Is the 2012 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: VISIBILITY problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Mazda MX-5?

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

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Mazda MX-5?

No recalls have been issued for the 2012 Mazda MX-5.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Mazda MX-5?

The 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Mazda MX-5 is approximately $2,187/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.

2012 Mazda MX-5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Mazda MX-5 has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is visibility problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: 2012 mazda miata sun visors do not rotate left to right, making morning southbound drive and evening northbound drive dangerous, as left hand is occupied blocking sun, and right hand required to operate both manual transmission and steering. result is, there is an accident waiting to happen. *tr.

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

VISIBILITY

1 complaints

17%

• 2012 MAZDA MIATA SUN VISORS DO NOT ROTATE LEFT TO RIGHT, MAKING MORNING SOUTHBOUND DRIVE AND EVENING NORTHBOUND DRIVE DANGEROUS, AS LEFT HAND IS OCCUPIED BLOCKING SUN, AND RIGHT HAND REQUIRED TO OPERATE BOTH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND STEERING. RESULT IS, THERE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

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

“2012 MAZDA MIATA SUN VISORS DO NOT ROTATE LEFT TO RIGHT, MAKING MORNING SOUTHBOUND DRIVE AND EVENING NORTHBOUND DRIVE DANGEROUS, AS LEFT HAND IS OCCUPIED BLOCKING SUN, AND RIGHT HAND REQUIRED TO OPERATE BOTH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND STEERING. RESULT IS, THERE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 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)

$1,778/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 2012 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

$2,187

Full coverage / month

$182

Liability only / year

$754

vs US avg

+31%

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 age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2187

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 2012 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

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
VISIBILITY: 2012 MAZDA MIATA SUN VISORS DO NOT ROTATE LEFT TO RIGHT, MAKING MORNING SOUTHBOUND DRIVE AND EVENING NORTHBOUND DRIVE DANGEROUS, AS LEFT HAND IS OCCUPIED BLOCKING SUN, AND RIGHT HAND REQUIRED TO OPERATE BOTH MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND STEERING. RESULT IS, THERE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: I PURCHASED THE NEW MIATA ON 4/23. WHEN GOING OVER THE FUNCTIONS WITH THE SALESMAN, HE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UP VERY HARD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO RELEASED IT WITH BOTH HANDS. HE APOLOGIZED FOR PULLING IT UP TOO FAR & SAID THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY. I USED THE BRAKE A NUMBER OF TIMES AS I DROVE THE CAR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: PASSENGER 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA MX-5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)