Research · Two Seaters
2026 Mazda MX-5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2026 Mazda MX-5. Most complaints involve power train (1). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 Mazda MX-5 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2026 – Jun 2026
- Power train1
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 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
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
1 report
“The contact owns a 2026 Mazda MX-5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 80 MPH, the vehicle was erroneously swaying from left to right. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the road crown needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact was concerned about a failure within the differential. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
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 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,650 | 301 |
| MX-5 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,650 | 305 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Mazda MX-5 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 21113
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2026 MX-5 questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Mazda MX-5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Mazda MX-5 problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Mazda MX-5 get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Mazda MX-5 at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026