Is the 2010 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: SPEED CONTROL problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Mazda MX-5?

Top problems: SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (1 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Mazda MX-5?

No recalls have been issued for the 2010 Mazda MX-5.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Mazda MX-5?

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Mazda MX-5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Mazda MX-5 is approximately $2,021/year (coupe-sports class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Mazda MX-5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is speed control problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: i bought a new miata mx5 (2010) and i noticed after a while that due to the limited space - i am 6 foot tall - i have cramps in my right foot. i am worried about an accident. i went to a mazda dealer and they confirmed that the right foot is in an awkward position that takes the weight of the entire.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

SPEED CONTROL

1 complaints

20%

• I BOUGHT A NEW MIATA MX5 (2010) AND I NOTICED AFTER A WHILE THAT DUE TO THE LIMITED SPACE - I AM 6 FOOT TALL - I HAVE CRAMPS IN MY RIGHT FOOT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT AN ACCIDENT. I WENT TO A MAZDA DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT FOOT IS IN AN AWKWARD POSITION THAT TAKES THE WEIGHT OF THE ENTIRE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I BOUGHT A NEW MIATA MX5 (2010) AND I NOTICED AFTER A WHILE THAT DUE TO THE LIMITED SPACE - I AM 6 FOOT TALL - I HAVE CRAMPS IN MY RIGHT FOOT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT AN ACCIDENT. I WENT TO A MAZDA DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT FOOT IS IN AN AWKWARD POSITION THAT TAKES THE WEIGHT OF THE ENTIRE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Mazda MX-5

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Mazda MX-5

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,021

Full coverage / month

$168

Liability only / year

$754

vs US avg

+21%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (coupe-sports)1.42x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$2021

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda MX-5 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

120K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2010 MX-5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SPEED CONTROL: I BOUGHT A NEW MIATA MX5 (2010) AND I NOTICED AFTER A WHILE THAT DUE TO THE LIMITED SPACE - I AM 6 FOOT TALL - I HAVE CRAMPS IN MY RIGHT FOOT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT AN ACCIDENT. I WENT TO A MAZDA DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE RIGHT FOOT IS IN AN AWKWARD POSITION THAT TAKES THE WEIGHT OF THE ENTIRE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THAT THE SUN VISOR WOULD NOT COME COMPLETELY DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG CRASH CENSOR NEEDED TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MX5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THAT THE SUN VISOR WOULD NOT COME COMPLETELY DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG CRASH CENSOR NEEDED TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: WENT FOR OIL CHANGE AND THEY NOTICE REAR TIRES HAS EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR TIRES. REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES , ONLY 16,000 MILES. MECHANIC NOTICED REAR STRUTS ARE LEAKING AND FEELS THIS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON TIRE. DEALER STATES OUT OF WARRANTY 36 MONTHS OR 36,000 MILES. ONLY 16,000 MILES AND THEY ARE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)