CarRecallDB

2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 34 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mazda MX-5.

3
recalls
34
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Mazda MX-5 recalls

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module, software

NHTSA campaign 24V695000 · reported September 18, 2024 · Mazda North American Operations · 77,670 vehicles potentially affected

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

Structure: frame and members, underbody shields

NHTSA campaign 19V496000 · reported June 27, 2019 · Mazda North American Operations · 2,476 vehicles potentially affected

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

Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 19V072000 · reported February 1, 2019 · Mazda North American Operations · 14,370 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 30, 2026 · Steering

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…

Apr 9, 2025 · Air bags · 60,000 miles · crash reported

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…

Nov 12, 2024 · Air bags

Contacted Rohrich Mazda 2690 W Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh Pa [phone removed] regarding the airbag recall today. They have no knowledge of this recall and therefore I am unable to have it corrected. Is my car safe to drive? When will I be able to get it fixed? Thanks, Bill

Sep 24, 2024 · Air bags

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…

Jun 19, 2024 · 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 transmissions. I dropped and…

MX-5 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 0200
2014 0600
2015 0100
2016 33430
2017 21110
2018 3300
2019 31120

Across all years, the 2016 MX-5 has the most complaints (34). All Mazda MX-5 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Mazda MX-5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Mazda MX-5, the most recent reported on September 18, 2024 (Air bags: air bag/restraint control module, software). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mazda MX-5?
Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (11 complaints), followed by unknown or other (7).
How many 2016 Mazda MX-5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 34 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 30, 2026.