MATERIAL. ALSO RATTLING FROM INSIDE, ALL THE PLASTIC PARTS FROM WITHIN THE CABIN, SEAT, DASHBOARD, ETC 3) THE GEAR BOX IS … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11384229I'VE OWNED MY 2018 MAZDA MX-5 FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. THE PROBLEMS SLOW STARTED ARISING. AT FIRST I HADN'T NOTICED, BUT WHEN GOING IN AND OUT OF 'DRIVE' THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS EITHER GOING TO STALL OR ACCELERATE. I HAD INITIALLY THOUGHT WAS BECAUSE IT'S A 'SPORTS CAR.' IN AUGUST OF 2020 THE WINDOW REGULATOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD MALFUNCTIONED. FAST FORWARD TO DECEMBER 2020, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS MALFUNCTION AS WELL. I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AS TO WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE THAT'S ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD. I'VE PURCHASED T… | 112.5%ODI 11481421I've had the car about 4,500 miles. No problems. Current mileage is 8899. Drove about 30 miles. 88 degrees. Humid. Dry. Slowed and turned right into my driveway. Stopped to run and open the garage. Standard tranny. The moment I slipped it out of gear, the engine began to howl, revving to between 5,500 and 6,000 r.p.m.s. Turned it off. Turned it back on after 15 seconds. Immediately went to 6,000 r.p.m.s. Turned it off. Started it again after 30 seconds. Was okay and is now in my garage. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 11693271I 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 control after pumping the brake pedal several times and tried to bring the vehicle back to the set speed. I avoided major collision and possible saved my wife's life and mine by going into the grassy center median at 70mph. I had to pull the emergency … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure:Body | Too few reports for a range | 22,250 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10925177 · 22,250 miI AM NOT SURE WHEN THIS OCCURRED I NOTICED ABOUT (5) DAYS AFTER BRINGING MY CAR HOME TINY CHIPS IN THE PAINT. I DRIVE SAFELY HAVE TAKEN THE SAFE DRIVER COURSE AND IT HAS BEEN BEAUTIFUL WEATHER HERE I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TOUCH UP THE PAINT WITH THE SAME MAZDA PAINT TOUCH UP PEN THAT THE DEALERSHIP DETAILER TRIED TO TOUCH UP THE PAINT WITH LITTLE SUCCESS . IF A PERSON CAN'T DRIVE ON A SUNNY DAY WITH OUT GETTING CHIPPED PAINT AT REASONABLE SPEED AND DISTANCE ( MY LAST CAR DIDN'T DEVELOP PAINT PROBLEMS UNTIL WELL OVER 200,000 MILES.) THEN WH… |
| Service Brakes | Too few reports for a range | 800 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10578218 · 800 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 MAZDA MIATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND THEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THE NOISE FROM THE ABS BUT ADVISED THAT THE COMPONENT WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800. UPDATED 5/22/14*CN |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Too few reports for a range | 430 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10576993 · 430 miWHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH, APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND GOT OFF THE ROAD, IT WAS STOPPED BY SHIFTING TO PARK. THE BRAKE WORKED AGAIN AFTER STOPPING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN A WEEK AFTER WE RECEIVED THE NEW CAR. WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR COULD NOT BE STOPPED - UNTIL IT WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE. AT THAT TIME, WE DID NOT KNOW FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO CHECK FOR AN INTERNAL BRAK… |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid | Too few reports for a range | 430 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10576993 · 430 miWHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH, APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND GOT OFF THE ROAD, IT WAS STOPPED BY SHIFTING TO PARK. THE BRAKE WORKED AGAIN AFTER STOPPING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN A WEEK AFTER WE RECEIVED THE NEW CAR. WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR COULD NOT BE STOPPED - UNTIL IT WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE. AT THAT TIME, WE DID NOT KNOW FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO CHECK FOR AN INTERNAL BRAK… |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 1 | None | ODI 11634547My car has less than 65,000 and is just 10 years old but the transmission cross member is shot .I have had cars with nearly 300,000 and this never happened the part is on backorder. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2022: 5 complaints · 2023: 6 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Structure:Body | Power Train | Service Brakes | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid | Suspension | Unknown Or Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure:Body | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 11343853WBAUGHT CAR WHEN IT WAS (2) AND HAD ABOUT 22K MILES IMMEDIATELY WINDSHILED FILLED WITH TINY CHIPS PAINT STARTED CHIPPING AT (6) HUGE SECTIONS OF PAINT GONE. AND CLUTCH FADES AT LIGHT ONLY 41K MILES.MAZDA IMPOSSABLE TO DEAL WITH. |
| Service Brakes | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1ODI 10576993 · 430 miWHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH, APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND GOT OFF THE ROAD, IT WAS STOPPED BY SHIFTING TO PARK. THE BRAKE WORKED AGAIN AFTER STOPPING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN A WEEK AFTER WE RECEIVED THE NEW CAR. WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR COULD NOT BE STOPPED - UNTIL IT WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE. AT THAT TIME, WE DID NOT KNOW FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO CHECK FOR AN INTERNAL BRAK… | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Fluid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10576993 · 430 miWHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MPH, APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE CAR BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND GOT OFF THE ROAD, IT WAS STOPPED BY SHIFTING TO PARK. THE BRAKE WORKED AGAIN AFTER STOPPING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE STOPPED WORKING. THE FIRST TIME WAS WITHIN A WEEK AFTER WE RECEIVED THE NEW CAR. WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR COULD NOT BE STOPPED - UNTIL IT WAS SHIFTED TO DRIVE. AT THAT TIME, WE DID NOT KNOW FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO CHECK FOR AN INTERNAL BRAK… | — | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 0 | 1ODI 11343853WBAUGHT CAR WHEN IT WAS (2) AND HAD ABOUT 22K MILES IMMEDIATELY WINDSHILED FILLED WITH TINY CHIPS PAINT STARTED CHIPPING AT (6) HUGE SECTIONS OF PAINT GONE. AND CLUTCH FADES AT LIGHT ONLY 41K MILES.MAZDA IMPOSSABLE TO DEAL WITH. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.