Is the 2014 Mazda MX-5 reliable?

The 2014 Mazda MX-5 has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2014 Mazda MX-5?

Top problems: BRAKES (3 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2014 Mazda MX-5?

No recalls have been issued for the 2014 Mazda MX-5.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2014 Mazda MX-5?

The 2014 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 2014 Mazda MX-5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2014 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.

2014 Mazda MX-5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2014 Mazda MX-5 has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is brakes problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: 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 w.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

BRAKES

3 complaints

38%

• 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 W
• 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 W
• 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 ADVISE

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

“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 W”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 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 2014 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 2014 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: 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 W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: 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 DEALERSHI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)