2016 Mazda MX-5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 has 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 5.3x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is transmission problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: while 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.. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.
42
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
5.3x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
TRANSMISSION
11 complaints- • WHILE 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.
- • WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING AND I LOST ACCELERATION IN A BUSY ROAD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN A BUSY INTERSECTION.
- • THE CAR WAS STATIONARY, IN NEUTRAL WITH THE PARKING BRAKE IN PLACE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND THEN THE NEXT DAY, THE TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING AN UNUSUAL WHINING NOISE IN THIRD GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY AND IN THE HIGHWAY (DURING TRAFFIC) AT AROUND 30-35 MPH. THIS LED ME TO SUSPECT THAT THE TRA
“WHILE 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.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Mazda MX-5
Based on 26 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 22K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
OTHER
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
Risk: If the vehicle abruptly downshifts, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Mazda MX-5
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Mazda MX-5
How this estimate is calculated
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
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
These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2016 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 42 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: WHILE 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: WE 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 AS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: I 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BODY/STRUCTURE: THE 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 FREEDO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda MX-5 — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 42
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 8
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Mazda MX-5