2009 Mazda MX-5/Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2009 Mazda MX-5/. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Air bags2
- Electrical system1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each MX-5/ model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 25 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 34 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Air bags
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 MAZDA MX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH A DEER HIT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE BEFORE CRASHING TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE INCIDENT AND THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BELTS WERE ENGAGED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED SORENESS AND SCRATCHES HOWEVER NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.”
Electrical system
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MX-5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.”
Latches/locks/linkages
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $3,200 | 370 |
| MX-5 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,200 | 370 |
| MX-5 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2009 MX-5/ questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Mazda MX-5/ have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Mazda MX-5/ problems?
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), electrical system (1), latches/locks/linkages (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Mazda MX-5/ get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Mazda MX-5/ at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).