Research · Two Seaters

2025 Mazda MX-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2025 Mazda MX-5. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (1) and seat belts (1). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest May 2025
Owner complaints
3
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Traction control system

Free remedy

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda MX-5 vehicles. The Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicator light may fail to illuminate as intended due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Traction control systemReported May 22, 2025NHTSA 25V336000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2025 – Jul 2026
  1. Exterior lighting1
  2. Seat belts1
  3. Other / unknown1

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 Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Exterior lighting

1 report
“After driving on slight up or down hill with headlights on, I'm getting Headlight malfunction warning on my almost brand new (700 miles) Miata.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11751572

Seat belts

1 report
“my driver-side seatbelt buckle has been jamming since about one month after purchase. When I brought the issue to the dealership, they were able to temporarily fix it using an air compressor, citing that the buckle was full of "small debris". Upon further inquiry, I was told the debris consisted of "air particles and dust" and was advised not to leave the door open or drive with the top down. Given that this is a convertible, such a recommendation is unreasonable. It is unacceptable for a seatbelt buckle, one of the most critical safety components of a vehicle, to malfunction under normal usage conditions, especially in a brand-new car. This is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction prevents me at times from fully engaging my seat belt.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 22, 2025Seat beltsODI 11649884
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 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 Oct 28, 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
263529$2,750301
MX-5
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
263429$2,750305
  • MX-5
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    26 city · 35 hwy · $2,750/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • MX-5
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    26 city · 34 hwy · $2,750/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 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 2025 Mazda MX-5 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 20109
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

2025 MX-5 questions

How many recalls does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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 2025 Mazda MX-5 problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (1), seat belts (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2025 Mazda MX-5 get?

The EPA rates the 2025 Mazda MX-5 at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026