Research · Two Seaters

2022 Mazda MX-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints for the 2022 Mazda MX-5. Most complaints involve power train (3) and forward collision avoidance (1). The EPA rates it 29–30 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
29–30mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2024
Owner complaints
5
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: air bag

Free remedy

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Air bagsReported Sep 18, 2024NHTSA 24V695000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2022 – Dec 2025
  1. Power train3
  2. Forward collision avoidance1
  3. Electrical system1
  4. Seats1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each MX-5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200625
200717
20087
20093
20104
20111
20125
20132
20146
20151
201634
201711
20183
201911
20203
20211
20225
20237
20245
20253
20261
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

3 reports
“The contact owns a 2022 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in operation, the rooftop failed to remain sealed opened or closed as intended, causing the alarm system to be disarmed. The contact stated that the vehicle would not move forward or backward while shifted into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the rearview would independently turn on and off. The contact stated that unless the mirror was turned off, the steering wheel would become loosened or become difficult to steer. The contact stated that the odometer was inoperable. The contact stated that while holding the RF switch down for a long while, an error code would appear on the instrument penal. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 6, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11629330

Forward collision avoidance

1 report
“On two occasions the vehicle (which is silver--more about that below) has suddenly and without warning activated its emergency braking. The most recent occasion was summer of 2023. On a clear, dry afternoon the system activated while I was at speed on the Suncoast parkway approaching an automatic toll arch. Fortunately there were no other vehicles nearby. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off and on again to attempt to clear whatever glitch had happened. The incident was so dramatic I've actually forgotten what the prior incident was. I remember one reason that was mentioned in the manual was a dirty windshield, and that was not the case at that time. I have *never* experienced a justified engagement of the system despite driving in heavy traffic for more than half an hour twice each weekday. I was put in mind of the incident by a recent recall of Genesis G90 sedans painted silver, like my car. Apparently the paint reflected radar and set off the emergency braking system. I surmise there may have been some radar-emitting device in use temporarily on or around the toll arch.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 10, 2025Forward collision avoidanceODI 11704155

Electrical system

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MX-5
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
263530$2,500299
MX-5
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
263429$2,600305
  • MX-5
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    26 city · 35 hwy · $2,500/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • MX-5
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    26 city · 34 hwy · $2,600/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2022 Mazda MX-5 as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 16096
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2022 MX-5 questions

How many recalls does the 2022 Mazda MX-5 have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2022 Mazda MX-5 problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (3), forward collision avoidance (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2022 Mazda MX-5 get?

The EPA rates the 2022 Mazda MX-5 at 29–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026